Hello all!
Been some time since I have been here, very busy at the farm. Just went out to do a thorough spring inspection on the 96 150 XL 4x4, quad front shock, 302 e40d. while I was moving it into the center of the driveway I noticed it leaning a bit in the front. Sure enough the drivers side front shock/spring tower is near torn in two. rust. the replacement part is $140 new at Bronco graveyard (anyone have a coupon code?). From what I can see it looks like 3 or 4 bolts, the coil spring retention clip, the brake line going through it and the top of the shocks (quad option) to deal with and not much more. Has anyone tried to replace one of these in a driveway? can I get enough lift to release the compression on the coil spring without getting it on a lift?
Any tips, tricks, advice would be great! I am trying to figure out whether I can do this and save some cash or I have to open up the wallet (light wallet mind you) and have it done.
Thanks again,
Phil

 

Yes it's doable.. have done it myself on our old Ranger which is similar. You may find there is a combination of rivets and bolts holding the tower on and the rivets have to be ground down and punched out but can be replaced with bolts.