What is the easiest way to change the rear shocks on a 1970 442? I haven't done it before. Thanks

 

Drive car up on ramps, secure it, unbolt old shocks, and install new shocks in reverse order, tightening everything to torque specs given in the manual. Rear shocks ARE that easy if nothing is rusted on.

Here's a thread to go through to get your feet wet. I replaced springs, control arms, and added a sway bar, so I did much more...
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ancements.html
If only replacing shocks, jacking is not needed - you just crawl under!

 

Put the rear end on a pair of jackstands. Look straight up at the shocks and fasteners, it's pretty self explanetary and very easy.

 

Thanks. I just wasn't sure if I could jack it up. I didn't know if the shocks would spring up or down once I unbolted them.

 

Support the car from the wheels (on ramps) or jack stands under the axle.
Do NOT let the axle hang, as the shocks will be holding it together.

 

The majority of us learned how to do this stuff with a Haynes or Chiltons manual by our side... Detailed instructions on how to do it.

A Factory Service manual is also invaluable. Wild about cars site has all the olds factory service manuals in PDF format available for download for free...

Now a days, it blows my mind, but you can find videos on how to do just about anything on you tube. That said, i don't know that i'd trust everything i see in how to videos out there, but there is a lot of good stuff- especially if you've got an old fashioned manual to look at as well.