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03-01-2021, 07:37 PM | #1 | |
Mr. Cheyenne
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
Posts: 1,688
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Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
So I am getting new BF A/T Tires, as it appears my BF GT tires are like 10 years old (they don't even make these GTs anymore). While I am at it, I have ordered new KBY Shocks (KG5416 / KG5409) from RockAuto with a nice 5% discount.
So I thought I'd ask before hand for some tips on removing these things and getting the new ones on! I did some searching on the forms and only found the below on the rear. I did read a post about new washers not fitting or something like that but did not really see a resolve on that issue. Really hope I don't find any squirrely stuff! Though these things look like then been on there forever and have been painted black (so I cannot even tell the make/model of them). I have replaced shocks, like a zillion years ago on a car or two. I don't recall having problems but I haven't done a truck. So any tips? should I be taking the wheels off one at a time and moving around the truck as I finish one? Quote:
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim |
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03-01-2021, 09:04 PM | #2 |
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
I replaced my shocks recently. The fronts were a little more work than the rears because the original upper mounting studs had a retaining washer welded on instead of a nut. It was a bit awkward to access the inside of the frame rail to loosen the big nut on the back side of the mounting stud. The new shocks came with replacement studs. Also the bottom end of the new shock was a little wider than the old shock so I had to spend a little time bending the mounting tab to accept it.
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03-01-2021, 09:11 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
Hit all the fasteners with your preferred penetrating oil (I like Liquid Wrench). Repeat tomorrow, and every day until the shocks arrive. It might save you a ton of work.
Aside from that, it's not too hard of a job. I like to install the top first and use a drift punch to help me line up the bottom.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
03-01-2021, 09:29 PM | #4 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
It's pretty straightfoward. I have KYB Gas-a-just shocks on my K20 and they have performed very well for many years. One tip, if you're not already aware -- these are gas pressurized shocks with a nylon strap keeping them compressed. If you can, leave the nylon strap in place while you install the upper hardware (assuming the lower hardware is easier to access than the top). When you cut the strap, the shock will extend itself slowly so if you're lucky, you can install the lower hardware as it lines up. If you miss it, you just have to compress the shock by hand -- not a big deal but it's just easier to do before the shock is fully extended.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
03-01-2021, 09:45 PM | #5 |
Mr. Cheyenne
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
Thanks for the tips - the liquid wrench is a super idea! I am sure I would have had that idea *after* trying to remove the shocks!
Hope these are simple [just fits] replacements / no size differences!
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim |
03-03-2021, 12:07 PM | #6 |
Mr. Cheyenne
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
Posts: 1,688
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
well, looking at my fronts after putting Liquid Wrench on the inner nut I either have original or original like replacements. Seeing how the rubber is malformed, I am thinking original but does really matter. Now I have to deal with that 150 Ft pound nut, which on the passenger side is in a rather tight spot with the lines running near it.
Plus, I haven't a toque wrench that gets near 150 Ft pounds to deal with the replacement stud, my little guy is in inch pounds and I can only get to 80 ft pounds. ugh.
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim |
03-03-2021, 12:28 PM | #7 |
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
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03-03-2021, 12:33 PM | #8 |
Mr. Cheyenne
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
Posts: 1,688
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
no, I did not. Seems I recall it was suggested to keep the straps on until I have the upper in place - then remove the strap to let the shock expand and pop in the lower as it lines up to the bottom hole.
That kind of messes up that plan! lol
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim Last edited by Rich72C10; 03-03-2021 at 12:40 PM. |
03-03-2021, 12:39 PM | #9 |
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
I always found the easy way was install them then cut the strap. Let it fully extend then compress them again a couple times. If it’s really hard compressing them I use a floor jack.
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03-04-2021, 12:13 PM | #10 |
Mr. Cheyenne
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
So any tips on the front *original* shocks (or they were replaced with OEM sock style) and that 150 ft lbs frame nut? I have been for the last three days spraying Liquid Wrench on all the nuts (front and rear).
Is it likely this upper front stud will spin? If so, how do you give it back torque so the stud doesn't spin to get the nut off?
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim |
03-04-2021, 06:18 PM | #11 | |
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
Quote:
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1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom, 383 Stoker, TH350 Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=592157 Engine Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=592233 |
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03-04-2021, 06:37 PM | #12 | |
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: CA
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
Quote:
In the rear I have 6" drop springs, so I used 2208AA shocks. I should probably install a shock relocation kit, as my shocks are quite slanted right now. The rear suspension is quite stiff at the moment, as is to be expected. It hops around when I hit repaired/rough sections in the road. Overall, my suspension is somewhat harsh, but that's the way it goes with a lowered truck. I didn't expect to have a cushy ride. It does, however, handle very well around curves. I have a sway bar on the front that helps, too. With these new shocks, lowering spindles and springs, the front suspension no longer bottoms out if I hit a dip in the road. The truck had 3" drop springs and stock spindles when I got it. |
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03-04-2021, 08:49 PM | #13 |
Mr. Cheyenne
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
Posts: 1,688
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
The back shocks are on. The old ones, gee, I can compress them with no amount of effort and then they kind of think of decompressing and then say, "naw I happy compressed".
