Re: [Amc-list] Shock absorbing goodness!

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

As others have stated, put something under the wheel or lower control arm when removing the front shocks. The shock actually limits downward travel. A block between the stop and upper control arm works too. 

The strut rod bushings aren't hard to change, but you need to jack the control arm up or keep weight on the suspension (ramps, something under wheel, etc.) to get them off. If you try with the wheel off the ground you'll never get the bracket to bolt back on, and it will be harder to get off due to binding on the bolts. To take them off remove the nut on the strut rod then unbolt the bracket, pull bracket back, pull bushings off, put new ones on, bracket, then nut. It may be more complicated depending on the exact model you have. The one-piece bushings on 62-70 (maybe a bit later) are a little harder, the bushing is usually tack welded to the strut rod. If you have the adjustable type (nut in front of bushing as well as behind) with two piece bushings it's much easier. 


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Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2008 15:24:16 -0400
From: "Bruce Griffis" <bruce.griffis@xxxxxxxxx>

I was thinking about wimping out and bringing my car in to a service
station to get the shocks done. 

I was worried about nothing! Jacked it up, popped off the tires, hit
the bolts with penetrating oil and let it sit for an hour or so.
Wandered back out, and replaced both rear shocks. That was simple, and
I worried about nothing.

Can't wait to get the pair for the front in! I'm still kinda worried
about the strut rod bushings, but it looks extremely straight-forward.
Anyway - I'll see what I can fix or break or clobber or whatever
before the mechanic gets back from vacation. If I can get the major
stuff out of the way, that's one less hassle!


-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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