Rear Shocks - Changing w/o a Lift

Greetings,

Recently I changed out the front struts and shocks on my 2001 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner, 6 cyl., 3.4 L. It was a lot harder to get that done than it should have been.

Now I’m planning to change out the rear shocks. It should be easier, but I do not want to run into the same kind of problem with fighting load bearing in order to install the new ones.

Should I use a jackstand to support the weight of the vehicle before removing each old shock? For example, I was thinking about elevating the driver side ever so slightly before changing out the rear shock on that side, then do the same thing on the other side.

Also, should I use my jack, not to lift, but to support the rear axle / differential so that the suspension does not slouch when I take off each old shock?

Maybe none of this is necessary, but the front strut replacement was a nightmare and I want to avoid a repeat if I can.

The rear shocks on the vehicle are pretty old.

Thanks.

 

You can swap the shock out without lifting/jacking the truck...

 

It's as simple as lay on your back and unbolt the 17mm head bolts. Take shocks off, put new shocks on, tighten 17mm head bolts.

 

You should be able to compress the rear shocks by hand (unless you get some gnarly gas assist shocks)- no need to manipulate the truck at all.

 

Thanks a lot — that is what I was hoping. Much appreciated!

 

You can use a ratchet strap to compress the shock if it’s giving u a hard time.

 

I got it done — thank you all!

I wondered if it would be tough to compress the new ones lying flat on the ground, not a lot of room to maneuver. But it wasn’t bad.

I appreciate the folks on this website. I would not have tried to do half the stuff I’ve done lately without the backup.

Thank you again.