E350 Frt Shock Replacment Tip (Old Style)

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Feb 19, 2005 | 12:27 AM

mpsuda

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E350 Frt Shock Replacment Tip (Old Style)

I have a tip for replacing the front shocks on a old style (1987) E350. The top shock mount nut is very difficult to reach. Not much room between the top shock mount and the body. I have heard people cutting a hole from the top so it can be reached or cutting the shaft off near the top to remove the shock.

The factory service manual mentions putting a wrench on the to nut and turining the shock shaft to remove the nut. Before reading this I probably would have struggled to turn the nut on the top in the confined top space. Below the rubber bumper and washer the shaft is made so a 3/4 wrench can be used to turn the shaft. I think the top nut is 9/16.

I sprayed the nut down with penetrating oil and let it sit overnight. I placed a wrench on the top nut and used the body to hold it while I turned the shock shaft. It easily came loose. You need small hands to get between the shock mount and body.

The shock replacement was not as bad as it looks.

Mike

Feb 19, 2005 | 04:37 AM

trike1946

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Joined: Apr 2004

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From: NJ where fun comes to die

Thanks for the tip. I have a 90 E350 and just bought new front shocks. I thought about cutting a hole in the floor. But this sounds like it might work. Thanks again.