Now I am not so sure these nuts were 70 ft lbs. Granted I was using a 1/2 drive but they came loose with little to no effort (all the way around / top & bottom). I am concerned about them. 1. The tops are replacements, funny how new they look. They had washers on both sides, with the nut side having a lock washer. So I guess I am only with those - unless they are not the proper grade of fasteners. What grade are these suppose to be. 2. The bottoms had no washers at all, only a lock washer with the nut. I assume I should have a washer between the shock and lock washer? Seems reasonable. Though the bolt is two short to even put one on. There is hardly enough bolt to get the lock washer and nut on to be honest. 3. Oh, one bottom nut is 3/8, like the bolt head, all the other nuts are 7/8. So, fastener and configuration recommendations? Going to do some searching too. Edit: Manual shows me. No washers at all on top or I think that is just a lock washer at the top in the photo. Then bottom has wash, lock, then nut. So, 7/8 nuts, longer Grade 8 bolts (what seems to be on there now is Grade 5) so I can have a washer, lock washer, then nut at the bottom??
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim Last edited by Rich72C10; 03-04-2021 at 09:38 PM. |
03-04-2021, 11:51 PM | #14 |
Mr. Cheyenne
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
Posts: 1,688
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
I got Lowe's last two Grade 8 1/2-13 at a length of 2 1/2 inches bolts. Got a matching Grade 8 Nuts and Washers to redo both lower shock mounts. I had to use my existing lock washers, Lowes was out of those. Picking are slim in the upper end of Grade 8 fasteners at Lowes
Here is a photo showing the Grade 5 1/2-13 at a length of 2 inches (red circle) bolt and one of the washers. Then each of the lower nuts. The 3/4 nut, after taking it off again and looking at it, I found it was split, you can just see the crack in the photo (red arrow point to it). The other nut is a size of 7/8 but fits on the 1/2-13 bolts. When looking at the KBY Front shocks, it comes with upper hardware, its out side both is 3/4 - so I am sticking with that. Well until someone here tells me I need to look for 7/8 nuts. Now even with the washer and lock washer on, there is a wee bit of bolt coming out of the nut. Where as before, the bolt did not even make it flush with the nuts on the lower shock mount.
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim Last edited by Rich72C10; 03-05-2021 at 08:26 AM. |
03-05-2021, 04:17 AM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
Install the shock relocator kit it straightens up the rear shock a lot . This is with 4" drop and I've since switched them to 5" , The kit is only $32.00 on ebay
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1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop |
03-05-2021, 04:31 AM | #16 | |
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
Quote:
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1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop |
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03-05-2021, 07:53 AM | #17 |
Mr. Cheyenne
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
Posts: 1,688
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
That's a good idea, I didn't even think of the Buda's Tractor Supply Co. - I've been in there too a few times (for a riding lawnmower parts). I'll 100% keep that in mind if I need parts for the fronts!
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim |
03-05-2021, 08:13 AM | #18 | |
Mr. Cheyenne
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
Quote:
I assume you mean this: Rear Shock Relocation Kit For 1963-72 Chevy C10 C20 GMC Pickup Lowered Truck
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim |
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03-05-2021, 04:27 PM | #19 | |
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
Quote:
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72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo Last edited by 68 P.O.S.; 03-05-2021 at 04:35 PM. |
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03-05-2021, 04:45 PM | #20 |
Mr. Cheyenne
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
The KYB nuts would be 75 ft lbs, on the outside. I am pretty sure the replacement KYB inner larger nut would be 140 ft lbs on to the frame. Also, see this thread: Torque Spec for Front Upper Shock Mount
Or at least that is how I am reading all this. I am leaning towards 65 ft lbs is not enough for that inside nut for the new stud replacement. Chevy manual page attached for Front Shocks. I got the driver side on, man what a pain to break that 140 ft lb nut loose. Then when it came time to put the KBY stud on I had to disconnect the tailpipe from the manifold to get just two clicks on the torque ratchet! Passenger side i have kind of started but I had to remove some fuel line brackets to get the ratchet on (EEC truck). BTW, what are these "ECE specs" you speak of??
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim |
03-05-2021, 05:02 PM | #21 |
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
ECE stands for Early Classic Enterprises. They were probably the best vendor for suspension kits and various other parts for our trucks. They sold out to Holley a bit ago, but Holley hasn't brought the brand back out yet...hopefully soon. So I used ECE's specs when I installed my kit.
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72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo |
03-05-2021, 05:48 PM | #22 |
Mr. Cheyenne
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
Ah, I see. Thank you for the postings / information but since I am in for a penny, in for a pound - I am sticking to the 140 / 75 ft lbs.
Getting that Stud to Frame at 140 is a chore but I now have both sides done. At least on the passenger side I didn't need to disconnect the tailpipe from the manifold. I am even keeping the tire on this time (though having it off would give me more room to push on the shock). So this side is going "easier". I just need to recop some energy to be able to get this passenger shock buttoned up - it takes a bit to decompress these KBY shocks. Technically I am suppose to be working from home (on my computer) NOT working on my Truck. But the girls want to go out shopping and to get steak tonight... so I am cheating to get the front shocks done during "working hours".
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim |
03-05-2021, 06:12 PM | #23 |
Mr. Cheyenne
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
Posts: 1,688
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
Passenger, last one, installed, Praise Baby Jesus!
I had a bright idea, jack up the side a bit more so I'd have less shock to push down on to get it on the top stud!
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim |
03-05-2021, 06:23 PM | #24 |
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
Looking good!
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03-05-2021, 11:42 PM | #25 |
Mr. Cheyenne
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Kyle, Texas
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Re: Preventive Headaches: Installing New Shocks
Man, rides so much better!
Now to get the front end done.
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Richard '72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne *Super WHT/MED BRONZE/WHT SBC 350 | TH350 | LWB | AC | Buddy Seats Upgrades: Tilt | Front Sway Bar | Radio | Sliding Window | Bed Spare w/Lock Bed Rails | Full LEDs | Courtesy Lights | Tachometer | Glovebox Lock & Light | Head Light Relays | *Upgraded Fully Super Trim |
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