Changing Front Shocks

[tommy33]

My 97 Disco with 65000 miles needs new front shocks. From reviewing the Haynes and Shop manuals, the job doesn't look too hard but with my Disco I've learned to expect the unexpected.

Anyone with experience with this task please let me know what to expect. Also, what brand shocks should I buy? Where should I buy them? And, what else should I replace when I am doing this job?

Thanks to all.

 

[Lendawg]

I haven't done this on my disco yet, but I have the new shocks (bilstein), just waiting for the right time. Here is what the shop manual says, if it helps...
1. Loosen road wheel retaining nuts.
2. Support chassis on stands and remove road wheel.
3. Support axle weight with jack.
4. Remove shock absorber lower fixing and withdraw cup washer, rubber bush and seating washer.
5. Remove four shock absorber bracket fixings.
6. Withdraw shock absorber and bracket complete.
7. Withdraw lower seating washer, rubber bush and cupwasher.
8. Remove fixings, shock absorber to mounting bracket.
9. Withdraw mounting bracket.
10. Lift off top seating washer, rubber bush and cupwasher.

Reverse to refit.

They make it sound so easy! Good luck.

 

[Moose]

Use a pipe wrench or Channel-Lock wrench to hold the shock body still, otherwise it'll rotate while you're loosening the upper and lower bolts.

Best thing to do, IMHO, is to unhook the lower mount (nuts and bushings), then remove the shock tower bolts and lift the whole assembly out of the truck. Remove the shock from the tower, mount the new shock to the tower, and then drop the assembly into the slot, reattaching the bushings and nut.

 

[Monty]

Nothing came up that was unexpected when I did mine a month ago. Pretty easy to do. I'm running Bilsteins. Also, check the tech section over at dweb for write ups and photos.

 

[tommy33]

Thanks. I'll order the same kind and follow the advice to take out the whole assembly. I'll let you know how it comes out.

 

[tommy33]

Ordered front and rear Bilsteins from Pro-Am in Houston for $299. Free shipping. Here's their website: proamauto.com
Has anyone had experience with them before?

 

[Lendawg]

I'm not sure if we got the same ones, but I went to OffRoadWarehouse and bought all 4 for $276 shipped. On the invoice, mine were called "OEM replacement". Part #'s are B46-0243-M0 & BE5-2779.

 

[tommy33]

1 - B46-0243M0/BE5-2779 - Bilstein - Land Rover 4WD Discovery 94-98 HD Front/Rear - $299.00.

Same shocks - could have saved $23! I'll check out your site next time.

 

[bendrover]

Hey Just rang OffRoadWarehouse.com, I'm NY they're in CA - Bilstein shipped for my 97 Disco I - $275.96 shipped! AWESOME DEAL!

 

[tommy33]

Great deal. What a difference they make too.