Replacing shocks
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Poplar Bluff, MO
Replacing shocks
Going to replace the stock shocks.. Figured they've been thru almost 20 years of driving so they need to be replaced.
My bed is off right now so the rears will be easy to get to.. I figured replacing the rear shocks is pretty self explanatory just unbolt the old and install the new..
But the front seems like it would be a little more difficult. Do I have to remove the fenders or anything to change them?
Do all 96' F-150's have dual front and rear shocks? It is a 4x4 short bed single cab XLT.
What can I expect by replacing the shocks? Any noticeable ride improvement? Handling? What shocks should I get?
Are these shocks good? http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...4_469491_7413_
My bed is off right now so the rears will be easy to get to.. I figured replacing the rear shocks is pretty self explanatory just unbolt the old and install the new..
But the front seems like it would be a little more difficult. Do I have to remove the fenders or anything to change them?
Do all 96' F-150's have dual front and rear shocks? It is a 4x4 short bed single cab XLT.
What can I expect by replacing the shocks? Any noticeable ride improvement? Handling? What shocks should I get?
Are these shocks good? http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...4_469491_7413_
Last edited by FordYoungGun35; Nov 14, 2013 at 10:01 PM. Reason: added link
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,507
Likes: 121
From: Oregon
Those Bilstein's seem to be the shock of choice for many. I can tell yo a shock not to buy. ProComp ES3000. They are terribly stiff over sudden bumps and way too soft the rest of the time. I want to replace mine already with less than 10k miles on them. When I do I will be going with the Bilstein 5100's.
As for removing the front shocks, no the fender does not need to come off. Truck doesn't even need to be jacked up. Just grab the top of the shock right above the upper nut with a wrench or vise grips to break the nut free. Once free remove the vise grip, back the nut off, remove the lower bolt and nut and pull the shock out. Installation is reverse of removal. Shouldn't more than 30 minutes to change all of the shocks.
As for removing the front shocks, no the fender does not need to come off. Truck doesn't even need to be jacked up. Just grab the top of the shock right above the upper nut with a wrench or vise grips to break the nut free. Once free remove the vise grip, back the nut off, remove the lower bolt and nut and pull the shock out. Installation is reverse of removal. Shouldn't more than 30 minutes to change all of the shocks.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Poplar Bluff, MO
awesome so I picked the right shocks.. I noticed you removed the shocks from your sig, now I know why lol
Do all 96 F-150's have dual front shocks?
Are the rear shocks pretty self explanatory like I said?
Do all 96 F-150's have dual front shocks?
Are the rear shocks pretty self explanatory like I said?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,403
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From: Charlestown, RI
From 20 year old worn out stock shocks to pretty much any shock, you'll notice a difference, lol. Bilstien are arguably the best though. FYI, I'm pretty sure the 5100 series shocks are only for trucks with a suspension lift. I know yours is lifted, but I forget if it's body or suspension...
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Hartland, WI
If I remember correctly the front shocks have a threaded stud at the top that the bushings, washers and nut go on. In the real world that nut will not come off with any sort of ease. You'll either have to heat it up with a torch and zip it off with an impact, cut it off with said torch or cut off wheel, or use a deep socket and the longest extension you have to snap the stud and nut off altogether. The snap-off technique is nice because then you don't have to extinguish flaming bushings.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 372
Likes: 5
From: 85716
I did a write up on my 4x2 awhile back. Single shock version though, but it should be similar.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ar-shocks.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ar-shocks.html
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 372
Likes: 5
From: 85716
What's wrong with the 5100? You said you have a 3" body lift, right? I'm not too familiar with lifts, but these indicate they're good for up to a 4" lift:
Rear:
Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873
Front:
Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873
Front (Auxiliary): No idea what "auxiliary" means
Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873
Have you tried calling Bilstein? Their customer service is quite good (from my experience with a warranty replacement for my Volvo).
Rear:
Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873
Front:
Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873
Front (Auxiliary): No idea what "auxiliary" means
Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873
Have you tried calling Bilstein? Their customer service is quite good (from my experience with a warranty replacement for my Volvo).
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