Rancho RSX Shock Installation

[Adam Smith]

Sorry to be so dumb, but which end of the red boot goes up? I have the front shocks ready to install and assume the "notched" end goes by the end with the "t" bolt mount. Where does the zip tie go? Are the rear shocks the same? Thanks, sorry to ask silly question, just want to do it right the first time. I'm on duty tonight and will try to install fronts in between calls.

 

[Gary Kendall]

The large opening end of the boot goes down on both the front and the rear. (I just went and checked because I did mine last week) The zip tie goes over the large opening of the boots, on the shock body. Do not apply the zip ties until you have the shocks mounted and the boots where you want them. The boots are tricky to get on, especially over the "t" end, but I found with a screwdriver and a little soap and water, they are manageable. Good luck and you are really going to enjoy the new handling characteristics of your ST!!

 

[Adam Smith]

Thank you for your quick reply! This site is the best. I will work on the fronts (easier?) after dinner, and see how it goes. Might ask more questions....

Thanks.

 

[Dingo]

Throughout the years, I've found that not even using boots is better. The boots always end up full of dirt and water and crap, rusting out the shock.

 

[Gary Kendall]

The fronts are easier. I didn't even bother to take the wheels off to do it. Just cranked them all the way to the right and then to the left. On the rear, I removed the spare and then removed that breather box to get to the drivers side shock better. The box was pretty easy to remove, I think there were 5 bolts. (my ST is a 2003 4wd XLT). There are 2 hoses on the top side of the box that I removed also, just remember to put them back on when you are putting that box back! Did you get your shocks from Sams Offroad?

 

[Scott Heckler]

The hardest part is getting the boots on. I used liquid soap to help lubricate the boots to slide them on. I am on my second set. Love them!

 

[Rodger Tellefson]

I agree with garman that the fronts are much easier. There are a couple of projects on shock installation that are helpful.

 

[Adam Smith]

Finally installed the rears. Dropped the breather box (five 13mm bolts, socket wratchet works) and one hose popped off. I left the rest of it connected and just moved around it. Replacement nuts for top of new shocks is 13mm (I used open end wrench), and 10mm bolts (used screwdriver socket). But I had to work all the Rancho 13mm nuts and 10mm bolts many times, with WD-40, in a vice, before they would work decently. What are they, anodized or something? They were just too tight after initially screwing the nuts on beyond flush with the bolt end. Anyway, The nice thing about the rear shock job was no jacking the vehicle, and not necessary to remove the rear wheels. Just take out the spare. Looking forward to driving it home. I did not work the shocks several times, though, as a posting I just read recommended, just once. Hope that is OK.

 

[Dan Long]

The nuts were probably locking nuts, which you just defeated the purpose of....While its nice to be able to just thread them on by hand, then snug them with a wrench, in the event they loosen a little they will then be able to continue coming loose. I'd consider removing them and adding a lock washer, or else check them every now and again to make sure they're still tight.