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I replaced my stock xB shocks with Monroe shocks today and thought I'd share the process with you. It's so simple even I could do it, oh wait, I did do it.
You don't have to jack up the Box if you can fit under it. I used two ramps to gain the needed space underneath the Box since I have it lowered two inches and my belly is too big any way. Us Big Dogs need the extra space.
I ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR TO YOU OR YOUR VEHICLE. USE THIS DESCRIPTION AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Tools you'll need:
1. 17mm socket
2. 14 mm socket
3. 14 mm open end wrench
4. Breaker bar
5. Rachet
6. Small screw driver
First, locate the top of the shock tower in the rear of the storage area
Then, using the small screw driver, remove the plastic cover
This will expose the nuts holding the shock to the top mount
Place the open end 14 mm wrench on the lower nut and use the 14 mm socket to loosen the top nut
After the two nuts are removed, lift off the large washer from the bolt
Next remove the rubber bushing from the bolt, that's it for the top of the shock mount
Now it's time to get under the Box. You will need the 17 mm socket and ratchet, along with a breaker bar to loosen the nuts.
After removing the nut and washer, pull the lower shock mount towards the center of the vehicle and it will come right off.
Now, take the old shock to your workbench and prepare to remove the top plastic housing. (it's not included with most replacement shocks...you may wish to clean it up while the shock is off)
The cover simply slides off the upper strut of the stock shock.
Just a side note, there have been posts concerning the Monroe shocks for the Echo and it's ability to lower the vehicle due to it's shorter length. You'll see here that it is indeed shorter but it has no effect on the height of the vehicle. The height is obtained by the size of the coil springs.
The Monroe shocks include a new washer that is installed between the rubber boot and the bushing cup.
After the washer is installed and the bushing is set into the bushing cup you are done with the assembly.
The installation is the exact reverse of the removal steps. (When placing the lower eyebolt opening on the lower mount, make sure the larger opening is towards the wheel. You'll be able to see the difference in size between the two. If it's backwards you won't be able to get the shock back on). I was doing this job alone so I didn't take pics of the process. Just read this post backwards and you'll be able to do it just fine.
The new shocks did not lower the Box any more than what it was but the ride is greatly improved. I highly suggest this swap for anyone who has used springs to lower the height of their Box.
The shocks are Monroe 5987's and I purchased them at Napa Auto Parts for $33.00 each. The total time spent on the removal and re-installation was 1.25 hours, that included taking time to snap photos.
I hope you find this DIY helpful and will try it out.
You don't have to jack up the Box if you can fit under it. I used two ramps to gain the needed space underneath the Box since I have it lowered two inches and my belly is too big any way. Us Big Dogs need the extra space.
I ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR TO YOU OR YOUR VEHICLE. USE THIS DESCRIPTION AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Tools you'll need:
1. 17mm socket
2. 14 mm socket
3. 14 mm open end wrench
4. Breaker bar
5. Rachet
6. Small screw driver
First, locate the top of the shock tower in the rear of the storage area

Then, using the small screw driver, remove the plastic cover

This will expose the nuts holding the shock to the top mount

Place the open end 14 mm wrench on the lower nut and use the 14 mm socket to loosen the top nut

After the two nuts are removed, lift off the large washer from the bolt

Next remove the rubber bushing from the bolt, that's it for the top of the shock mount


Now it's time to get under the Box. You will need the 17 mm socket and ratchet, along with a breaker bar to loosen the nuts.


After removing the nut and washer, pull the lower shock mount towards the center of the vehicle and it will come right off.

Now, take the old shock to your workbench and prepare to remove the top plastic housing. (it's not included with most replacement shocks...you may wish to clean it up while the shock is off)

The cover simply slides off the upper strut of the stock shock.

Just a side note, there have been posts concerning the Monroe shocks for the Echo and it's ability to lower the vehicle due to it's shorter length. You'll see here that it is indeed shorter but it has no effect on the height of the vehicle. The height is obtained by the size of the coil springs.

The Monroe shocks include a new washer that is installed between the rubber boot and the bushing cup.

After the washer is installed and the bushing is set into the bushing cup you are done with the assembly.

The installation is the exact reverse of the removal steps. (When placing the lower eyebolt opening on the lower mount, make sure the larger opening is towards the wheel. You'll be able to see the difference in size between the two. If it's backwards you won't be able to get the shock back on). I was doing this job alone so I didn't take pics of the process. Just read this post backwards and you'll be able to do it just fine.
The new shocks did not lower the Box any more than what it was but the ride is greatly improved. I highly suggest this swap for anyone who has used springs to lower the height of their Box.
The shocks are Monroe 5987's and I purchased them at Napa Auto Parts for $33.00 each. The total time spent on the removal and re-installation was 1.25 hours, that included taking time to snap photos.
I hope you find this DIY helpful and will try it out.