Hi All,

I'm getting ready to order some of the adaptive shocks, (green tubes MND2140GD) and shock mounts (MNC2168BE Left; MNC2169BE Right) which unfortunately are the only way to replace the upper bushings and are farily expensive, suprise suprise. My shocks aren't necessarily bad but the mount bushings definately need to be replaced. Figure I might as well put the new shocks in there if I'm going to replace those; got ~80k on the factory shocks.

BTW, I've done a fair amount of research and it seems like Guardian is about the best deal (aside from their shipping)

I'm wondering if any of you gents have done this yourselves. My FSM (which I'd be happy to email any of you in PDF, no complicated DL process) also sights a special tool,
204-114 (JD 133) Front Camber Tie Down Link and am wondering if this tool is absoultely necessary for the DIY'er? I've replaced many a shock and strut in my day and am very fimilar with this suspension design.

I'm also looking at the parts fische and am wondering if I should order anything else while I'm at it. Looks like there's a bump stop that rides on the shock piston, any comments?

Thanks in advance,

 

The upper bushings can be purchased separately, without buying the entire top mount assembly, from several vendors on this forum. The Cats shocks are very durable and are likely fine at 79K miles. The fronts can easily be checked when you have the top shock plate removed. You must fit a hex key inside the shock tube to hold the shock before removing the nut that holds the shock to the top plate

The lower shock bushing is available separately as well and it is easy to press to press a new one in. The top and bottom shock bushings along with the sway bar bushings and end links and the most common wear items for the front end and can be the cause of a lot of suspension noise.

 

Hi Rocklandjag,

Thank you for the reply and the additional information and pointing out some other common wear items that I should check. Can you give me some direction as to where I might find the standalone bushings? I've searched for the part numbers I've posted and am not coming up with much. Every vendor I've spoken to tells me that there's no aftermarket solutions for this part.

Also, are you familiar with the special tool "required" to remove the shocks?

Thanks,

 

I get my parts from Greenville Jaguar. They are a forum sponsor and give us 15% off list price and free shipping on any order over $25. Just mention you are a forum member when you place your order.

Jeff has always treated me well.
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If you do a search here for upper shock bushings you will find many options for the rebuild kits. The front shocks are very easy to remove, no special tools needed. The alignment is altered. Just be careful to hold the top of the shock from rotating ( hex key) when you remove and replace the top not. The upper and lower bushings can be changed with a press or a big C clamp or a vice