How to Install Rancho Shocks

Winding roadways are the prime reason for suspension parts to become worn and tired. When a vehicle's supporting shocks are not working properly, the ride can become unbearable and driving more dangerous. Replacing shocks that do not support weight as they should will bring back the ride that a car or truck had when it was new. Install Rancho Shocks on an SUV or light truck, and the roads will not seem as bumpy or hard to manage as they did before.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wrench Sockets Floor jack Jack stands

1. Support the rear of the truck above the floor using jack stands. Do not use a floor jack to support the weight of the vehicle during installation. The jack stands should be placed in front of the back tires by at least 1 foot. The wheels of the truck need only to be a couple of inches off the floor for you to do this job correctly.

2. Support the axle of the truck using the floor jack and raise it high enough to relieve the pressure on the shocks. Loosen the top and bottom shock bolts before removing them, one at a time. Pull the shock out from its brackets and replace it with a new one. Clean the existing shock brackets so they are free of rust or dirt that can adhere to these suspension parts. For the best results, spray the brackets with a cleaning solution or oil prior to inserting the new shocks.

3. Adjust the height of the axle using the floor jack. The shock brackets should be spaced far enough apart for you to slide a bolt back through the shock eyelet and the truck's shock bracket. Tighten the shock's fasteners (but do not over-tighten them) and create a binding of the shock and brackets. The bolts should be tightened to about 65 lbs. of pressure. It's always a good idea to go back and check the tightness of shock bolts after a few days of regular driving.

4. Repeat the process for the other shock. Use the floor jack to raise and lower the axle so the replacement Rancho shock can be inserted into the brackets without putting pressure on the shock or the brackets. Using the jack to increase or decrease the space between the brackets allows you to create the perfect fit for the new shock. Tighten the shock bolts until they are secure, then remove the floor jack from under the axle

5. Raise the truck off the jack stands to remove them and lower the truck. Take the truck for a test drive with the new shocks. With Rancho Shocks in place of your old stock shocks, you will feel a noticeable difference in the way the truck handles.

Tips & Warnings

• Use penetrating oils to release frozen bolts from their locked position. Allow 24 to 36 hours for the oils to work into the threads.
• Never work under a vehicle that is supported only by a floor jack. These types of jacks are unreliable when it comes to holding a vehicle's weight, and have caused serious injury and even death. Always use a jack stand when working under a car or truck.

Resources

• Rancho Shocks Home Page

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on 8/10/2009 Can the Rancho5000 rear shocks be installed with the boot down?