Replacing 78 F150 Shocks
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 1
From: North of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Replacing 78 F150 Shocks
Well, my truck has too much body roll and doesn't like the rough roads. I think it's time to change the shocks. I have never changed shocks before. Is this something I can do fairly easily in my garage w/ out special tools? It is a stock 2wd long bed regular cab 1/2 ton pickup. Also, there seem to be a few bazillion types and brands. What minimum requirements should I look for when shopping for shocks? (ie warranty, brand name, air, gas, etc?...)
Thanks,
-cigarxtc
Thanks,
-cigarxtc
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,628
Likes: 345
From: Albuquerque
Replacing 78 F150 Shocks
Changing the shocks is basically a no brainer. Nothing special except some gas shocks come compressed with a band and need to be slipped into place as you cut the band. I highly recomend Monroe Sensi Tracs. They are gas and also available at NAPA as Gas Grande I think.
Also Sway bars make a lot of difference.
1977 Ford F-100
400m/c6/4:11/Gear Vender O.D.
Crane hydralic roller, forged, ported polished,Deamon,Edlebrock, yada, yada, yada
280,000 miles
Stock on the outside
modified/rebuilt everything
Also Sway bars make a lot of difference.
1977 Ford F-100
400m/c6/4:11/Gear Vender O.D.
Crane hydralic roller, forged, ported polished,Deamon,Edlebrock, yada, yada, yada
280,000 miles
Stock on the outside
modified/rebuilt everything
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Replacing 78 F150 Shocks
I agree with the others. There are a multitude of options with shcoks. When I went to the store to get new ones, I looked at the exact replacement and then went one-up. I got a standard gas shock for $21 each. You can spend more, but you should consider your driving style. You don't want to have too stiff of a ride, but if you haul things and off-road then you may want something stiffer. Sway bars really do help. Especially with these heavy trucks. Get new shocks first and see if you want the sway bar. Both are easy to install. The old shocks(if really worn) you should be able to unbolt and compress by hand to remove. Leave the cord attached to the new shocks until it is bolted at the bottom and ready to be slid in at the top, otherwise you have made life really difficult on yourself. Good LUck
