How to: Replace front & rear shocks???
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From: Ventura County, CA
How to: Replace front & rear shocks???
I sense I'm nearing the time to replace my shocks. Can someone take a moment and tell me how to SAFELY and properly do this: (1) for the front shocks? and (2) for the rear shocks? I have a stock suspension in my 2002 F-250 SD.
I need to know where to jack the truck up from at both the front and rear locations for removal and insertion of the new shocks. I have a 3-ton floor jack and two 6-ton jack stands.
Thanks
Daryl
I need to know where to jack the truck up from at both the front and rear locations for removal and insertion of the new shocks. I have a 3-ton floor jack and two 6-ton jack stands.
Thanks
Daryl
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Joined: Feb 2004
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I loosened the bottom bolts first, might require hitting the bolts out with punch (depending on the rust). They are gas pressurized, but not so much, you can actually force them closed with your hands. Tap the bottom out of its bracket, and loosen the top. On the front it helps to remove the wheels. The back can be done in similar fashion from under the truck. Wear glassses...that dirt goes everywhere when your upsidedown... 
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From: Ventura County, CA
Originally Posted by L-N-OR
I loosened the bottom bolts first, might require hitting the bolts out with punch (depending on the rust). They are gas pressurized, but not so much, you can actually force them closed with your hands. Tap the bottom out of its bracket, and loosen the top. On the front it helps to remove the wheels. The back can be done in similar fashion from under the truck. Wear glassses...that dirt goes everywhere when your upsidedown...
Thanks! Can you tell me where I should place the jacks? Do I have to jack one side (ex: front left) then support it with a jack stand while using a floor jack to raise the suspension back up again to compress the shock? or something like that???
Front: on the frame? or under the suspension?
Rear: on the frame? on the axle?
And yes, I figured I'd have to remove the wheels first. If for no other reason than making it easy to get to the shocks and to have more elbow room to work in.
Daryl
Last edited by DS59F100; Sep 5, 2004 at 11:33 PM.
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From: Lyndonville, Vermont
Just climb under the rear and change the rears without jacking....The fronts put the jack under the axle just inside the u bolts or on the ubolts with a block of wood in between. Take the tire off and go for it...Thats it. Oh you really should have jack stands...for safety.
Dick
Dick
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From: Ventura County, CA
Originally Posted by 99f350sd
Just climb under the rear and change the rears without jacking....The fronts put the jack under the axle just inside the u bolts or on the ubolts with a block of wood in between. Take the tire off and go for it...Thats it. Oh you really should have jack stands...for safety.
Dick
Dick
Sorry, and thanks...
Daryl
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i just changed shocks on my 99 4wd and never took off a wheel, never jacked the vehicle. it's a very simple job.
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From: Ventura County, CA
Thanks everyone for the input. I'm relieved. It looked like it would be easy, but I just wanted to be sure and not take it for granted and mess something up!
Thanks again,
Daryl
Thanks again,
Daryl
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From: manalapan nj
ds59
changed mine on a 2000 2wd. for the front just turn the wheels to get access to bottom bolt. top bolt is in the engine compartment. hardest part is holding the shock stud from turning while loosening the nut. easier to cut from the wheel well. to reinstall you have to hold the stud and tighten with a wrench. awkward but it goes. for the back jack it up and install stands under axle for easy access.
changed mine on a 2000 2wd. for the front just turn the wheels to get access to bottom bolt. top bolt is in the engine compartment. hardest part is holding the shock stud from turning while loosening the nut. easier to cut from the wheel well. to reinstall you have to hold the stud and tighten with a wrench. awkward but it goes. for the back jack it up and install stands under axle for easy access.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,007
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From: Newport News
Originally Posted by CarlF250
Does anyone know the torque specs for the shock bolts? Or just tighten them down?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 1
From: Newport News
Originally Posted by CarlF250
Thanks basstardo. I think I'm going to invest in one of those Haynes or Chiltons auto repair books since I plan on keeping my truck for a while. They usually list all of the torque specs in there.