changing shocks

[amxerhull]

I am going to install new shocks on my 1994 Class A F53. Does anyone know what size the upper and lower nuts are? I think they are 28MM but I don't want to buy the socket/wrench (may never use it again) unless I know for sure.

Also, I welcome any hints to reduce any hassles with the changeover.

Thanks for any help.

John

[ArTravler]

I just changed out the front shocks on my 1996 F53 with Bilsteins. There are some photos under my posting on the rebuild of the front sway bar. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f23/overhaul-on-96-front-sway-bar-bushings-85826-2.html
I used 1 1/8” sockets. Make sure you have two breaker bars and a cheater bar to break the nuts loose. The upper bolt on the drivers side of my unit was hard to get to. You might have the same problem. See the 2nd page of the post.

While you are under there check your sway bar bushings and steering dampener.

[Wanabee FTer]

An air impact gun makes fast work of it.

[1skatingrin]

john if i remember right my shocks come closed up with plastic tie holding them closed. i found it much simpler not to remove ties till i had top fastened first , than be ready to slide bottom on as soon as you cut tie loose,shock will open pretty quickly. good luck

[amxerhull]

Thanks for the excellent info, guys, it should help me a lot.

I saw that the 1-1/8 socket was closest to fitting the nuts, I was just afraid it would have too much slop. I'm glad you were able to make it work. Will try air impact and/or breaker bars to see which method gets it done.

My shocks have the plastic ties. Thanks for that hint.

ArTravler, I changed my sway bar link bushings. I noticed that, like yours, all of my "attachment" bushings were already urethane. Must be factory?

Thanks again.

John

[ArTravler]

Quote:

Thanks for the excellent info, guys, it should help me a lot. I saw that the 1-1/8 socket was closest to fitting the nuts, I was just afraid it would have too much slop. I'm glad you were able to make it work. Will try air impact and/or breaker bars to see which method gets it done. My shocks have the plastic ties. Thanks for that hint. ArTravler, I changed my sway bar link bushings. I noticed that, like yours, all of my "attachment" bushings were already urethane. Must be factory? Thanks again. John

Thanks for the info on the bushings. I have to rebuild the rear sway bar as soon as I take care of a Hot Tub disaster. I have the new frame bar bushings that you get on EBay. I was hopeing I did not have to remove the bar tie rods!

Kudos on the tie straps on the shocks. I did the same thing with mine! We must be doing something right.