gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Wanted to share my experience and some before and after's with my recent suspension refresh. I was not going for any lift, but was anticipating some because my shocks were leaking. No pictures of the front end though, I forgot before I took the front struts.
Before:
After:
I replaced with parts the same lift as the factory parts. I had 192k miles on the original suspension though so it was really starting to sag and had no stability. Just wanted to share that you can gain lift without even adding any larger springs or lift kits.
For the record, they are Raybestos front and rear coils with KYB gas-a-just monotube shocks. I'm happy with how it feels and how it feels on my pocketbook! Also have new strut mounts, this is more important than people think since the old ones are too compressed to adjust to new springs. Re-using the old mounts is like changing out parts and re-using a rubber gasket. Also, don't tighten the top nut on the top of either the front or rear shocks until you have the vehicle on the ground. Makes a difference!
And here's how I removed those stubborn rear shocks:
Just get a good grip on the old shock (you can't hurt it!) and pull it upwards against the frame. Bend a large crease. Flip it over 180 degrees and do the same on the other side. Now you can slip a crescent wrench or vice grip over it. Also, if you remove the spare tire and lift the frame up high enough you can literally sit in the spare tire cavity to take the rear shocks off. I'm 6'2" and had no trouble, just took my time. I have a sawzall, but I didn't feel comfortable using it in that tight of a space and risk cutting a brake line or something.
Before:
After:
I replaced with parts the same lift as the factory parts. I had 192k miles on the original suspension though so it was really starting to sag and had no stability. Just wanted to share that you can gain lift without even adding any larger springs or lift kits.
For the record, they are Raybestos front and rear coils with KYB gas-a-just monotube shocks. I'm happy with how it feels and how it feels on my pocketbook! Also have new strut mounts, this is more important than people think since the old ones are too compressed to adjust to new springs. Re-using the old mounts is like changing out parts and re-using a rubber gasket. Also, don't tighten the top nut on the top of either the front or rear shocks until you have the vehicle on the ground. Makes a difference!
And here's how I removed those stubborn rear shocks:
Just get a good grip on the old shock (you can't hurt it!) and pull it upwards against the frame. Bend a large crease. Flip it over 180 degrees and do the same on the other side. Now you can slip a crescent wrench or vice grip over it. Also, if you remove the spare tire and lift the frame up high enough you can literally sit in the spare tire cavity to take the rear shocks off. I'm 6'2" and had no trouble, just took my time. I have a sawzall, but I didn't feel comfortable using it in that tight of a space and risk cutting a brake line or something.
