Easy questions on shock absorbers

[PK99TJ]

At long last, I am replacing my stock TJ shocks with DT3000 shocks this weekend (and spacing up 2" at the same time). On the shocks, my easy questions are:

1) In the rear, cans above, or cans below? Physically DT3000s can be run either way, but practically, it would seem safest to get the rod out of the way of the ground to avoid being damaged, so my guess is cans below.

2) DT3000s have no shock boots as shipped. Shock boots seem like a great way to keep out dirt and grime. AND, a better way to keep it in. I don't intend to put shock boots on these shocks. Is there a good reason to do so?

3) Bar pins. Grease and... slow vice turns? Some other tool? By hand?

Thanks for your confirmation on 1 and 2. Thanks for any advice on 3.

Cheers,
PK

[DanB98TJ]

I ran my DT3000s can down. With the spacer lift I don't see any advantage to running can up - if there is, I'm sure someone will tell us both. With taller lifts and increased pinion angle you may have contact with the rear lower spring perch, so can up would be a benefit there.

I would never use shock boots, period. You're right about keeping mud and junk inside - my old Dodge truck had the boots on when I bought it, and I couldn't believe all the garbage that came out when I cut them off.

On the bar pins, I ground a slight taper on the outside edges of one end, lubed them up with silicone spray, and used a vise to press them in.

[Jerry Bransford]

The main reason they're run can-up is for greater clearance between the shock and axle if the axle has been rotated to raise the pinion shaft for a CV driveshaft. Rotating the axle pulls the shock in closer to the axle so clearance becomes an issue which makes running the shock upside-down a good idea.

[karstman]

Well..........

It's about time

Say hello to Jeff for me and have fun with the lift!

[Croaker]

Just did an RE BB on a friend's TJ -- vise, a 15/16ths deep impact socket, and WD or silicon worked great to get the bar pins in. That size socket isn't a magic number or anything, just happened to be handy and worked well.

[KJP98TJ]

1. did you get these shocks with a BB kit? or are you sure they are 3000's? reason i ask is, RE's BB did not come with 3k's with my buddy's lift. we mounted them can up. thing was like a slinky. removed, and mounted can down, and they performed as a shock should. other than that, i would mount them can up to avoid rocks.
2.actually boots do a great job at keeping mud, dirt, salt and water in. ditch them, or use them as spline protectors on spare shafts.
3. dish soap

[PK99TJ]

They are definitely the right shocks, DT3000 series with the right travel lengths -- ordered separately, not part of a kit.

Thanks for the advice all.

Patrick

[PK99TJ]

All - Thanks for the advice, shocks and spacers all done this weekend. 4 years later, I'm not stock height anymore. Woo hoo.

[Jerry Bransford]

Originally posted by PK99TJ
4 years later, I'm not stock height anymore. Woo hoo.

That was a case of stunted growth if I ever saw one.