Remove inner fender to replace right front shock?

[Angus2BCJ]

I’m getting ready to change the front (and rear) shocks on my 2015 JKU - stock suspension, 0” lift.

The thing I am wondering about is that the Jeep service manual tells me to remove the inner fenders before removing the front shocks...

Jeep didn’t give us much access room here. From what I see, the plastic area circled in yellow (this is the front pass side) significantly obstructs access to the upper shock mount, but this does not look to be part of the inner fender. If so, I am not understanding how removing the inner fender would help much.

So, is there an advantage in removing the inner fender? Should I cut out some of the plastic in the circled area with a Dremel to improve access to the shock mount?

Thank you in advance.

 

[jesse3638]

View attachment 388797

I’m getting ready to change the front (and rear) shocks on my 2015 JKU - stock suspension, 0” lift.

The thing I am wondering about is that the Jeep service manual tells me to remove the inner fenders before removing the front shocks...

Jeep didn’t give us much access room here. From what I see, the plastic area circled in yellow (this is the front pass side) significantly obstructs access to the upper shock mount, but this does not look to be part of the inner fender. If so, I am not understanding how removing the inner fender would help much.

So, is there an advantage in removing the inner fender? Should I cut out some of the plastic in the circled area with a Dremel to improve access to the shock mount?

Thank you in advance.

I didn't remove my inner fender when I installed either sets of shocks. I did however trim a significant amount of the battery tray (what you have circled) to make access much easier. If you don't want to do that you can always remove it instead.

 

[Angus2BCJ]

I didn't remove my inner fender when I installed either sets of shocks. I did however trim a significant amount of the battery tray (what you have circled) to make access much easier. If you don't want to do that you can always remove it instead.

Thank you

 

[Bear_JT]

Leave the fender liner and trim out some of the battery tray. Either way, it’s kinda a PITA but you can do it.

 

[duktrx]

View attachment 388797

I’m getting ready to change the front (and rear) shocks on my 2015 JKU - stock suspension, 0” lift.

The thing I am wondering about is that the Jeep service manual tells me to remove the inner fenders before removing the front shocks...

Jeep didn’t give us much access room here. From what I see, the plastic area circled in yellow (this is the front pass side) significantly obstructs access to the upper shock mount, but this does not look to be part of the inner fender. If so, I am not understanding how removing the inner fender would help much.

So, is there an advantage in removing the inner fender? Should I cut out some of the plastic in the circled area with a Dremel to improve access to the shock mount?

Thank you in advance.

I didn't need to remove the inner fender or cut on the battery tray; I had just enough room to slip a gear wrench up there and tighten it down. Then used a crowfoot wrench on my torque wrench to torque it properly.

 

[Angus2BCJ]

I didn't need to remove the inner fender or cut on the battery tray; I had just enough room to slip a gear wrench up there and tighten it down. Then used a crowfoot wrench on my torque wrench to torque it properly

Thanks, I'll give it a try

 

[TrailHunter]

I mostly just push and pull that shit out of the way and curse a lot.

 

[DirtHeadDavis]

If I remember correctly that's an 18mm bolt and I got it in and out no problem with a flex head ratcheting wrench like so:

 

[TrailHunter]

Really all you need to do is hold the top nut with a wrench and turn the lower "nut" in that pic.. with another wrench.

 

[JessL]

Leave the fender liner and trim out some of the battery tray. Either way, it’s kinda a PITA but you can do it.

But it only has to be done once!

 

[Angus2BCJ]

Thanks everyone for your input, much appreciated