I need to replace both the front shock absorbers on my 95 TS but I would prefer to get them second hand from a wreckers and put them in myself. Is it that difficult to pull them out and put them in without anything mechanical to compress the springs?

you would need a set of spring compressors to remove the spring and but it on to the new shock.

you can pick up a set of KYB's from Phillcom Rally for about $400

He only needs fronts which are in the $250 ball park. Don't buy second hand shocks, they only last around 60,000 so you're chances of putting in shocks that are more worn then your original ones are great. New = Warranty.

If you find the struts complete, ie. both damper and springs, then you don't need to do any compressing etc; just swap out one set and swap in the others.

A mate installed mine in about 30mins total. I got some Monroe GT gas with stock V6 springs for $70. I saw that the wreck had obviously had it's shocks replaced relatively recently, so it was less of a gamble.

Three bolts up top, two down the bottom, plus a few screws/brackets holding on the brake hoses and such. Mate has pro air tools, so that simplified things.

i did the shocks in my car (fronts) it was fun compressing the springs with homemade compressors.:rant: but eventually i got them done. i used sprints homebrand shockers autoforce which were gaurenteed for 100 000, 3 years. at the time i didnt plan on keeping it.

If you are going to use spring compressors then be careful, they are very dangerous tools and have been known to cause serious injuries, mate had to go to hospital after spring compressors failed and shattered several bones in his hand, had he been one step to the left it would have shot into his head:shock:

also, don't forget to get a wheel alignment after changing the struts