Going down to Firestone at lunch to get the front end aligned. I need a steering shock bad and they want 60.00 bucks for the shock alone, and 119 to install it.

Im gonna buy the shock, and do it myself this weekend. How hard is it? DO i need any special tools? pullers?

It looks like a standard bolt up part, but looks can be decieving.


I need to know fast, i have 2 hours till im taking it in.



btw, they offer a lifetime warranty on thier alilgnments for 139.00

is it worth it?

 

Sometimes the only way to get the old one loose is to use a pitman arm puller and some heat. Some auto parts rent a pitman puller, if not they are under $20, you'd still be money ahead.
Take caution that the alignment sleeve on the tie rod right behind the shock (it's actually called a stabilizer) doesn't have the big side with the clamp down bolts pointed towards the stabilizer. It looks like there is plenty of clearance with the wheels straight ahead but in a tight turn the clamp can hit and damage the stabilizer. Even if the shop does the install warn them as this is common mistake.

 

Thanks Infidel. Shock is shorter to type than stabilizer...lol. Thats why i refered to it like that.

I think the 2001 susp. is setup a little different when it comes to the S.S. I dont think I will have the prob. that John had with his alignment shop. But you can be sure I will check it out before I leave!.

I think im gonna just get the s.s., and install myself. What does a "pitman puller" looke like? We might have one laying around the shop somewhere.

 

Sometimes you have to leave the nut on the stud screwed almost all the way off so the puller bolt doesn't slip off. Once the pitman puller is torqued down whack the bolt with a hand sledge, it's meant to be used that way.

 

i think i can aquire one of those. Thanks Infidel.

 

I needed a puller for mine. It was a bear. After an hour of whacking it with a hammer and trying to pry it off, I gave up and let All Out Off Road install it.