Ok at just under 45k I ordered new shocks to replace my wifes current shocks(new HD Bilsteins in lieu of the factory Bilsteins) because with every road imperfection it sounds like you're running over train tracks.

Anyhow I just finished an oil change on it and took a look at what the setup is. Rears seem as expected pretty easy, however the fronts are, mildly put, unusual with the rear support brace going around the CV joint.

Can anyone in the know give me a lowdown on the removal procedure of the front shocks for this vehicle?? Just trying to make sure a 2 hr job doesn't become an all day affair if at all possible.

Thanks in advance.

Shock, Shock Component, and/or Spring Replacement


Tools Required J 45400 (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=827801) Strut Spring Compressor

<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=749779&evc=sm&pubid=305&cellId=67691&mspsdsubkey=2175#ss1-749779">Removal Procedure

<LI type=1>Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (http://service.gm.com/servlets/CellHandler?CellId=47852&RefDoc=749779&evc=sm) in General Information. <LI type=1>Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (http://service.gm.com/servlets/CellHandler?CellId=59611&RefDoc=749779&evc=sm) in Tires and Wheels. <LI type=1>Remove the shock module from the vehicle. Refer to Shock Module Replacement (http://service.gm.com/servlets/CellHandler?CellId=67690&RefDoc=749779&evc=sm) .
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/744/744322.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=744322)
<LI type=1>Remove the shock module yoke to shock absorber pinch bolt and nut.
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/744/744324.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=744324)
<LI type=1>Spread the shock module yoke at the pinch bolt using a flat-bladed tool. <LI type=1>Remove the shock module yoke from the shock absorber.
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/743/743246.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=743246)
<LI type=1>Install pieces of heater hose to the shock module spring where J 45400 (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=827801) contacts lower part of spring. <LI type=1>Install the shock module (2) into the J 45400 (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=827801) (1).
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/743/743241.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=743241)
Important: The spring is compressed when the shock absorber moves freely.


<LI type=1>Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring (2) is compressed.
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/743/743242.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=743242)
<LI type=1>Remove the shock absorber upper retaining nut. <LI type=1>Remove the shock absorber from the shock module. <LI type=1>Loosen the compressor forcing screw until the upper mounting plate and coil spring may be removed.
Remove the upper mounting plate and coil spring from the J 45400 (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=827801) .
<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=749779&evc=sm&pubid=305&cellId=67691&mspsdsubkey=2175#ss2-749779">Installation Procedure


http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/743/743241.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=743241)
<LI type=1>Install the coil spring and upper mounting plate to the J 45400 (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=827801) . <LI type=1>Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring is compressed. <LI type=1>Install the shock absorber to the shock module. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (http://service.gm.com/servlets/CellHandler?CellId=10105&RefDoc=749779&evc=sm) in Cautions and Notices.


http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/743/743242.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=743242)
<LI type=1>Install the shock absorber retaining nut.
Tighten
Tighten the shock absorber retaining nut to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).


http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/743/743246.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=743246)
<LI type=1>Remove the shock module (2) from the J 45400 (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=827801) (1). <LI type=1>Remove the pieces of heater hose from the shock module spring.
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/744/744322.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=744322)
<LI type=1>Install the shock module yoke to the shock absorber. <LI type=1>Install the shock module yoke to shock absorber pinch bolt and nut.
Tighten
Tighten the shock module yoke to shock absorber pinch bolt to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

<LI type=1>Install the shock module to the vehicle. Refer to Shock Module Replacement (http://service.gm.com/servlets/CellHandler?CellId=67690&RefDoc=749779&evc=sm) . <LI type=1>Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (http://service.gm.com/servlets/CellHandler?CellId=59611&RefDoc=749779&evc=sm) in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.

Thanks for the info Cobra, now the million dollar question, I don't have J45400 spring compressor, so is this something I should even attempt in my garage??

You have to have a spring compressor. I think you can "rent" them from some parts stores. Or you can take it apart and take the shocks some where and probably pay a small fee to get them to switch them for you. I would make sure you can find a spring compressor before you take it all apart.