Hello
I recently replaced the rear shocks on my 2004 coupe. I got a midrange Monroe shock that was recommended for the car for typical driving. When I installed the lower mount bolt the shock was oriented pretty much straight up and down. The upper mounts of course are more forward. To get it to connect to the upper mount I really had to force the shock top forward and connect it under tension. It seems like the rubber bushing on the lower mount was really pushing against being pushed forward. I would think the shock should angle more to the front do it aligns with the upper mount and should not have to be forced forward under tension like mine do. The shocks are the same so the lower brackets are not angled at all, but it seems like they should be.

Is this normal or is somthing wrong?
Thanks a lot

 

Sounds like something is wrong.

 

"Perform final tightening of shock absorber assembly lower side (rubber bushing) under unladen condition with tires on level ground. Check wheel alignment. Refer to RSU-18, "SERVICE DATA" ".
The above instruction is from the service manual. You should not tighten the lower shock absorber rubber bushing bolt until the car is sitting on level ground.

 

You can also load up the suspension by just putting the service jack under that corner and lifting it up.

Take a measurement from the wheel well arch to the center of the wheel, then put the jack under it and lift it up to that height before torqueing.

EDIT: This won't affect the problem that you're having though where the shock isn't lining up.