How do you change shocks on 2003 Columbia Freightliner?

Answer 1

Class 8 trucks have shocks and separate springs--leaf springs in front, air springs in back--so this is pretty easy:

1. Get as much clearance to the shock as you can. If it's a rear shock drop the trailer and pull away from it; for front shocks open the hood. Set the emergency brake.

2. Unbolt the old shock and remove it from your truck. You will probably have to use Blaster PB or Liquid Wrench to free the nuts. Save any bolts, nuts, washers etc. to reuse.

3. Remove the new shock from the box it came in. It's usually tied into the compressed position with a string. Remove the string and pump the shock about ten times to get the oil moving in it. Bolt the shock into place, and torque to at least 200 foot-lbs.

4. Go around the other side of your truck and replace the other shock on that axle. Never run an old shock and a new one on the same axle or your truck will handle weird...and a weird-handling truck can kill you.