🔧 Shock Absorbers - Replacement

Your Grand Cherokee uses rear shock absorbers, while the front suspension uses strut assemblies instead of separate shocks. This guide covers the rear shock absorber replacement process so you can restore ride control, reduce bouncing, and fix clunking from worn rear shocks.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle securely with jack stands before removing any rear suspension parts.
• Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Rear coil springs store energy; do not unbolt suspension parts that could release sudden force.
• If your model has a rear air suspension system, keep the ignition off and do not open air lines for this job.
• Battery disconnect is not required for a standard rear shock replacement.

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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
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Trim clip tool
• 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.
• Place wheel chocks at the front wheels.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• If the truck has air suspension, make sure the system is in normal mode before lifting.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and support the rear

• Use a floor jack to raise the rear of the vehicle at a proper lift point.
• Set the frame securely on jack stands.
• Remove both rear wheels using a 13mm socket or the correct lug tool for your wheels.

Step 2: Access the shock fasteners

• Use a trim clip tool to remove any lower cargo-area trim or wheelhouse liner pieces blocking the upper shock mount.
• Spray the upper and lower shock bolts with penetrating oil.

Step 3: Support the suspension

• Place the floor jack under the rear suspension arm to hold it in a neutral position.
• Keep the suspension from dropping suddenly.

Step 4: 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.

Step 5: Remove the upper shock bolt

• Use a 15mm socket to remove the upper shock fastener.
• Lower the suspension slightly with the floor jack if needed to unload the bolt.

Step 6: Remove the old shock absorber

• Pull the old shock out of the wheel well.
• Compare the old and new parts to confirm length and mount style match.

Step 7: Install the new shock absorber

• Position the new shock in place by hand.
• Install the upper fastener first using the 15mm socket, but do not fully tighten yet.
• Install the lower bolt using the 18mm socket.
• Torque the shock fasteners to 115 Nm (85 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reassemble and repeat on the other side

• Reinstall any trim pieces using the trim clip tool.
• Put the wheel back on and snug the lug nuts by hand.
• Repeat the same steps on the opposite rear shock.
• Torque the lug nuts to 176 Nm (130 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Lower the vehicle fully and bounce the rear corner lightly to confirm the suspension settles normally.
• Test drive on a rough road and listen for clunks or rubbing.
• Recheck the shock bolts and lug nuts after the test drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$700 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$260 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$440 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 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.