Replacing rear shocks: Mounting kit?

[Montego Murph]

'Lo all.

I just hit 110k and decided it's time to refresh the suspension. I'm plenty happy with stock height, so I went with KYB's all around.

For the fronts, KYB offers an installation kit with bushings and such. However, no such option for the rear. Their customer service rep only seems to copy and paste stock answers, so I'll ask here: Is there no "installation kit" needed, or is this something that does exist but I have to track down elsewhere?

Thanks
Murph
'03 LTD, no XREAS

 

[gookies]

Are you just replacing the bushing for the rear shock or replacing the whole thing? The bushing can be bought from RockAuto for ~$10, but a new shock is ~$40.

 

[Montego Murph]

Are you just replacing the bushing for the rear shock or replacing the whole thing? The bushing can be bought from RockAuto for ~$10, but a new shock is ~$40.

Good question -- I was a little vague. I'm replacing both full shocks on the rear, and the Strut/Coil Spring assemblies on the front.

This is what I ordered:
Rears: KYB 344410

Front: KYB SR4130, KYB SR4131
Mounting Kit: KYB SM5640

 

[Inv4drZm]

Good question -- I was a little vague. I'm replacing both full shocks on the rear, and the Strut/Coil Spring assemblies on the front.

This is what I ordered:
Rears: KYB 344410

Front: KYB SR4130, KYB SR4131
Mounting Kit: KYB SM5640

Generally I have found the rear shocks already come with the mounting bushings you need. Is that not the case or have they not arrived yet for you to check?

You could probably reuse the old ones if you had to but you might as well replace them.

 

[r32]

I just put on 5100's. The rears came with the bushings, washers, and nut.

 

[BurghRunner]

I found that a strap wrench makes removing the shocks much easier. Otherwise they twist. My pic is flipped, but you get the idea.

 

[gookies]

Good question -- I was a little vague. I'm replacing both full shocks on the rear, and the Strut/Coil Spring assemblies on the front.

This is what I ordered:
Rears: KYB 344410

Front: KYB SR4130, KYB SR4131
Mounting Kit: KYB SM5640

The shocks come with replacement bushings according to this tutorial below, the bushing I was referring to for $10 is the one that attaches to the lower portion that you have to press in, but that's already installed. The top bushings (which I think you're referring to) are included.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC1tBtyNeDg

 

[Montego Murph]

Lots of great information here -- thank you all!

I'll post a follow-up and let you all know how it goes.

Burgh, great idea on that strap wrench. Stupid question though, how does that prevent the shaft from turning inside the cylinder when you tighten down the nut on top?

I guess I should just come out and admit -- this is the first time I've replaced shocks like this -- All other time it's been "quik-struts."

 

[ThatSickRip]

Good question -- I was a little vague. I'm replacing both full shocks on the rear, and the Strut/Coil Spring assemblies on the front.

This is what I ordered:
Rears: KYB 344410

Front: KYB SR4130, KYB SR4131
Mounting Kit: KYB SM5640

You dont need the SM5640. The Strut Plus comes with them already installed. The rear shocks come with the bushings and metal washers needed for the install.

 

[Montego Murph]

You dont need the SM5640. The Strut Plus comes with them already installed. The rear shocks come with the bushings and metal washers needed for the install.

Thank you for letting me know before I opened the box and tried to install it! The part description is a little misleading...

Murph

 

[Levinz11]

I found that a strap wrench makes removing the shocks much easier. Otherwise they twist. My pic is flipped, but you get the idea.

Neat. I cut mine off with a sawzall.

 

[AZRoamer]

Neat. I cut mine off with a sawzall.

Whew! I thought I was the only one.....