Hello All,

I was trying to do a simple replacement of the front shocks in my Explorer Sport 4X4 when the retaining nut for the bottom mounting took off the tip of the mounting bolt. Of course this had to be on a Sunday.

Would you have any suggestions of my next course of action? Is this bolt welded to the axle/frame?

Thanks,
Mike

 

It is actually pretty easy to fix this problem. The bolt is welded onto the radius arm so you need to grind off what is left until it is smooth. Then go to your local auto parts or 4 wheel drive store and buy a replacement stud that is threaded on both ends with what looks like a large nut in the middle. Drill a hole where the old bolt was and bolt the stud through the radius arm using the end with finer threads and the supplied washer and nut. Then your shock will have a bulletproof anchor to bolt to that will not break again. The part should only cost $5.00 or $6.00.

 

Brian,

Thanks,

That's what I ended up doing. Still, its a silly design on Ford's part.

Mike