Front shock replacement Question

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Jul 10, 2005 | 08:57 AM

northsea

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Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Columbia

Front shock replacement Question

I am getting ready to replace the front shocks on a 97 F150 4.6L 2wd. There seems to be a sensor on the top spindle. Any tricks to removing this?
Any caveats to removing from the spring and reinserting the new shock?

Jul 10, 2005 | 10:08 AM

dlorenz

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Joined: Nov 2004

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I have the same truck you do and I recently put some Monroes on the front - but I had no "sensor" on the top spindle. Replacement is pretty straight-forward. There's a hex fitting at the bottom of the spindle that you can put an open-end wrench on to hold it while you remove the top nut - I found that a 24" extension with a deep socket on a 3/8 rachet worked well. The 2 bottom bolts are metric. When putting the new unit in, be sure to center it in the hole on top. I always tighten the top nut down until the rubber washer bulges a bit past the washer. Another point - don't replace the shocks with the wheel hanging - at least that's always been my practice - the idea is to avoid bolting in a new shock with tension on while the shock is in resting position - probably not an issue with front shocks, since there is no sleeve and side bolt like the rear.

Jul 10, 2005 | 02:11 PM

northsea

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Junior User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 57

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From: Columbia

It was not a sensor at the top of the shock just a cable clamp probably for the ABS sensor. Tough getting if off of the driver side the passenger side no problem. Shocks are in.

Thanks
Northsea