replacing shocks - how to

[snelson]

Hey folks,
Our beloved Oreo is pretty bouncy/bumpy when going over potholes,bumps etc. so I think it's time I changed out what looks to be the original shocks. I really enjoy working on my own vehicles but have relied on pretty detailed how to's in the past.

So I'm wondering:
1 - Is replacing front and rear shocks pretty easy and straight forward? A standard DIY job?
2 - Would I need to have an alignment done once their replaced?
3 - Anyone know of a link to a 92 L300 DIY shock replacement job? I've searched this site, going to try the UK one now...

Thanks guys - just got back from a camping tour of the Rockies - Calgary - Golden - Invermere - Banff. The Deli came through with flying colours. Time for a little Deli TLC now. Motor mounts(MARDY or Enviro) / shocks (ProComps) / then tinting.
Steve

[snelson]

Hmmm - just found this on delica.ca - can't be this simple can it?
I'm a bit suprised that you do this with the van on it's wheels....I thought they'd but under load then and pop out dangerously once you removed the bolts?

I havent looked to much at the front but I spent alot of time working on stuff around the rears.
Step 1. Remove upper nut
Step 2. Remove lower nut
Step 3. Remove shock
If you want to be adventurous, you can even mix up step 1 and 2.

Do it with the truck on its wheels or if you do jack it up, place the jack stands under the axles.

[quadzilla]

Yes - it really is this simple. Super easy DIY job.

[rdub]

Just did mine today 1hour,easy stuff,getting the nut started was a bit of a pain but when you figure that part out your done.
p.s take the wheel off ,its more accessible this way.(that was just the front)

[GWr]

Does anyone have a link that has photos (step by step - beginner friendly) specifically on how to change the shocks?

[nvanadm]

Wow. This is an old thread.

Going to replace the front shocks on my 1993 L300. I've never replaced shocks before. Anyone have a quick step by step DIY? (photos if possible).

I don't see any guides on delica.ca

Thanks for the help!

[Pajero]

The week before you decide to do it keep spraying them with wd-40 or similar product so the bolts come free easily. when I did mine the bolts broke off....then its a hard job.

spray the bolts at least a few times the week before trying this
Jack up the delica
remove the tire
take a picture as a reference if needed to help after
remove the bolts upper and lower the top bolt you may need to hold the very top of the stud with vice grips as it may spin when removing the nut.
compress the shock by hand to remove
install the new bushings on the shock
compress the new shock and install
tighten the bolts good and snug I put some blue loc-tite on the treads and tighten until the bushing starts to compress down and stop.

take it for a spin and enjoy the ride!!

Did I forget anything anyone?

Joe

[Mr. Flibble]

If your shocks come with a plastic thing to keep them compressed, don't cut that until they are installed.

I speak from experience.

But, as others have said here, doing shocks is really, really simple.

[nvanadm]

The week before you decide to do it keep spraying them with wd-40 or similar product so the bolts come free easily. when I did mine the bolts broke off....then its a hard job.

spray the bolts at least a few times the week before trying this
Jack up the delica
remove the tire
take a picture as a reference if needed to help after
remove the bolts upper and lower the top bolt you may need to hold the very top of the stud with vice grips as it may spin when removing the nut.
compress the shock by hand to remove
install the new bushings on the shock
compress the new shock and install
tighten the bolts good and snug I put some blue loc-tite on the treads and tighten until the bushing starts to compress down and stop.

take it for a spin and enjoy the ride!!

Did I forget anything anyone?

Joe

If your shocks come with a plastic thing to keep them compressed, don't cut that until they are installed.

I speak from experience.

But, as others have said here, doing shocks is really, really simple.

Thanks guys. It's really that simple eh?
Do I need a special tool to compress the old shock or does it compress fairly easily? I'm sure it depends a little on how much life is left, but in general?

[Pajero]

I just compressed them by hand it's a bit hard to push them in but can be done. My old ones were easy to take out as I compressed them and they still have not returned!

[Rattlenbang]

If the nuts don't come loose because of corrosion don't just reef on them or you risk shearing them off, as a previous poster noted. Its doubtful they are seized unless you van's seen a lot of salt, but if it does look quite rusty, keep a propane or butane torch handy and if they end up really stubborn, give them a careful shot of flame to heat them. That can make a huge difference.

[yojimbo]

If they arent gas shocks they wont expand anyway, standard oil shocks just absorb movement, there isnt a spring effect as I understand it. But either way, shocks are easy, I did them without even jacking up as I recall.

[sub-arctic]

if the top nuts are seized good on the forward shocks you can just get an impact gun on them and that should do the trick. rather than trying to hold the top pin with a wrench.