i replaced my rear shocks last weekend.  it is very easy.  the toughest part
is to remove the bolts, which isn't a problem for you.  you need to buy a
torque wrench (~$40, flaps). set it to 65 ft-lbs (bentley).  you should
check the rubber bushing for sure, and i guess you'll need a new nut and
bolt.

unless you have aftermarket gas-charged shocks, they'll stay compressed
after you squeeze them.  if you have gas shocks, rig something up with a
coat hanger, zip ties, whatever.

my new shocks:
http://aaron80027.tripod.com/id2.html

aaron
'87 syncro westy ej22

>From: Rob Campbell <mantid@GMAIL.COM>
>Reply-To: Rob Campbell <mantid@GMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: suspension newbie - shock dismounted
>Date: Sun, 19 Mar 2006 16:24:55 -0800
>
>Hi volks-
>
>Regarding my 87 Westy GL (2wd, Bilstein shocks):
>
>Today I heard a repeated thunking sound after each moderate bump I hit in
>the road.  Like an echo... CHUNK-CHunk-chunk-ck
>
>I crawled underneath when I got home and found to my horror that the rear
>left shock is dangling loose.  The lower mount looks intact, but whatever
>bolt runs through it to hold it in place is missing, so that the shock can
>dangle loose.
>
>I am a mechanical novice, so is this possible to address at home by someone
>with very little experience?  What special tools are needed? I imagine
>compressing the shock enough to get it back into place is not easy?
>
>How much should it cost to have fixed if its not something I could/should
>do?
>
>How dangerous is it to drive in the meantime?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Rob Campbell
>87 Westy
>Long Beach, CA

_________________________________________________________________
Don�t just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!
http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/