Over 1 year later, still can't begin the rear shocks project.
12-23-2013, 07:22 PM
#48
::CF Administrator::
If it takes any longer than an hour, you are getting your man card pulled...LOL....seriously though, barring any busted hardware, (knock on wood) now that you've done one, the second should be a breeze, take what you've learned and use it wisely, padawan
12-23-2013, 07:31 PM
#52
::CF Administrator::
Can't go wrong for $10. Good to have when you need them. You've only done small projects, wait till you start trying to do suspension work, you'll want 'em then, especially if you have lots of rust...
12-23-2013, 07:34 PM
#54
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
That's what I'm saying... I don't see myself ever getting air tools. I'd like a cordless impact wrench for stuff like lugs but other than that... hand tools have done me just fine so far.
12-23-2013, 07:38 PM
#55
::CF Administrator::
Air tools are the shiz...speeds things WAY up...why crank on something for 2 minutes when you can have it off in 5 seconds...
12-23-2013, 07:46 PM
#57
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12-23-2013, 08:26 PM
#58
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L i6
I spent about an hour examining that 2nd rear shock and didn't even get a single bolt loose.
Rear shocks will turn out to be a full TWO DAY job for me. IF I'm lucky!
This really is a job for a professional garage with years of experience and equipment.
Beginner's pay heed!!
Why?
The passenger's side shock is a total nightmare.
The driver's side shock was back near the gas tank. Tons of space to work.
This shock is way farther up front. In front of the wheel.
The diff cover is like an inch from your nose.
The exhaust is totally in the way, as are frame rails.
There almost no room to even move your arms.
You need to be a contortionist just to SEE the bolts.
Oh, and Salad said he would jack the car up so he could SIT under the car.
Did you mean use your lift?
This is my XJ jacked to the highest notch on the jackstands.
Normal jackstands will never jack high enough for you to sit.
On the HIGHEST setting my tires are only about 6" off the ground.
Can you tell me what jackstands you own?
Do I now need to get special 3-feet tall jackstands for an XJ?
The other issue with jackstands (even if they were 3 feet tall) is that they totally get in the way.
In the photo, I can't lie on my back to get under the shock.
How can you work on your shock with the jackstand in the way??
I think the only way to do rear shocks is either from the side with the tire off, or by using a lift.
I will try that the next time I take a day off from work.
With that, I called it a day.
Rear shocks will turn out to be a full TWO DAY job for me. IF I'm lucky!
This really is a job for a professional garage with years of experience and equipment.
Beginner's pay heed!!
Why?
The passenger's side shock is a total nightmare.
The driver's side shock was back near the gas tank. Tons of space to work.
This shock is way farther up front. In front of the wheel.
The diff cover is like an inch from your nose.
The exhaust is totally in the way, as are frame rails.
There almost no room to even move your arms.
You need to be a contortionist just to SEE the bolts.
Oh, and Salad said he would jack the car up so he could SIT under the car.
Did you mean use your lift?
This is my XJ jacked to the highest notch on the jackstands.
Normal jackstands will never jack high enough for you to sit.
On the HIGHEST setting my tires are only about 6" off the ground.
Can you tell me what jackstands you own?
Do I now need to get special 3-feet tall jackstands for an XJ?
The other issue with jackstands (even if they were 3 feet tall) is that they totally get in the way.
In the photo, I can't lie on my back to get under the shock.
How can you work on your shock with the jackstand in the way??
I think the only way to do rear shocks is either from the side with the tire off, or by using a lift.
I will try that the next time I take a day off from work.
With that, I called it a day.
Last edited by BimmerJeeper; 12-23-2013 at 09:06 PM.
12-23-2013, 08:37 PM
#60
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L i6
You have an impact wrench.
Cordless or air, same basic thing.
You are using serious power tools for your XJ.
"Hand tools" imply wrenches and sockets and screwdrivers.
You can't do squat on an XJ with just some mickey mouse hand tools.
Just sayin'
Last edited by BimmerJeeper; 12-23-2013 at 08:40 PM.