Shock Absorber

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

NOTE: Low pressure gas shocks are charged with Nitrogen gas. Do not attempt to open, puncture or apply heat to them. Prior to installing a new shock absorber, hold it upright and extend it fully. Invert it and fully compress and extend it at least 3 times. This will bleed trapped air.

1997 B-Series

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Negative battery cable
   • Shock absorber from the upper spring seat
   • Slide the shock absorber off the radius arm and slightly compress it by hand
   • Shock absorber

   To install:

3. Install or connect the following:
   • Shock absorber to the radius arm. Torque the nut to 53 ft. lbs. (72 Nm).
   • Shock absorber to the upper spring seat. Torque the nut to 34 ft. lbs. (46 Nm).
   • Negative battery cable

1998–01 B-Series Models

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Negative battery cable
   • Upper shock-to-frame attaching nut, washer and insulator assembly
   • Lower shock-to-control arm attaching nuts
   • Slightly compress the shock absorber by hand and remove it from the vehicle

   To install:

3. Install or connect the following:
   • Position the lower washer and insulator on the shock absorber rod and position the shock absorber to the upper frame bracket mount
   • Position the upper insulator and washer on the shock absorber rod and install the attaching nut loosely.
   • Position the lower shock absorber mounting studs into the control arm and install the attaching nuts loosely.
   • Torque the lower shock attaching nuts to 15–21 ft. lbs. (21–29 Nm), and the upper shock attaching bolts to 30–40 ft. lbs. (40–55 Nm).
   • Negative battery cable