85 K20 Suburban rear shock question w/pics

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

thecrow71

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2023
Posts
56
Reaction score
35
Location
america
First Name
terry
Truck Year
85
Truck Model
k20
Engine Size
5.7 350
I changed out my front shocks already and used the inserts that came with the shocks, but on the back shocks the bolts are as big as the inserts, do the back shocks get inserts or no? The old shocks were thrown away along time ago and don’t remember if they had inserts or not thank you.
 

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
29,125
Reaction score
24,015
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
It varies by shock supplier. It's fine to remove the insert/sleeve/bushing, just make sure not to hammer the nut super tight. You can use a nyloc or pinch loc style nut so it doesn't back off.
 

thecrow71

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2023
Posts
56
Reaction score
35
Location
america
First Name
terry
Truck Year
85
Truck Model
k20
Engine Size
5.7 350
Thanks so my info says to torque at 65 but I’m afraid on the lower part of rear shocks. It’s gonna pull the tabs that are connected to the axle that connect to the shocks too tight. I’ll take a picture
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    188.3 KB · Views: 39
  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    158.3 KB · Views: 41
  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    101.7 KB · Views: 38

thecrow71

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2023
Posts
56
Reaction score
35
Location
america
First Name
terry
Truck Year
85
Truck Model
k20
Engine Size
5.7 350
Last pictures actually what I’m talking about. I don’t wanna squeeze the tabs together too much but there’s nothing stopping them from squeezing closer.
 

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
29,125
Reaction score
24,015
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
Last pictures actually what I’m talking about. I don’t wanna squeeze the tabs together too much but there’s nothing stopping them from squeezing closer.

Yep, just snug the tabs slightly to the bushing. And use lock nuts. Also make sure the bolt has a shoulder long enough to support at least ~75% of the bushing.
 

thecrow71

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2023
Posts
56
Reaction score
35
Location
america
First Name
terry
Truck Year
85
Truck Model
k20
Engine Size
5.7 350
Thank you
 

Jawzjeep

Honk if parts fall off
Joined
Jun 5, 2021
Posts
442
Reaction score
823
Location
Washington
First Name
Joshua
Truck Year
1991
Truck Model
Suburban
Engine Size
350
If you're using the sleeves it should be the same width as the bushing. It kind of helps keep you from over squishing the bushing I think.
 

Craig 85

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 25, 2017
Posts
3,892
Reaction score
4,039
Location
Nashville, TN
First Name
Craig
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K30 SRW
Engine Size
454/TH-400/NP205
I had to do the same thing on my K30. It's been fine for the past 4-5 years.
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
42,156
Posts
910,231
Members
33,649
Latest member
MikeD
Top