How to Install Gabriel Shocks
by Zyon SilketGabriel brand shocks are considered upgrades to OEM (original manufacturer equipment) on most vehicles that utilize shocks on the rear of the vehicle. In fact, when you take your vehicle to a repair facility to have your shocks replaced, they often attempt to upgrade you to an aftermarket shock like Gabriel. Gabriel shocks offer a smooth ride with better handling for an improved driving experience. You can pick up Gabriel shocks at most automotive part supply stores and install them yourself.
Step 1
Place a jack under the frame directly in front of the driver’s rear wheel. Jack up the vehicle until you can place a jack stand under the frame. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stand.
Step 2
Remove the lug nuts from the wheel using a tire iron and pull the wheel off the vehicle.
Step 3
Locate the bottom through bolt that secures the lower portion of the OEM shock to the suspension shock mount. Place a socket on the bolt head and a wrench on the nut and turn the bolt off the nut. Pull the through bolt out of the lower shock mount.
Step 4
Locate the top through bolt that secures the upper portion of the OEM shock to the shock tower on the frame. Place a socket on the bolt head and a wrench on the nut and turn the bolt off the nut. Pull the through bolt out of the shock tower.
Step 5
Pull the OEM shock out of the suspension and place the Gabriel shock into the suspension.
Step 6
Push the through bolt through the upper shock hoop and thread the nut onto the end of the bolt. Tighten the bolt using the socket and wrench.
Step 7
Push the through bolt through the lower shock mount and thread the nut onto the end of the bolt. Tighten the bolt using the socket and wrench.
Step 8
Place the wheel back onto the vehicle and secure it using the tire iron and the lug nuts.
Step 9
Jack up the vehicle, remove the jack stand and lower the vehicle to the ground. Double-check the lug nuts for tightness.
Step 10
Repeat the process on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
References
- "Ford Mustang, Mercury Capri Repair & Service Manual 1979-1988"; Chilton Manuals; 1989
- "Chevrolet, GMC Pickups, Suburban, Blazer, Jimmy, Tahoe, Yukon, Denali Repair Manual 1988-2000"; Ken Freund, John H. Haynes; 2001
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stand
- Socket set
- Wrench set
Writer Bio
Since 2006 Zyon Silket has been writing for companies such as SEOWhat, L&C Freelancing and T-Mobile Wireless. He has extensive experience working in supervisory roles within the wireless and Internet technologies fields. Silket is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in business management and network technologies at Lehigh Carbon Community College.
