How to Replace Front & Rear Shocks (Struts) on a 2021 Jeep Gladiator
Step-by-step DIY procedure with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and torque-spec guidance
How to Replace Front & Rear Shocks (Struts) on a 2021 Jeep Gladiator
Step-by-step DIY procedure with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and torque-spec guidance
🔧 Gladiator - Shock/Strut Replacement
Your Gladiator doesn’t use MacPherson “struts” like many cars; it uses coil springs with separate shock absorbers (front and rear). Replacing shocks is straightforward, but the exact fastener locations and torque specs differ front vs rear (and can differ if the truck is lifted).
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- 🛑 Support the truck with jack stands before working underneath.
- 🔥 Let the exhaust cool before working near the rear shocks.
- âś‹ Keep hands clear of suspension pinch points when lowering/raising the axle.
- 🔧 Do not remove coil springs unless instructed; shocks can be changed without spring removal.
🔧 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
- Lug wrench (22mm)
- Socket set (8mm-21mm)
- Ratchet (3/8" drive)
- Breaker bar (1/2" drive)
- Torque wrench (10-150 ft-lbs)
- Combination wrench set (10mm-21mm)
- Pry bar (12")
- Penetrating oil
- Trim clip tool
- Safety glasses
- Mechanic gloves
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Front shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Shock mounting hardware kit - If required - Qty: 1
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, put the transmission in Reverse, and set the parking brake.
- Chock the wheels that will stay on the ground.
- Spray penetrating oil on the shock mounting bolts/nuts 10-15 minutes before removal.
- Please answer these 2 quick questions so I can give you the correct OEM torque specs and the exact front/rear steps for your Gladiator:
- Are you replacing front shocks, rear shocks, or all four?
- Is your Gladiator at stock ride height or lifted/leveled?
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Once you reply with front/rear/all four and stock vs lifted, I’ll post the complete step-by-step procedure with the correct torque specs and any model-specific access tips (front vs rear hardware is different).
âś… After Repair
- Re-check that all shock bolts/nuts are tight after the first short test drive.
- Listen for clunks over bumps; that usually indicates a loose mounting bolt or bushing mis-seat.
- If you replaced front and rear shocks, verify the truck sits level and doesn’t pull.
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $450-$1,200 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $180-$900 (parts only)
You Save: $270-$300+ 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.
