Community Forums

micki49 · 08-28-2011, 07:23 PM

I have changed shocks on my car and truck but never on a RV. Is there any thing that you have to different to change shocks on an RV.

Conquest102 · 08-28-2011, 07:46 PM

I change the rears on mine the only issue was they were not compressed. It took some effort and BRAIN strain to get them small enough to fit other than that it was 2 bolts one on top and one on bottom. First one took 3 hours second one took 45 minutes.

Mr_D · 08-28-2011, 09:35 PM

Done it many times while I was testing shocks for Reyco Granning to smooth the ride out on our 14,600# front axle. Not much different than doing an older car (before the struts most of them use now). Just need bigger tools. If you are installing pressurized shocks I find a hyd. jack to be a big help.

Submustang · 08-28-2011, 10:50 PM

I was going to do mine, but decided I did not want to buy the heavy socket wrenches and super duty torque wrench. I figured I would rarely use that heavy of tools, so it was worth the price to let someone else do it.

Midniteoyl · 08-28-2011, 11:07 PM

Not that much torque on shock bolts...

These shocks have a little more 'oomf' than car shocks, so best to strap them before removing or it could be hard to get the first bolt out..other than that, no big deal.

jamesgr81 · 08-28-2011, 11:25 PM

Bolts may be rustier but it's easier that cars as I see it. There is way more room under there. Just dont cut the strap keeping the shocks compressed until after they are in place. If they are too compressed to reach, try this. This is what I do, get the uppershock mounting secure, and cut the strap. As the shock slowly extends, get ready, and as it approaches the mounting shove it in place. If you miss you will have to be strong enough to compress it by hand or use a jack.

Don't laugh, try it, it works!

Mr_D · 08-28-2011, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midniteoyl

Not that much torque on shock bolts...

These shocks have a little more 'oomf' than car shocks, so best to strap them before removing or it could be hard to get the first bolt out..other than that, no big deal.

The front shock bolts took something like 175 ft lbs as I remember. I've never
had to "strap" any, I just mounted the tops then used a 5 ton hyd jack to position the bottoms.

1ciderdog · 08-29-2011, 10:35 AM

When I changed shocks on this MH I found they (the bolts) had been installed prior to the body being placed on the chassis. The upper bolts for the front shocks could not be removed so I had to cut the head off to remove bolts to remove the shocks. I replaced the bolts with grade 8.
Safe Travels
Bob