Basic I know, but better to ask before wrenching..

Are the stock shocks gas pressurized? Do they need to be compressed to remove/install or will they just drop right with the JK at street ride height?

Also, what are the torque specs for the mounting bolts?

 

yes, the stock shocks are gas and they will want to extend when you pull them off. you can remove them at street height. regarding torque settings, fronts are 56 ft. lbs. at the axle and 20 at the frame mount nut. rears are 37 at the frame and 56 at the axle.

 

The shocks do have pressure pushing them open, but not terribly hard. If you struggle a little, you can push them closed. Usually I remove them after jacking the vehicle until the wheel is off the ground. That's pretty close to full extension of the shock, which makes removal and reinstall pretty easy--maybe a little prying to get it in place, but not much.

Torque spec's for everything (almost) are here. You should bookmark this:

http://project-jk.com/jeep-jk-write-ups/jeep-jk-wrangler-torque-settings

 

Thanks , I was wondering this too for torque settings as I just picked up a set of Rubi shocks from a guy on the forum here and they showed up last night

 

Slow and steady pressure will compress them pretty easily, but dropping the axle like others said is your best bet. Remember, SLOW! go too fast and you'll just bust your nut uselessly.

 

Thanks for the details!!

And, a special thanks for making JK-Forum.com available for all of us!!