[04_xlt_4.0_4x4]

whats up guys? so i want to change my shocks cuz i have 100k on my truck. i bought a new car so now my truck is sitting and i can work on it since im not driving it. now i want to work on my truck. one thing i want to do is my shocks. so i was wondering if i need to jack up the truck or can i do it with the truck on the ground. id rather not spend the money on stands and a jack if i cant do it with out.

[OTRtech]

Rears you can do on the ground.
Fronts would easier if you jack it up and remove the tire. Get some blocking material to keep it in the air in case the jack fails.

[robert francis]

I changed shocks on my 94 Ranger and on my 2008 Ranger and never jacked anything up or set on ramps.

[04_xlt_4.0_4x4]

sweet yea if i did jack stuff id def be safe with it and use stands for protection. but it looks like i can get to them all w.out jacking them up

[Ford04Ranger4.0]

I recently did mine and I found it easier to jack the front. I cut the top nut off the front shocks to save time rather then unbolting. What shocks did you happpen to buy?

[04_xlt_4.0_4x4]

id like bilstein but there pricey if not then then rancho or the gas-a-just ones

[BisketFx4]

I need to do this!!!

[Rottn35]

I bought shocks for my ranger and my wifes mazda from here they were cheaper than getting them from the parts stores.

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm

[Lord Of War]

There is no need to jack up any part of the vehicle. Just soak the bolts in PB blaster the day before the swap and you will be just fine.

[Blhde]

If you have a jack use it, take the tire off. It will be easier.

Also check your brakes while you are at it.

[Ford04Ranger4.0]

I bought the monroe reflexs, I'd soak the bolts with PB (jake). When I changed mine it cost me more to realize that I needed balljoints. I'd still cut the top bolt off to save time. Some map gas wouldnt hurt either to have on hand and a good electirc impact.

[ME00Stepside]

I've never jacked up a vehicle, including either of my Rangers, to change shocks. I just turn the steering wheel to gain a little access, and go to town.

I would also recommend PB Blaster on the bolts. Best stuff there is IMO. Soak the nuts and bolts 20-30 minutes before you work on them.

[04_xlt_4.0_4x4]

then get on it!!!! haha

oh sweet man thanks for the info ill look into it

ok cool man thanks ill try that

haha i just got those done so im good there

yea i got a makita ratle gun that will help out alot!!!

cool bud thnks for the info

[paganwars]

I just did the rears and am probably going to do the fronts later on this week. I don't plan on jacking it up either. It will be a tight fit, but I think it will be manageable. Call me a scaredy cat, but anytime I can avoid jacking up a car or truck I take that safer option. It might give me a little less room to work, but at least this way, there is no chance of a bloody death due to jack failure. I just dont like that slim chance that a couple thousand pounds of metal MIGHT come crashing down at any moment. If you ever seen a jack fail, you probably know what I'm talking about.

Also when I was in highschool, a kid i knew was working on a boat at his parents house. The hoist snapped when he was under it, and they didn't find him until the next day....

[04_xlt_4.0_4x4]

cool deal man get mu or us a follow up onhow it was.... but i know what you mean about jack failure but if you got jack stands then your fine jack up the truck then lower it onto jack stands with a little weight on the jack and your safe...

[paganwars]

I'll def. let you know how it goes when i get them on. I've already done the pre-lube thing a couple times, just to loosen things up before I take a wrench to it. I went with monroe sensa-tracs all around. Picked those based on my budget and the great reviews. I actually found a front shock on sale for only $14 and I snatched that up. They only had one left at that price, so I'm just waiting on the other one to come in the mail. I think monroe makes rancho shocks as well if that's what you decide to go with.

I do use jack stands for safety of course. But the whole getting squished thing is just always in the back of my mind when I crawl under a jacked up vehicle, I can't help it lol.

One question though:

Where do you guys place the jack stands under the front end? Do you use the lca's or....? What do ya'll choose for the safest placement to jack up the front end. Does anyone actually use that little horn in the front to jack up their truck?? Seems like it could slip off pretty easily.

[Lord Of War]

I used that little horn before. I think its a great place to jack up the front.