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View Full Version : 94 TBird LX shock installation


jerrym3
03-13-2010, 07:32 AM
Is this something that can be done in the driveway with ramps, stands, jacks, and a 3/8" rachet set?

(fronts and rears)
musclemerc
03-13-2010, 07:59 AM
Yes, the rears are easy peasy, the fronts will require some wrenching and a little know how. You will need a spring compressor for the front end. I just last week rebuilt the entire front end on my mud-inlaws 96 t bird I did upper and lower control arms, sway bar end links and new torsion bar bushins. Now that was a PITA!
fastblackmerc
03-13-2010, 08:15 AM
Is this something that can be done in the driveway with ramps, stands, jacks, and a 3/8" rachet set?

(fronts and rears)

Rears yes, fronts no.

You'll need a spring compressor for the fronts which if not used with GREAT care can cause SERIOUS injury. See if there are front strut assemblies available. They will cost more than shocks but it's easier to do.
ImpalaSlayer
03-13-2010, 11:01 AM
Rears yes, fronts no.

You'll need a spring compressor for the fronts which if not used with GREAT care can cause SERIOUS injury. See if there are front strut assemblies available. They will cost more than shocks but it's easier to do.

or you could at least remove them as an assy. then take them some where to have them swapped?
Green96
03-13-2010, 11:17 AM
I did the fronts on the 96 I used to have, I would not do it again. The springs are so heavy that I would not take the risk of compressing them with the rent-a-tool junk again. Like ImpalaSlayer says, you can take them off the car and pay a local shop to swap the springs over to the new units, but you have to be very careful with the orientation of the top mount or it will not bolt up on the car when you get them home.

Another trick is that you have to take the upper control arm loose from the spindle before you can remove the shock. Do not try to just loosen the bolt that connects the control arm to the spindle, you have to knock it completely out before the upper control arm will come loose.

By the way the Monroe shocks are junk for that car. I would go with Tokico Blue or OEM.
Glenn
03-13-2010, 01:01 PM
MuscleMerc:

Can you provide more details on removing and installing the TBird upper control arms. I have to do my wife's 1996 shortly. It seems like a straight bolt out and bolt in job. But, I'm sure it's not that easy.

Glenn
SpartaPerformance
03-13-2010, 05:15 PM
Is this something that can be done in the driveway with ramps, stands, jacks, and a 3/8" rachet set?

(fronts and rears)

Rears are cake! Fronts can be removed as an entire assembly however some muscle will be needed, and a pry bar. Due to the extreme factory positive caster you're going to have to muscle the strut in and out of the lower control arm.


MuscleMerc:

Can you provide more details on removing and installing the TBird upper control arms. I have to do my wife's 1996 shortly. It seems like a straight bolt out and bolt in job. But, I'm sure it's not that easy.

Glenn

It is that easy, getting to the bolts is a royal PITA
jerrym3
03-15-2010, 06:40 AM
Thanks for the input.

At 144,000 miles, I was planning to let the car run as-is and then trash her when something pricey was needed, but, the trans, which was sliding out of high gear, hasn't acted up since before Thanksgiving.

And, the damn car still looks good (when clean) except for some driver's side rocker panel rust and a chipped hood/rear bumper bird dropping scars.

(I'm original owner.)

Decisions, decisons.