i'm trying to yank the rear shocks out, but i have a feeling i'll have to disconnect some control arms/sway bars/tie rods to get them out... please let me know if there is an easier way to get them out

 

There is a DIY for replacing the shocks. You have to take off the lower control arm and sway bar endlink then they drop out. No big deal. You'll need to get the car aligned afterwards which is a good idea anyway.

don't forget the headlight leveler as well!

 

thank you very much!

 

now before i get stuck, is there anything i should know about the front ones???

 

read the DIY

 

basically same stuff as the rear and read the diy its better too be prepared when going in to change em out

 

Front ones are easy, Take out the 3, 17mm bolts and the 14mm end link bolt down below. Then take out the 3 14mm bolts in the engine bay, and it will fall right out.

 

those f'ers are a pain to get out... it seems like i'm wasting my time with the springs i'm trying to put on

 

Damn, man you still working on them? Took me a couple hrs to do the whole set, front and rears.

 

My first time I thought the same thing but really they are very easy once you realize how to do it. If I had noticed you were in sacramento before you took it apart, I would have offered for you to drive to fairfield and I would have helped you. I can change all 4 in about 2 hours with a helper or 3 hours by myself.

 

Search the DIY section and read. it's all there for you.

 

Personaly, I dont do things exactly like the DIY, I disconnect the control arm from the hub and just work the strut out moving the hub and control arm as needed. My way keeps me from having to do an alignment.

 

That's fine but it you're asking for help the best help will be form the DIYs that the rest of us have used and commented in. They're very good and cover details many of us will not remember to re-gurgitate for him.

That's why I am saying take a look at the DIY to get the best information and post questions.

 

i'll give it a try... thanks you guys