Install Guide

Before you start

• Park on level ground, chock the wheels, and support the vehicle securely on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle held up only by a jack.
• Keep your stock shocks. They'll keep you rolling during any warranty or service.
• Confirm you received the correct part numbers for your vehicle before installing. Compare old and new shocks side by side for length and mount style.
• If your suspension has changed since you ordered (lift, leveling, springs, axle), call us before installing.

Air ride trucks and RVs

• On many air suspensions the shocks also limit how far the axle can drop. Support the axle or frame before removing a shock, and work one side at a time.
• Don't let the axle hang with the shocks removed.

Install tips

• New HD Shocks are nitrogen charged and will extend on their own. A ratchet strap helps hold the shock compressed while you line up the mounts.
• Install with the shaft cover facing up. If your shock has offset spacers, set them for the most clearance.
• Make sure bushings and sleeves are fully seated before tightening.
• Do not use an impact gun on stud mounts or pin mounts. An impact can spin the shaft inside the shock, damage the seal and piston, crush the bushings or break the stud. Use hand tools only. Hold the shaft by its flats with a wrench. Never grab the chrome shaft with pliers or vise grips.
• Stud mounts: tighten until the bushings compress evenly against the washers. Snug, not squished out the sides.
• Do final torque with the vehicle at ride height whenever possible, not at full droop.
• Cycle the suspension and check for clearance at full compression and full droop. Nothing should rub: brake lines, wiring, air lines.
• Never cut, drill, heat, weld or take apart an HD Shock. They are high pressure.
• Re-torque all fasteners after your first 500 miles.

Torque specs

Always torque shock mounting bolts to your vehicle manufacturer's spec when you have it. OEM values come first.

• Torque fasteners dry (no lube) unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
• Apply final torque at normal ride height whenever possible.
• Do not fully torque rubber-bushed mounts at full suspension droop.
• The 3/4" / M20 range reflects current heavy-duty (Class 8) OEM shock mount bracket specs. Confirm the exact value in the OEM service manual for your make and model.
• Stud mounts are different: hand tools only, tighten until the bushings compress evenly against the washers.

After the install

Take it for a drive, city streets first, then highway. Give the shocks about 200 miles to settle in before judging the ride. Questions? Call us: 661-243-0020.

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