The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Replacing front shocks on 52 1/2

This is what I ended up doing to get the front shocks installed. The front solid Axel is on jack stands with the tires off the ground couple of inches. I loosened up the bottom shock mount leaving it barely attached. Then installed the shock in the bottom mount. I then jacked up the frame just behind the front spring, which raised the frame up 3-4 inches. I then got a 2x4 about 15" long and aligning the top stud on the 2x4 pulled it down compressing the shock just enough to pop it over into the top mount and hole. These Gas Adjust KYB are a handful to get on the front. I purchased them from LMC their part number is 38-1686. However the real KYB part number is KB 4503 and can be purchased all day long from Jegs for $35.24@ vs what I paid. This procedure will work for 50-54 Chevy 1/2 ton trucks with solid axel and probably GMC also. I hope they don't make the truck ride like a lumber wagon.