Another rear shock instal question?

[shadow83]

I got the shock and spring in and bolted at the top but the bottom of the shock is about 2 inches lower than the stud (even when I pushed down on the hub) so I needed to compress the shock to get it on. From everything that I was able to find the shock SHOULD have ligned up. I am wondering if this may indicate the the bushings are dried and stiff, anyone else have experience installing rear shocks on a 2002?

[shadow83]

OK, I got it!! When I bought the Galant it was used and the previous owner had it lifted for big wheels. There was a crude lift on the front where he welded 2" pieces 1/4 inch plate steel to the lower part of the struts and there were spacers on the rear wheels under the rims and I removed them. Seems that it was either a kit or he made the rear lift. A 2" high piece of steel tubing was added to the upped shock mounting flange along with a 1/4" steel donut on top of that to make the rear wheels sit higher, that is why I could not get the shock assy on without compressing it. I have ordered stock upper shock mounts and will drop it down. I know my Galant should have been able to handle better than it did, the geometry was AFU.

[GSpeed]

Interested in knowing if rear shock has to be removed from vehicle to install upper rear shock mount bushings (02 Galant ES-V6). Want to replace OEM bushings with Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings (#5.8104G).
Thanks.

[shadow83]

Interested in knowing if rear shock has to be removed from vehicle to install upper rear shock mount bushings (02 Galant ES-V6). Want to replace OEM bushings with Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings (#5.8104G).
Thanks.

Yes. The shock is a coil over assy and must be removed. The only problem I had was the lower shock mount bolts were frozen. I had to use heat and an impact wrench which ruined the shock bushing. BOTH sides were frozen.