🔧 Wrangler - Shock (Strut) Replacement

Your Wrangler doesn’t use “struts” like many cars do—it uses shock absorbers with separate coil springs. Replacing the shocks restores ride control (less bouncing) and improves handling and braking stability.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Support the Jeep with jack stands under the frame; never rely on a jack alone.
• 🛞 Chock the wheels and keep the transmission in 1st gear with the parking brake set.
• 🔥 Let the exhaust cool before working near the rear shocks.
• 🧤 Wear eye protection—rust and dirt fall straight down when removing shock hardware.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Breaker bar (1/2")
• Torque wrench (20-150 ft-lbs range)
• Ratchet (3/8")
• Ratchet (1/2")
• Socket set: 13mm, 15mm, 18mm, 19mm
• Wrench set: 13mm, 15mm, 18mm, 19mm
• Pry bar (12-18")
• Needle-nose pliers
• Penetrating oil
• Anti-seize compound
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front shock absorbers (pair) - Qty: 1
• Rear shock absorbers (pair) - Qty: 1
• Shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place the transmission in 1st gear.
• Chock the wheels that stay on the ground.
• Spray all shock bolts/nuts with penetrating oil 10-15 minutes before removal.
• A “shock” controls bounce; it isn’t load-bearing.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen lug nuts and lift the front

• Use a 19mm socket and breaker bar to loosen (not remove) the front wheel lug nuts.
• Use a floor jack to lift the front by the axle center section.
• Place jack stands under the frame rails, then lower the Jeep onto the stands with the floor jack.
• Remove the front wheels using a 19mm socket.

Step 2: Support the front axle

• Keep the floor jack lightly supporting the front axle (this lets you raise/lower the axle to line up bolts).

Step 3: Remove the front shocks

• At the bottom shock mount, use 18mm socket and 18mm wrench to remove the lower bolt and nut.
• At the top shock stem, remove the nut using a 15mm wrench (use needle-nose pliers only if needed to steady the stem carefully).
• Pull the shock out. If it’s stuck, use a pry bar gently at the lower mount.

Step 4: Install the new front shocks

• Slide the new shock into position.
• Start the top nut by hand, then snug it with a 15mm wrench.
• Install the lower bolt and nut using an 18mm socket and 18mm wrench.
• Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the bolt shank (not the threads) before final assembly.
• Final tighten:
  • Front lower shock bolt: Torque to 56 N·m (41 ft-lbs)
  • Front upper shock stem nut: Torque to 27 N·m (20 ft-lbs)

Step 5: Reinstall front wheels and lower the front

• Reinstall wheels using a 19mm socket.
• Lower the Jeep off the jack stands with the floor jack.
• Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench: Torque to 130 N·m (96 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Lift the rear and remove rear wheels

• Chock the front wheels using wheel chocks.
• Use a 19mm socket and breaker bar to loosen rear lug nuts.
• Use a floor jack to lift the rear by the axle center section.
• Place jack stands under the frame rails, then lower the Jeep onto the stands using the floor jack.
• Remove the rear wheels using a 19mm socket.

Step 7: Support the rear axle and remove the rear shocks

• Keep the floor jack lightly supporting the rear axle.
• Remove the lower shock bolt using an 18mm socket and 18mm wrench.
• Remove the upper shock mount bolts using a 13mm socket (some replacement shocks use a nut/bolt—match your hardware).
• Remove the shock. Use a pry bar gently if needed.

Step 8: Install the new rear shocks

• Position the new shock and install the upper mount hardware by hand first.
• Install the lower bolt and nut using an 18mm socket and 18mm wrench.
• Final tighten:
  • Rear upper shock mount bolts: Torque to 23 N·m (17 ft-lbs)
  • Rear lower shock bolt: Torque to 88 N·m (65 ft-lbs)

Step 9: Reinstall rear wheels and lower the rear

• Reinstall wheels using a 19mm socket.
• Lower the Jeep off the jack stands with the floor jack.
• Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench: Torque to 130 N·m (96 ft-lbs).

---

✅ After Repair

• Test drive slowly first. Listen for clunks over bumps (usually a loose lower bolt).
• Recheck all shock fasteners with a torque wrench after a short drive.
• If you installed longer shocks or have a lift, check that brake hoses aren’t stretched at full droop.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $160-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $290-$450 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.