help needed for monroe shock install

[lamboman]

I have the shocks removed and went to install the new monroes and they dont fit up into the lower arm hole?...what do i do?i have attached a few pics to show what i am dealing with part wise compared to whatever was on there before.

[WelmoedJ]

Do not fit? In which way?
Do they need more space or is there excessive space in between the sides of the LCA?

[lamboman]

nobody has installed these?part number is correct...really need some help so i can get the car back together asap.

[lamboman]

we replied at the same time.

the cover over the shock upper shaft will not fit up through the lower control arm.

Do not fit? In which way?
Do they need more space or is there excessive space in between the sides of the LCA?

[WelmoedJ]

Okay, I understand: the dust cover is the problem.
Well, you could take it off and install the shock that way.

I had a problem with Ed's front shocks (the previous set).
They have a rubber dust cover that tears around the top.
So I took the cover off.
May be the shocks will get dirtier that way and therefore don't live that long, but they work.

[lamboman]

the munroes have a metal dust shield...not sure how to get those off.

[WelmoedJ]

If that Monroe dust cover is wider than the originals, do they fit inside the spring?
If fitting inside you could decide to make the access hole wider.

The dust cover has been mounted onto the shock at some point during manufacturing.
My guess is that it's also possible to take the cover off.

Now you have two options

[Spittybug]

I believe it is the angle that is bad. If you push up on the control arm (compressing the spring a bit), the angle changes and you should be able to get the shock in/out. That's what I had to do to get mine out the other day. It's tight.

[TTait]

Also, be advised that Monroe makes that shock in different runs in different factories around the world with varied specs. A new shock may have slightly different dimensions that another monroe. This can be a BIG problem when you go to put a spring collar on the wrong sized shock.

IIRC I put on a set of Monroes some years back and had to trim down the dust cover, don't recall why. I think that the bush at the bottom needs to be replaced too - the monroe spec bush is not up to the job of taking the weight of the rear suspension.

Those shocks are long gone now I'm afraid, so I can't look.

T

[Ryan King]

Return them and get Gabriel Guardians from Autozone, they have a lifetime warranty. Got me on my car. They are awesome.