Rear Shocks - Install

[Theo]

My 2002 Xterra SE 4x4 (which has been an awesome truck) needs new rear shocks. Both are totally done, one is actually broken and not connect at the bottom!

I picked up two standard Monro shocks. Reflex is the name on the shock. Looking under the truck it looks like a straight forward swap that I should be able handle. Does anyone know if the rear stabilizer bar needs to removed to get the shock into place? Seems the stabilizer might be it way at the bottom where the shock bolts on.

One another note, I went with a basic shock, wondering if there is a better replacement shock out there that I should look at, anyone have any input?

Cheers

[seang]

Anything is better than what you had on there. Your shocks are twin tube, they should be okay for normal duty, depending on what you call normal. If you baja your truck, they might underperform in comparison to more expensive shocks.

[Desert Rat]

Most people who wheel their Xterras take off that rear swaybar and throw it in the trash. It makes little difference on the road and improves articulation off road by removing it.

That said, replacing shocks is a 15 minute job. Should just be able to spin the nuts off and swap them over.

[Theo]

Thanks,,, I dont take the truck off road much anymore. I use it mostly for towing my 18ft Alum fishing boat and my wife uses it as her daily driver to work and back.

I'll leave the stabilizer bar in place and try the shock installation this week

Thanks Again!

[Rev_D21]

Sway bar won't need to be removed to replace the shocks.

[Theo]

I completed the rear shock install today on my Xterra. Turns out the stabilizer bar needs to be loosened and move slightly to get the right rear shock on/off.
It took an extra 10 minutes.

Now I need to look at the front shocks and see if its something I can do.