Q's about rear shock -- Is it bad?

[BoogieOnSkis]

My suspension has been making noise lately and I tracked the problem to the rear passenger-side shock.

Part of the shock has come loose -- it's the upper cylinder and I think it's called a dust shield. It has dropped and is resting free on the trailing arm.

Does it need relacement? Or can the dust shield simply be shoved back into place?

I have an '82 SC (125k mi.) and I think I have the original factory shocks. They are colored green, so I think they are Bilstein. The front shocks have the roll pin that is typical of Bilstein, but the rear do not have the roll pin.

My shocks seem to be performing well, otherwise. When I push down on any corner of the car, it springs back with no oscillation.

Thanks!

[Trust Me]

The only way that can slide down is if it rusted a big hole through the top I would think. I would suggest just getting new shocks. At 125,000 they are most likely done. Save some money and do it yourself. The pass. side is a pain though. Trust me! LOL

[EdT82SC]

Replace them both. You should do the fronts too when you can because they are likely to be in as bad shape as the rears. I just did the rears on my 82 SC, and not only did my squeeking go away, but the car handles better too. I'm going to replace the fronts soon too.

I second the advice of doing it yourself. It's not that hard. Some words of advice that I didn't get from the 101 projects book:

1) If you can't get the bottom bolts loose, use your floor jack to turn the ratchet.
2) Remove the heater blower motor for better access to the top left bolt.
3) Remove the breather hoses for better access to the top right bolt.

[Trust Me]

Very good advice.