hey there,

my front upper shock absorbers are starting to crumble slowly. No free play or movement yet, but eventually will need to be replaced. My local shop told me to do so they have to replace the whole shock mount assembly and cannot just do the shock absorbers...which i do not believe. Can anyone let me know if you can just replace the shock absorbers and if so provide an estimate of the cost and labor cost as well..thanks

 

I presume your upper shock bushings are same or similar to a 99xj8. If so, the upper bushings can be replaced alone. Welsh and others have a kit for around $85. Call Boon @ Welsh 1-800-875-5247, he's great. The upper mounting plates can be removed, I would place a jack under the lower shock end prior to removing mounts, and raise it up a few inches. This will allow the shock to remain protruding through the hole for reattachment of the upper nut. You'll need a c-clamp 4" opening or larger, a 12mm bolt 1.5" to 2" inch long will suffice, and a socket to place on opposite side of bolt. The bolt is placed in what would be the top. Clamp down to remove, you'll hear a pop when it's free. To reinstall, I could only get so far with the clamp and had to finish off with a large hammer striking the top while bottom was on a hard surface. Easy job with above tools. Should only take an hour or less. If you have adaptive (electrical connection on top of shock or air suspension?) this will alter above slightly. If you do a search there should be plenty of information, and not much different than described. Good luck.

 

Thanks that was extremely informative