How to Install Aftermarket Shocks on a Car

Aftermarket shocks can improve the ride, handling and performance of your car. Whether you choose a stiffer type of suspension for racing or softer suspension for a smoother ride, you can drastically change the handling characteristics of any type of vehicle with the right type of aftermarket shocks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Socket wrench kit
• Allen wrench kit
• Floor jack
• Jack stands

Install Aftermarket Shocks on the Front Wheels

1. Ensure that your car is on a level surface before you raise it. Raise the front of your car using the floor jack and jack stands, since you will want to install the aftermarket shocks two at a time. Remove the front wheels.
2. Use a socket wrench to remove the fork from both sides of the lower A-arm of your vehicle.
3. Remove the brake lines on both sides of the fork, again using the appropriate socket wrench.
4. Release the sway bar from the fork, using an Allen wrench to keep the bolt steady as you loosen the bar. By taking off both sides of the sway bar at once, you reduce its tension and make the procedure much easier.
5. Loosen the screw from the bottom of each of the old front shocks until the fork separates.
6. Unscrew the bolts from the top of the shocks. These will usually be mounted in the engine compartment above the wheel wells. Hold onto the bolts as you loosen them to prevent them from falling down into the engine compartment.
7. Adjust the settings on the aftermarket shocks according to the manufacturer's specifications and the type of ride you desire. Keep the settings identical on both sets of front shocks.
8. Install the aftermarket shocks on your car by working in reverse. Screw all the bolts back on, and reinstall the sway bar, brake lines and fork. Take care to set the tension of the sway bar to its original position by using an Allen wrench to make fine adjustments.

Install Aftermarket Shocks on the Back Wheels

9. Put the rear of your car up on the jack stands and remove the rear tires.
10. Remove the rear suspension arm by loosening the bolts with a socket wrench. The spring cup should be located just beneath the assembly.
11. Take off the sway bar that is attached to the rear suspension arm.
12. Push the spring cup down with your foot and lift the spring up and out of the car.
13. Remove the rubber bumpstops from the spring cup. They should lift right out without problems.
14. Use a socket wrench to remove the bracing that supports the tops of the shocks.
15. Detach the lower end of the rear shocks.
16. Disconnect the rear brake lines.
17. Remove the old shocks completely by lowering the jack about an inch. This should give you just enough room to slip the shocks out of the cups.
18. Work in reverse to install the aftermarket shocks on the back wheels. Ensure that the sway bar is properly reinstalled by using an Allen wrench to set the tension accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• Whenever you put your car up on jacks, always have another person available nearby in case of an accident.