How to Replace Shocks on a Jeep

Shock absorbers keep you from feeling the banging and crashing while driving the rugged terrain (or, in some cases, the worn-down streets) in your Jeep. When the time comes to replace the shocks, the method of replacing them varies depending on whether you're replacing the front or rear shocks. The process can also vary depending on what model of Jeep you have. In any case, you must replace the shocks in pairs.

Instructions

Front Shocks

1

Apply the Jeep's parking brake, raise the vehicle on jack stands and remove the wheel on the end that you're replacing the shocks on.

2

Look for any components within the engine that block access to the shocks' upper mounting bolts and remove them. This can include the battery and battery tray for the left-side shock or the air filter housing on the right side.

3

Remove the upper mounting nuts for the shock absorber assembly using a ratchet or flare-nut wrench. Disconnect the lower bolt on the bracket connecting the lower control arm to the assembly. Detach the link to the stabilizer bar by unbolting it from the axle bracket.

4

Disconnect and the lower balljoint from the control arm by loosening its nut and separating it with a balljoint separator. Remove the upper bolt on the bracket for the lower control arm. Remove the shock absorber from the wheel well.

5

Install the new shock absorber into the wheel well; due to its weight, you might need an assistant's help. Reconnect all components in reverse order of installation, tightening all bolts to the torque specified for your model Jeep.

Rear Shocks

6

Raise the rear end of the Jeep on jack stands; removing the wheels isn't necessary. Place the Jeep's floor jack under the differential and raise it enough to lift the force off the shocks.

7

Remove the mounting bolts for the shock absorbers, starting with the lower bolt, and remove the shocks. The lower bolt can be accessed directly behind the wheel, pointing toward the chassis. The upper bolt is just above the wheel, pointing away from the vehicle.

8

Remove the shock absorbers from the Jeep.

9

Install the new shock absorbers in place, tightening the mounting bolts to their specified torque.

10

Lower and remove the floor jack under the differential, then lower the jack stands to lower the Jeep.