Replacing xt, 2wd, rear shocks - cartridge replacement

[kayakertom]

Just posting this to possibly save someone else time.

 

After 172K, a rear shock wore out...

 

This is a fairly easy job to do - you need a 17mm socket, long extension and a breaker bar. You do not need a spring compressor - the spring can be hand compresed to get the first nut started. I found that both of my donut stops that also support the plastic dust shields were very worn - couldn't find a replacement (dealer wanted $54 each with a few days wait - only 4 left in the country), so I cleaned up the old ones and used black silicone adhesive to put them back together. I got replacement Monroe cartridges #71223 for $45 each.