Before working, break loose the rear wheel lug nuts, lift the car's rear end, and keep it supported on jack stands. Also block the front wheels to prevent the car from moving. Keep the car raised with the axle lifted while holding the knuckle with a jack on the floor below. Take off the parking brake cable from its floorpan mount, disconnect the brake hose bracket, and remove the stabilizer bar link from its place on the
Trailing Arm. Place the front of the trailing arm free by removing its bolts. Additionally, take out the side trim panel from the rear cargo space, lessen seat-back hardening, and let go of the floorpan bolts. First loosen and remove both shock absorber upper mounting nuts, then remove the lower mounting bolt, then take out the entire shock absorber/coil spring assembly. Look for any water or damage on the shock body, and see if the coil spring has any slashes or breaks. Go ahead and change the parts if you found something wrong. If your shocks and coil springs appear to be worn out, take time to consider all the options before beginning work, as you cannot repair these parts once they are removed. Use a vise to hold the shock and coil assembly while placing a spring compressor on top. Push the machine down to move pressure from the top of the coil spring, then release it before going back in to work. Keep track of how the upper mount fits before you take it apart. Loosen the retaining nut by gripping the shock damper rod with an Allen key, then take everything apart part by part. Reassembly means returning the spring to its correct position and using a new locking nut while installing. Assemble the shock absorber and coil spring unit into the fenderwell, push the upper mounting studs in place, but don't tighten the nuts yet. First connect the shock absorber to the trailing arm. After mounting and tightening slave arm-to-chassis bolts, lift the slave arm to normal driving height and fasten the shock absorber bottom mounting bolt. After putting the wheel and lugs on, pull the car down again. Tighten the lugs first, and then tighten the mounting nuts on top. Finish by having your car's back tire alignment tested and, if needed, fixed.