How do you replace rear shocks on a 1997 jeep Grand Cherokee?

Answer 1

The rear shocks are pretty simple - it's about a 30 minute job. You will need a 15mm socket, an 18mm socket a ratchet and an 18mm combination wrench.

BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE - CHECK YOUR SUSPENSION!

There are two different types of suspension on the 1997 (ZJ) model - standard and "Up Country" The parts cost for the "Up Country" is about 3X the price of the standard. The rear shock is the same physical form factor for both types of shock but, the "Up Country" is a much stiffer shock; physically, the two versions are interchangeable. If the line card for the vehicle shows Quardacoil Suspension, you have the standardsuspension. The "Up Country" package also has taller, stiffer springs and may have tow hooks (mine did not).

Back to the rear shocks...

The "Up Country" and the standard suspension both use a shock that has a loop on each end. The bottom loop is secured to a "U" bracket on the rear axle and has a bolt with a 15mm head one one side and an 18mm self-locking nut on the other. The top loop secures to a stud up on the frame rail with an 18mm nut.

The drivers side is really easy - do this side first - there is a cutout in the plastic wheel well liner that allows you to come at it from the side of the vehicle. I noticed this when I was under the car and had already removed the upper nut and lower bolt (need to remember that for next time). Remove the lower bolt, push up on the lower tube, swing the shock down and slide the top off the stud. Don't forget to save and reinstall the metal washer that is between the nut and the loop on the shock. This be the thing that drops to the ground when you pull the shock off the stud unless you noticed it, slid it off and carefully set it aside with the nut.

To install the new shock, reverse the procedure. Put the top on the stud, compress the bottom into the "U" bracket and insert the bolt. Reinstall the nuts. You did remember the washer on the top stud - right? Tighten it all up. Done! Lets move on to the passenger side.

On this side, you get to work around the (hot) exhaust pipe and there is no cutout in the wheel well plastic. I had a problem getting a socket on the upper stud nut and had to use the combination wrench - so it took a bit more time. The process is exactly the same.

My Jeep is a 1997 Grand Cherokee Limited (ZJ) with the "Up Country" suspension and the trailer hitch option. I have no skid plates and don't know if they cover anything. Your experience may vary.

The NAPA part number for the rear shocks is 94134

Contributed 12/29/2011 Rsantina

Updated 12/30/2011 Rsantina