How to Change the Front Shocks on a 2001 Suburban

A large vehicle like the Suburban requires good shock absorbers for a safe, smooth ride. The shocks on the 2001 Suburban are separate from the coil spring assemblies, so it is simpler to change these than those on other models. There are some slight differences in exactly how you should remove and install the front shocks, depending on if the vehicle is two- or four-wheel drive. Change both shock absorbers at the same time.

Instructions

1

Raise the Suburban's front end with the floor jack and support it on jack stands. Remove both of the front wheels.

2

Place the floor jack under the lower control arm that corresponds with the shock you are about to remove. Raise the jack under the arm to take the vehicle's weight off of the shock.

3

Unscrew and remove the shock absorber's upper mounting nut first if you have a two-wheel drive Suburban. Grasp the stem with one wrench as you loosen the nut with another. Remove the metal retainer and rubber grommet.

4

Remove the lower nut and bolt first on a four-wheel drive model. Take note of which direction the bolt points.

5

Remove the bolt/nut on the shock absorber's other end -- use two wrenches on a four-wheel drive's upper nut just as you would on a two-wheel drive -- and remove the shock absorber.

6

Insert the replacement shock absorber in place on the suspension. Install the nuts/bolts in the reverse order of removal for your particular model.

7

Lower the floor jack off of the control arm and transfer it to the lower control arm for the other wheel. Repeat the removal and installation steps for this shock absorber.

8

Reconnect both wheels to the Suburban and lower the vehicle off of the jack stands.