If you've got bad rear shocks, chances are, you've got some back pain, too. That's because shocks are integral to good ride quality. So if they're bad, it's time to replace them. It sounds like a daunting task, but really, it can be done in about 10 minutes with simple hand tools. For this example, we're doing the job on a 2002 Toyota Tacoma, but the process is similar for many other cars and trucks.
Crawl underneath the rear of the vehicle and locate the shocks. The driver's side one is mounted to the rear of the axle, and the passenger side shock is mounted to the front side of the axle.
Unbolt the bottom of the driver's side shock using the 3/8-inch ratchet and sockets.
Unbolt the top of the shock using an open-end wrench. If you drop the spare tire using the stock equipment, it can be a bit easier, but it is accessible with a wrench.
Place the new shock on the top mount. There is a strap that goes around the shock to keep it compressed. Keep it attached if possible, because it will make reinstallation easier. Bolt the top mount using the open-end wrench.
Hold the bottom of the shock in line with the bottom mount and cut the strap while supporting the shock. It's going to decompress fairly quickly, so while it pushes out, hold the bottom of the shock and guide it onto the stock lower mount. If you miss it, don't worry. Just compress the shock up using your arm, and place it on the mount.
Bolt the bottom of the shock in place using the factory hardware.
Repeat the process on the passenger side, and the job is done.
