Hey Guys, I started installing my new leaf springs and shocks last night and I am having some doubts about myself and my reassembly. The leaf spring stiffens down far enough that the shock wont bolt up to its mounting bracket unless i put some upward pressure on the shock by jacking it up some. This sounds right since the new leaf springs are considerable more stiff than the old ones. But I am dubious in myself. Does what I have explained make sense to you guys? Anyone reinstalled leaf springs and had the same issue? I will post some pictures tonight if my description was inadequate. Thanks for the help! Clay
I've always bolted the top of the shock to the body first, then jack up on the rear axle to compress the springs. Slide the washer and bushing on the bottom of the shock and push the shock up and over the bracket and let the shock drop into the bracket hole at the bottom. One more bushing and a washer and nut, then you're done. With the shock out of the way, it's also a good time to make sure the four bolts that hold each upper bracket to the body are snug. I've had these loosen off the last Maverick I had.
ok, that was what direction i was heading in. I just wanted to make sure. Do I need to retain compression on the leaf spring so as to not extend the shock to far or will it be ok?
I was taught to put the shocks on after everything else was on, that way you didn't accidentally pull your shocks apart or overextend them and blow the seals, or wind up taking them on and off a few times if something didn't go on quite right. I'm not sure if it matters too much though when they go on. But it sure is alot easier to put the shocks on with the car sitting on it's wheels. Especially when we were putting them on my friends 8" lifted 4Runner. Edit- when I say on its wheels, with like a passenger car I would put it onto a ramp or something so that it's still lifted off the ground. I've learned around here if you aren't clear in what you mean some people will tear you apart like jackals.
