...a play on words.

How many of you folks have changed either (or both) rear shocks (struts, bags, whole assemblies, whatever) and why? If you have changed them, was it by choice for routine maintenance? Was it because they were worn out? Was it due to a failure? Please state estimated mileage at replacement, too. I appreciate the information.

I am considering changing my rears (my fronts were done recently) and I'm at 126,000 miles or so. The thing is, they feel just fine. Feels like new, so I'm not sure I should do it just to do it....but the mileage is getting up there.

What have y'all experienced?

Thanks in advance.

-Houm

 

I have changed front bags at 165 K as part of routine maintenance when replacing front upper, lower control arms and tie rods, There were no leaks or anything like that, just part of my preventive tasks, although I could tell that ride on old was a little soft and wobbly on old worn shocks.Did not notice any significant difference though with a new units. I have purchased rears back then but did not replaced them yet and I am at 235 000 miles and still OK. No leaks yet.

 

Thanks thorgal. Seems like the rears can go longer than the fronts for sure...must be because they are not loaded as much...?

 

There is probably some truth to that. Front almost always gets more workout, then rear unless you haul a pallet of brick in the trunk every day.
All and all with RS sliders and bunch of protection plates underneath our trucks, front gets extra stress especially during off road excursions.Every time we wheel and most of my friends trailer their rigs so the can abuse them without too much worry, I have to get back home in one piece after wheeling and go to work next day with the same rig. So yep...extra weight underneath to protect our trucks adds more stress on suspension components for sure, but I am amazed how well airbags still hold up after all those years of abuse and provide reasonable comfort going back home every time after outings and everyday use.

 

I did all 4 of mine when I purchased my 06 with 122 on the clock. Im glad I did for sure a improvement in ride quality and my 3 feels a bit more stable through turns. Nothing was might and day just less overall body roll.

The job itself was a mixed bag. You will want a lift, sure it could be done on stands but the lift was nice to have. I snapped off 2/3 studs on each strut and this was after days of pre treatment with PB blaster. Once you get the old ones off however its pretty simple to get the new ones in. You will also need an impact gun of some sort to get the bottom bolt off its torqued super high.