I have a 2004 F-150 FX4, it is getting close to time to replace the shocks. I hate the fact that it has struts, would love to get rid of them. I have noticed the F-250 has separate coil and shock. I am wondering what it would take to put that part of the suspension and put it on the 150. Can it be done and if so what has to be done.

 

To my knowledge, it's not possible. Coilovers are the only setup, aside from a full solid axle swap, that is available for the F150. What don't you like about the strut setup?

 

Very simple R&R pop them out, rent a compressing tool, or take to a shop and pay them to swap out the struts,..

 

dont' even have to do that...

monroe quick strut and your done...

 

That's true, probably quite a bit more though,..

 

I just have never liked struts, probably because one can't change their own shocks. There is a need to take it to a shop, pay for a more expensive component, then pay to have it realigned.

 

There should be no need for an alignment on this system because the strut doesn't support the steering knuckle/spindle assembly as with most cars. You are only changing the spring and 'shock' out at the same time.

 

If you're simply uninstalling the strut assembly, replacing the shock, and reinstalling then you won't need to realign. You'll only need to realign if you remove the control arms at any point, or if you add a leveling kit in the process.

 

On a 2004 I doubt if the front coil springs are worn out unless its had some rough use. I would go on line (shock warehouse), pick out the struts I want, get them and take them to a shop to be installed. I would go with Bilsteins. Best shocks I ever had.

 

This is less than an hours labor charge...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/370847781931?lpid=82

 

Will it also work on Ford struts, or only Mcpherson ones?

 

I don't think they are worn out, just would like a set up like what is on the F-250.

 

Changing shocks/struts on a newer 150, is not routine maintenance, probably go about 80,000 on factory struts, go to higher quality aftermarkets after that, probably last the life of the truck,...

 

Several makers of these, from $45-ish to $1K-ish. Coils springs are coil springs. As long as the tool will accomodate the springs diameter in its working range it will work.

Several videos on you-tube show how to use them.

 

I am only going on what my local garage told me, that it was necessary to realign.