- 1). Lift and support the rear axle of the GMC truck using a jack and two jack stands. Placement of the jack stands should be as close to the rear wheels as possible to keep them away from the lower shock absorber mounts on the rear axle.
- 2). Raise the rear jack plate just beneath the rear differential without taking support away from the jack stands.
- 3). Relocate under the GMC truck on a creeper with the tools and replacement shocks. Spray the upper retaining screws and the lower shock mounting bolts with lubricant spray and allow several minutes for it to penetrate. Open the boxes of the new shock absorbers, but do not release the compression straps yet.
- 4). Remove and then replace one shock at a time to prevent placing too much stress on the rear leaf spring suspension. Remove the two upper shock retaining screws on one side using the ratchet, extension and a socket.
- 5). Remove the lower shock mount retaining nut using a box-end wrench to hold the bolt head while removing the nut with the ratchet and a socket. Once the end of the nut is flush with the bolt, strike it with a hammer to punch it through the rear axle mount. If necessary, turn the bolt head in order to move the mounting bolt inside the bushing.
- 6). Remove the mounting bolt and then remove the shock. Install the new shock by replacing the upper retaining screws first with the compression strap still intact. Tighten the upper screws. Use a utility knife to cut the compression strap and guide the lower shaft of the shock to align with the lower shock mount of the axle. Replace the lower mounting bolt. Replace the nut and tighten.
- 7). Repeat this procedure for the shock on the other side.
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