Tools you'll likely need:
* Jack and jack stands: Absolutely essential for safety. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Socket wrench set (metric): You'll need various sizes, likely including 13mm, 15mm, and possibly larger.
* Wrench set (metric): For some nuts and bolts.
* Shock compressor (highly recommended): This tool is crucial for compressing the spring and makes the job significantly safer and easier. Improvising can be dangerous.
* Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or similar): To loosen rusted bolts.
* Torque wrench: Essential for tightening bolts to the correct specification.
* Safety glasses and gloves: Always protect yourself.
Procedure:
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Raise the front of the vehicle using the jack and securely support it with jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
3. Disconnect the Shock Absorber:
* Top Nut/Bolt: Locate the top nut or bolt attaching the shock to the vehicle's frame or strut tower. Spray penetrating oil on it beforehand if necessary. You'll likely need a wrench and possibly a socket to remove it.
* Bottom Nut/Bolt: Locate the bottom nut or bolt attaching the shock to the control arm or lower mount. Again, use penetrating oil if needed. Removal often requires a wrench.
4. Compress the Spring (Crucial Step): This is where the shock compressor is essential. Improvising without one is extremely risky. The spring is under significant pressure, and it could unexpectedly release and cause serious injury. The compressor will allow you to safely compress the spring to remove the shock.
5. Remove the Shock Absorber: With the spring compressed, you should be able to remove the shock absorber from its mounting points.
6. Install the New Shock Absorber: Reverse the removal process. Make sure to install the new shock absorber correctly, aligning it with the mounting points.
7. Release the Spring Tension: Carefully release the spring tension using the shock compressor.
8. Tighten the Nuts/Bolts: Tighten all nuts and bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Use a torque wrench to avoid over-tightening.
9. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack.
10. Reinstall the Wheel: Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts.
11. Lower the Vehicle Completely: Completely lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
12. Test: After installing both shocks, test the vehicle by driving it gently and carefully, checking for any unusual noises or handling issues.
Important Considerations:
* Rust: Older vehicles often have rusted bolts. Penetrating oil is your friend. If bolts are severely rusted and won't budge, you may need to cut them off carefully.
* Spring Tension: Again, never attempt this without a shock compressor. Improvised methods are extremely dangerous.
* Torque Specifications: Always consult your repair manual for the correct torque settings for all bolts. Over-tightening can damage parts.
* Correct Parts: Ensure you purchase the correct replacement shocks for your 1996 Chevy Astro.
This is a simplified guide. Referencing a repair manual specific to your year and model of Astro is absolutely vital for detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams. If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed shocks can severely compromise your vehicle's safety.
