Front Shocks?

I just did it on my 93, should be similar.

That tool you're looking at is probably the Strut top Socket. It's a special shape socket that holds the strut in place so you can back the nut off of it. I like doing things the right way so I hunted down the tool, and boy was it a hunt - the guy at the GM parts counter was friendly and bought one for me the next time the SnapOn truck came by their shop. That's the only place I could find that had it.

A lot of people do without the socket. They use vice grips to hold onto the strut for installation. Removal they take a big breaker bar and just snap the strut rod in two. I ended up having to do that on the right side anyway since I was dumb and stripped the strut top, even with my fancy socket :lol:

Put a deep socket on the top shock nut. Attach a long extension. Bend back and forth, and the shaft will break. Remove shock from the bottom.

Doesn't sound so bad.....

+1 on this. Else an Air Impact often can break them free. Electric, not a chance.

My only other way was to install a couple pair of vice grips on the shock shaft and tighten to insane torque. Then I could get them loose on the top.

IF you can, Edelbrock has the IAS Monotube shocks for $30 each for the B/C/D cars, 71-96. Check Edelbrock.com. I put a pair on the back of my Suburban, LOVE them!

http://store.edelbrock.com/330431991-96impala71-96caprice71-77gmfullsizepassengercarsfront.aspx (Nevermind, looks like they are out of stock now, crap)

jayoldschool said:

Put a deep socket on the top shock nut. Attach a long extension. Bend back and forth, and the shaft will break. Remove shock from the bottom.

Click to expand...

which ever way you chose, shoot it with some pb blaster and let it soak for a while. that way it should pop off a lot easier

gdorell said:

which ever way you chose, shoot it with some pb blaster and let it soak for a while. that way it should pop off a lot easier

Click to expand...

Oh definately. I was planning on bathing them in Liquid Wrench which is what I have.....

Well job all done. The ones I took out were shamefully bad, some cheap ones that looked pretty old. I compressed both of them when they came out, several hours later they're still compressed. Hahaha. My new ones (Gabriel Ultras) ride really nice. Did 50 on a rough stretch of road and felt virtually nothing.

Cadillac ride baby.....

Dopestar, could we get a followup on how you like your Gabriel Ultra shocks? I'm getting ready to do front shocks on my '79 CDV, and while I realize this is an old thread, it's still the most informative one I've been able to sift from the rubble of unsearchable old threads on here.

Right now I'm running very old Monroe sensa-tracs. I need better damping & road grip, but don't want a harsh ride, wondered how yours work for you?

-Ben

How meany page's did you have to go back to find this thread?

I had it in my favorites. I put threads with useful info in my favorites since I can never find them again.

I don't think Dope is here anymore. If you can afford it, try a set of Bilsteins on the front. They really make a difference. You might want to go for the "heavy duty" instead of the "sport" ones. I have those on my DD blue caprice wagon, while I use sports on the summer wagon and the SS. LMK if you need part numbers.

A few years back I put a new set of Gabriel gas shocks on the front of my 95 Fleetwood when I first got it... About a thousand miles later I found out it needed a lower A frame because of damage... Well when I disconnected the shock it had no gas charge left.. The other side was the same thing.. I won't use Gabriel gas shocks again.. I love there air shocks... But like Jay says, if you want to feel the difference use Bilsteins in the front..

jayoldschool said:

I don't think Dope is here anymore. If you can afford it, try a set of Bilsteins on the front. They really make a difference. You might want to go for the "heavy duty" instead of the "sport" ones. I have those on my DD blue caprice wagon, while I use sports on the summer wagon and the SS. LMK if you need part numbers.

Click to expand...

He might be back again. Look at me. I was gone for a looong time.