Hey Everyone,

Let me preface this with the fact that I am very novice at this stuff. Very mechanically inclined, but limited experience with automotive work. I know enough to be dangerous.

The ole girl recently hit 92k and took her in for standard oil change. One of the suggested services was replacing the front strut/shock assembly due to mileage and one shock is cracked/leaking on the shock but isn’t noticeable in the ride from what I can tell. My mechanic said he suggests replacing the entire shock/strut assembly which is coming out to $1,000 for both sides.

I started doing some research online on what the entails and if I could just do it myself. Would like to get some feedback from some of you on here though. I’m thinking I have three options here:

1) I would like to get Bilsteins to match the rear shocks. Would a shop install them if I brought in my own?

2) Replace the front shocks/struts myself. I would need to rent a couple tools, but it seems manageable. Here is a video I’ve referenced on the scope of work
I have seen some discussions in my research about a spring compressor. But I don’t see how that would come into play for this?

3) Bite the bullet to have the shop provide and install the assembly on each side as originally quoted.

thanks!

 

If you get the strut AND SPRING assembly, then you don't need the spring compressor. $1000. sounds a little high for replacement of both, but not way out of line depending on what assemblies he was going to use.............Not sure you need replaced at 94K miles unless your hitting a lot of bumps or off road.

 

If its leaking replace both. The price is outrageous! I suggest buying a loaded strut assembly and doing it yourself. These are very simple to change and can be done in less than a hour per side. You can buy standard loaded struts for 200 a pair or if you want a level also you can buy the Rancho quick lift struts for about 230.

 

Is important to match the rear shocks at all? I put Bilsteins on the back, but looking at their products they don't make a full loaded assembly. Which specific Rancho assembly one would you recommend? Any others?

 

You don't necessarily need to put Rancho on the front... Your choice.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/r...rd/model/f-150

 

I bought new struts for my 2011 F 150 4x4, Cost for the struts was under $200.00, I installed them myself, Took about 4 hours total and I added 2" lift spacer to the top of the struts to level the truck out.

The link is to my original post with questions and answers from members, Lots of good info.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ts-on-4x4.html

 

Thanks for the suggestions/tips!