Rear Shock replacement

[thistle3585]

I am replacing my rear shocks, first time to do this, and the lower bolt is 1/2" and the opening in the bushing is 5/8". Do I need to add a sleeve to the bushing to make up the difference or will it compress and tighten up once I bolt it in? Also, what would I torque the bolts to? The old bolts were barely tight which I assume is because the bushings were worn or the PO was a moron.

 

[Old Dog]

most shocks have a sleeve when you buy them.
not sure on the torque setting. I use a ny-lok nut and just snug them up
so they can still turn (snuggly) on the stud.. But thats just me.

 

[PaRenegade]

It will compress some. More if it's rubber, less if it's poly. I doubt that you could find a 1/16" thick sleeve. I think only you can be the judge. Tighten it up and see. The downside or problem with it not fitting will probably only be a knocking noise on washboard like surfaces where the shock can't rebound quickly, if even then, because most of the time it will have sideward pressure from the washer and nut and downward pressure from it always trying to extend itself. Eventually it may wear out the bushing quicker. But I don't see a poor fit as that big of a deal to overcome. Others may opine differently.