Rear Shocks(Novice Mechanic)

[Buzzard67]

Hi , everyone.
I am very lucky to have my 1984 DXL 4x4 stored this winter in my garage and would like to do some maintenance. I don't have many tools , no pneumatic or welding tools. Could someone with a little mechanical skill be able to change out the Rear Shocks ? It looks like two bolts ,one on top and one on the bottom. If anybody has any experience with this I sure could use the help. Any descriptions or illustration would help.

Next, what maker or manufacturer would Toyota 4wd owners recommend ? What are the plus or minuses of shocks with the coil over springs on shocks. I do a lot of camping with this wagon and do tend to load it down.

Thanks Bill

[dlb]

yes, you are correct about replacing the rear shocks. just undo the nuts in the cargo area and down on the axle. i don't have any preference on name brands.

if you want a higher ride height or stiffer springs, you can get new springs or get springs from a pathfinder. if you trim them they will not be quite as high (they usually give about 4" of lift--fairly extreme) and will stiffen up. you can easily swap the springs while the shocks are out. you would just need to undo the e-brake cable from the frame so that you can drop the rear axle low enough to get the springs in and out.

[Petros]

They are easy to change, if they have been on a long time you may need to use an adjustable wrench to hold the shaft from turning while you remove the nuts on the top end, 12mm nuts if I recall. Lower one is a 14mm, and comes off in a straight forward way.

I like the KYB gas filled rear shock. You only want to add extra springs if you want the rear to be stiffer, it may also make the ride more harsh when not loaded.

do not be intimidated, it is an easy job.