Woes of changing front shocks

[telemike]

Decided to replace the front shocks on my H3. Getting the ones that were on there was a PITA. The usual pain of getting th etop nut off was expected. However, the shocks were impossible to get out. Would not drop or twist out. Had to use another jack to compress and then twist out. Laying the old side by side with new, the old ones were like 3" longer than the OE sized replacements. No wonder they would not drop out, the body was too darn long. That meant I was riding with piston near end of stroke and might have limited compression. New ones just popped right in but I boogered the threads on the top nut on one side and thought it is snug, I think it needs to be tighter as it's not compressing the top bushing much. I did add a 1/2" jam nut to the setm for more droop (hunner trick). I am not sure what brand the old ones were. They were white body with a blue/green rubber boot. I originally thought they were the original delco ones but now I think someone just popped whatever would mount on the lower a-arm in there. Next weekend is the rear shocks. Grrrrr

 

[alrock]

Sounds like you got a much needed upgrade

 

[telemike]

The too long ones cost me time and frustration. The boogered nut is my fault.

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[telemike]

Was able to tighten nuts after I got my big vice grips out.

Installed Monroe Reflex monotubes

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[abearden]

I hear ya. Previous owner had the T-bars on my truck cranked so tight that I had to get my girlfriend to bounce on the bumper while I held the shock in place for removal and subsequent install.

 

[telemike]

I am at about 23.5". Had my dealer lift front 1" and align it. I bet those old shocks were for a Chevy. Way too long. New ones are short though, lol. Hunners nut trick helps. I wonder why OEM spec are short?

I jacked up H3 off center cross member and let suspension droop for install

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[alrock]

Well, one benefit of the shorter OEMs is that the shock acts as a bump stop so that your upper control arm doesn't do that job when it drops and hits frame bumpout.