Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and Jack Stands: Absolutely essential for safety.
* Wheel Chocks: To prevent the car from rolling.
* Lug Wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Socket Wrench Set (Metric): You'll need various sizes.
* Ratcheting Wrenches: Makes the job easier.
* Penetrating Oil (PB Blaster or similar): To loosen rusted bolts.
* Shock Compressor (Highly Recommended): Makes compressing the shocks much safer and easier. Trying to compress them by hand is dangerous and difficult.
* Wrench for Shock Nut (likely 15mm or 17mm): Check your car's specific specifications.
* Torque Wrench: To tighten the bolts to the correct specification (found in your repair manual).
* Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
* Gloves: Protect your hands.
* Shop Rags: For cleaning.
* New Rear Shocks: Make sure you purchase the correct shocks for your 1988 Lincoln Town Car. Check the part number on the old shocks or consult a parts store.
Procedure:
1. Preparation: Park the car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks on the front wheels.
2. Raise the Vehicle: Carefully jack up the rear of the car, placing jack stands securely under the frame near the rear axle, *never* under the axle itself. Lower the car onto the jack stands.
3. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
4. Access the Shock: Locate the rear shock absorber. You'll likely see the top mount attached to the body and the bottom mount attached to the axle.
5. Disconnect the Shock:
* Top Mount: This often involves removing a nut or bolt securing the shock to the body. Penetrating oil may be necessary to loosen rusted fasteners.
* Bottom Mount: This usually involves removing a nut or bolt connecting the shock to the axle. Again, penetrating oil might be needed.
6. Compress the Shock (Use a Compressor!): This is crucial for safety. A shock compressor allows you to safely compress the shock, making removal and installation much easier. *Do not attempt to compress the shock by hand.*
7. Remove the Old Shock: Once the shock is compressed and disconnected from both the top and bottom mounts, carefully remove the old shock absorber.
8. Install the New Shock:
* Compression: Ensure the new shock is compressed using the compressor.
* Installation: Carefully install the new shock, aligning it with the top and bottom mounts.
* Connection: Secure the top and bottom mounts with the appropriate bolts and nuts. Tighten them securely but don't overtighten. Use your torque wrench to tighten to the manufacturer's specifications.
9. Repeat: Repeat steps 4-8 for the other rear shock absorber.
10. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the car from the jack stands.
11. Reinstall the Wheel: Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts. Don't forget to torque them to the correct specification.
12. Test Drive: After installation, test drive the car to check for proper functioning and handling.
Important Considerations:
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your 1988 Lincoln Town Car is highly recommended. It will provide detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and other crucial information.
* Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Use jack stands, wheel chocks, and follow all safety precautions.
* Parts: Ensure you purchase the correct replacement shocks for your vehicle.
* Rust: On older vehicles, rust can make removing bolts extremely difficult. Use penetrating oil generously and allow it time to work. You may need to use heat (carefully!) to loosen stubborn bolts.
This is a general guide. Improperly installing shocks can be dangerous. If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your car to a qualified mechanic.
