'03 QX4 rear shocks

[9899pathfinder]

Just a quick basic question I hope. Searched here & on the internet but didn't find what I am seeking. I am replacing the rear shocks. Do I have to jack up the vehicle? It appears that I can reach the nuts without jacking it up. The bottom nut is easily reachable with my 18V impact and maybe the top. Otherwise, the top is reachable with a breaker bar, Torque is not excessive at about 50-60 ft. lbs.

[hotdawwgman]

Jack the rear up. It's safe that way

[9899pathfinder]

Jack the rear up. It's safe that way

Thanks for the reply. Why would it be safer to jack up the rear vs doing the job with both tires on the ground? Just asking.

[PathyPop]

You don't need to jack up the back. The rear shocks are not under load, unless they are gas charged in which case they will expand slowly as you remove them.

[9899pathfinder]

Thanks PathyPop. Just finished it without raising the vehicle. Would have had more room to work with the tires off but otherwise went fairly smooth. Besides, getting those large, heavy tires on & off is a project unto itself. Tip for others: install the bottom end of the new shock first because the fixed bolt that affixes it at that end is long. Consequently, if you install the top first, the shock must be pulled outward at the bottom in order to get it to begin lining up with that long fixed bolt. It will start to go on the bolt but it will be cockeyed and it won't slide all the way in.