🔧 Shock Absorbers - Replacement

Assumption: This guide covers the rear shock absorbers on your Silverado. The front suspension uses a different shock setup and takes more disassembly.

Rear shocks control bounce and keep the tires planted on rough roads. Replacing worn shocks improves ride quality, braking stability, and handling. Do them in pairs so both sides match.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck securely with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle held up only by a jack.
• Keep hands clear of the suspension when lowering or raising the axle.
• Penetrating oil helps loosen rusty bolts before removal.
• If a bolt is heavily rusted, stop and clean it before forcing it.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 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
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorber - Qty: 2
• Rear shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Spray penetrating oil on the upper and lower shock bolts and let it soak.
• Raise the rear of the truck and support the frame with jack stands.
• Let the rear axle hang just enough to relieve pressure from the shocks.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and support the truck

• Use a floor jack to lift the rear of the truck by the differential or approved lift point.
• Set jack stands under the frame rails and lower the truck onto them.
• Keep the rear axle lightly supported with the jack so it can move up and down.

Step 2: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use an 18mm socket and ratchet to remove the lower shock bolt.
• If the bolt is tight, use a breaker bar for extra leverage.
• Support the shock with your free hand as the bolt comes out.

Step 3: Remove the upper shock bolt

• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the upper shock bolt.
• Pull the old shock out of the mounting area.
• Tip: Wiggle the axle height a little if the shock is stuck.

Step 4: Install the new shock absorber

• Position the new shock in place with the body oriented the same way as the old one.
• Install the upper bolt first by hand using the removed hardware or new hardware kit.
• Install the lower bolt by hand next.
• Do not fully tighten until both bolts are started.

Step 5: Torque the shock bolts

• Use a torque wrench and tighten the upper and lower shock bolts to 115 Nm (85 ft-lbs).
• Raise or lower the axle slightly if needed so the bolts line up without binding.

Step 6: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the shock on the opposite side the same way.
• Always replace rear shocks in pairs so handling stays balanced.

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✅ After Repair

• Lower the truck and remove the wheel chocks.
• Test drive slowly over a rough road and listen for clunks or rattles.
• Check both shock bolts again after the test drive.
• Look for unusual bouncing or pulling, which can mean a bolt was not torqued correctly.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $300-$600 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $210-$380 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.0 hours.

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🎯 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.