Is there a DIY front shock change article/post?

[JIMJAM]

Only 3 yrs old and maybe a thousand miles but it appears my front drvs side shock leaked out. Cannot even remeber what they are. White but I used the Eibach springs.
I am going to take the tire off later and get a better good look but almost certain its gotta be the shock leaking from the top. Yellowish/green very light fluid covering the shock.
The thing is I first noticed a small stain on the floor months ago but it never reappeared so I forgot about it. I have not noticed any difference in handling or noise and wouldnt have a clue had I not got under the car today.

I have all the time in the world but the only part that concerns me is the part of compressing the springs. Never done that and do not even know what to ask for to borrow or rent. Ive heard stories of springs going through the sides of houses so I am just a little intimidated.

Any info or links welcomed.

[Bitsyncmaster]

You don't need to remove the springs on a front shock change. It's a pretty simple thing to do.

[sean]

You don't need to remove the springs on a front shock change. It's a pretty simple thing to do.

Yup, one nut/bolt at the base, a nut and a lock nut at the top and that shock is ready to come out.

[DMCMW Dave]

Just be sure you have the lower arm supported when you do this, the shock is what limits the travel. You want to avoid the lower arm hitting the frame to stop its travel, that just bends things that shouldn't be bent.

[JIMJAM]

Oh crap..... Good news...easy to replace.... not that expensive...... Doesnt take long........

Man I am really nervous now :Headspin:


Ok Dave. You have always been good to me and always there to answer my pleas for help.

How bout sell me 2 front shocks. Good ones to go along with the lowered Eibach springs.

Whatcha got in stock??

[DMCMW Dave]

How bout sell me 2 front shocks. Good ones to go along with the lowered Eibach springs.

Whatcha got in stock??

Well - the only thing I have in stock fronts-only are a bunch of used OE shocks. We sell the Spax shocks in sets of 4 only. Not sure if anyone else sells pairs.


Now that your confidence is all built up, we have had to torch the upper shock bolts off a couple of cars recently. Northern rusty cars, but once in a while even the easy jobs can go wrong. Also if someone put the lower mount together with a stack of washers instead of the proper spacers, they can be an incredible rusty mess too.

[JIMJAM]

Car has not been wet but once since I got it. All 4 shocks and lowered springs done just under 3 yrs ago.

Ok, I am open to suggestions for replacements for the front shocks and where to get them. I have not given John any money in a long time.

Seeing that I have been running on that shock for at least 3 months and have not noticed any change in handling or noise I get the feeling those fronts do not do very much.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Make me think. Why vendors don't (can't) sell shocks in pairs. Or even singles. What if one gets damaged.

[JIMJAM]

Maybe a dumb question....... All John sells for the front in pairs are the Easy riders. Does it matter that I am using Eibach lowered springs when decided apon the front shocks?
Btw- I put ALOT of weight up front whcih really makes the handling imo alot better. I carry tools,floor jack ect ect.... I do not want anything "floaty or maybe the increased weight will handle a looser shock better.

Then again the options appear to be limited so Easy riders it may be.

He appears to sell those adjustable ones in pairs but they cost big bucks. I am not running raod courses or dodging pylons so I just need a good shock not a boutique shock.

[stevedmc]

Make me think. Why vendors don't (can't) sell shocks in pairs. Or even singles. What if one gets damaged.

If one gets damaged you end up begging Spax to let Hervey sell you just one shock, as I did last year.

[Bitsyncmaster]

If one gets damaged you end up begging Spax to let Hervey sell you just one shock, as I did last year.

So it's a requirement from Spax to only sell in sets of four?

[stevedmc]

So it's a requirement from Spax to only sell in sets of four?

I think you can buy them in singles if you order straight from Europe but its super expensive.

[DMC5180]

JIMJAM,

What kind of Shocks do you have now? DMCH Performance, Hervey, Grady ECT. Having lowering springs doesn't indicate ( your flavor of shocks)

[JIMJAM]

I am going to take off the tire today and take a good look.

During this time frame of getting the car right we also replaced just about everything either that gas or electricity flows through so I am a little fuzzy on the maker.

[JIMJAM]

The front are white with a SpecialT sticker so I am gussing EasyRiders.
The rear are white KYB from another source. iirc he is part of a Delorean club that sells/sold shocks with the collars mounted per your pref.

I really do no want to put Easyriders back on but at that cost and availablility I probably will.

I just took the car for a drive over a section of 1/4 mile of street with a large speedbump every 100 feet. Old school zone.... Opened the door and listened. I cannot hear/feel anything wrong.
Typical old car,Delorean handling by Lotus racket.
Better safe than sorry.

[Farrar]

I have Eibach springs and Hervey's Easy-Rider (version 1) shocks. No problems with fit or ride height.

[JIMJAM]

You guys are great. Thanks for ther replies.


Well after 3 back surgeries in 2 years and developing the body of Elvis when he wore jumpsuits, I am whooped. :blackeye:

All I did was put the car on 4 ramps, take off the tires, crawl around,put em back on and off the ramps and it kicked my BUTT!

Saw what I am up against and not to jinx myself but I can handle it.
I always notice a new issue everytime I get under that car. My blood sugar is low and pain meds are kickin in so stay with me on this lol..... The air deflector plates? under the car are rubbing the "lower link?". I can see where the black paint has rubbed off and its shiney and smooth. Maybe a cards thickness taken off but I don likey. I tried to hammer and bend up the "aluminum?" shield but it flexes back. Something to keep a eye on.

Ok, I contacted Midstate where I got my KYB rears and see if he will sell me just the fronts. If not its SpecialT.