Compressing Rear Shocks for Install/Uninstall

[joshik]

So I have the Dobinson MRA rear (LT verision) on my 4R. I remember when installing them how much of a PITA it was to get them mounted bc, even with my rig on jack stands and my suspension at full droop, the shocks were too long to just install them. I had to compress them and being gas charged, they want to uncompress in a hurry.

I remember that I was able to finagle them on but I'm wondering how I get them off. I could just put the 4r on jacks and droop the suspension and then try to force or pry off the shock from the lower shock mount. But I'm not sure how much pressure would be on the lower shock mount to get it off. It would be nice if both sides had a round eye mount then i could a ratchet strap it when it was compressed while the 4r is sitting on the ground but alas, the upper mount is not a eye. :/

I'm brainstorming a few ideas but wondering if anyone else has run into this or has some possible solutions.

I was thinking maybe a ratchet strap around the upper shock mount on the chassis pinned behind the upper shock shank and then down aroudn the lower eye... But there has to be a better way for mounting and unmounting.

 

[Inv4drZm]

My recommendation would be to remove/loosen whatever part is binding and preventing full droop of your axle. Sway bar for sure and possibly the 4 suspension links.

Another option is to use a bottle jack/ floor jack to compress the shock enough to install it on the stud.

 

[joshik]

My recommendation would be to remove/loosen whatever part is binding and preventing full droop of your axle. Sway bar for sure and possibly the 4 suspension links.

Another option is to use a bottle jack/ floor jack to compress the shock enough to install it on the stud.

yeh that came to mind.... i guess that can be last resort LOL. I recall when installing the lift i had the sway bar end links disconnected and it still didn't droop enough. Too lazy to remove all the links. LOL

I'll look into the bottle jack option as well.

Thx!!

 

[rdruss]

I would think that if you remove the upper shock bolt with the runner on jack stands and then bottle jack under the opposite side of rear axle you will get enough droop on the other side that shock will fall away from upper mount. If not you may have to rubber mallet the shock off the bottom stud when extended as far as possible.

 

[rdruss]

I would think that if you remove the upper shock bolt with the runner on jack stands and then bottle jack under the opposite side of rear axle, with sway bar disconnected, you will get enough droop on the other side that shock will fall away from upper mount. If not you may have to rubber mallet the shock off the bottom stud when extended as far as possible.

 

[r0cksal0t]

I just installed OME 896's with their shocks. I used the "bottle jack on the axle, extended against the bump stop, to push the axle down" method. Worked like a charm. Sway bay end links were disconnected. I also have extended rear brake lines. If you don't, you probably need to disconnect those lines if you push the axle away from the body. As far as removal, I would think a pry-bar behind the shock prying against the axle should get some movement. Maybe a dead blow hammer or a BFH with a block of wood to knock it off the lower mount.


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