Nagging question about shock installation
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From: Ventura County, CA
Nagging question about shock installation
OK, I'm going to FINALLY give in and ask. I'm certain I'll look like a fool, but it's been nagging at me long enough that the asking is worth more than the embarassment. So, here goes:
A short time ago, I installed front & rear shocks that I got from a member here (y2K Ford). They are stock shocks. I have a 2002 F-250 SD 5.4L 4X2 with 285/75X16's on 16X8" Eagle alloy wheels. The truck has just over 115k on it and runs great. Knock wood.
Question: What is the proper sequence of the nuts, bolts, spacers, etc for installing the shocks? Which way do the shocks go in... with the fatter of the two cylinders (?) on top or on bottom? Is it the same for front & rear?
Why do I ask, you say? I went from aftermarket shocks to the stock shocks to get a nicer ride. It helped "a little", but I still feel like I'm bouncing and "jack-hammering" a lot more than other trucks when on rough or ribbed portions of our wonderful SoCal freeways.
I know the truck is "super duty" rated, but I've ridden in other similar trucks and their ride is a HELLUVA lot better!
I also get a brief wobble in the left front suspension when starting out at around 20-25mph, then it goes away. Any clues on that little nuance?
Thanks all,
Daryl
A short time ago, I installed front & rear shocks that I got from a member here (y2K Ford). They are stock shocks. I have a 2002 F-250 SD 5.4L 4X2 with 285/75X16's on 16X8" Eagle alloy wheels. The truck has just over 115k on it and runs great. Knock wood.
Question: What is the proper sequence of the nuts, bolts, spacers, etc for installing the shocks? Which way do the shocks go in... with the fatter of the two cylinders (?) on top or on bottom? Is it the same for front & rear?
Why do I ask, you say? I went from aftermarket shocks to the stock shocks to get a nicer ride. It helped "a little", but I still feel like I'm bouncing and "jack-hammering" a lot more than other trucks when on rough or ribbed portions of our wonderful SoCal freeways.
I know the truck is "super duty" rated, but I've ridden in other similar trucks and their ride is a HELLUVA lot better!
I also get a brief wobble in the left front suspension when starting out at around 20-25mph, then it goes away. Any clues on that little nuance?
Thanks all,
Daryl
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: LOCASH
Depends on the brand>>BUT reguardless of the brand you cant really install them backwards UNLESS you PRESS out the sleeve.. The shock sets will have 1 sleeved End bushing and then 1 end where the bushing has no sleeve.. Obviously the NON SLEEVED end will Mount up top.. and the sleeved end on the bottom with the bolt going through the sleeve... EVEN if you were to reverse the setup its not going to ride any different unless something was hitting... Shock compression 180 degrees in rotation doesnt FEEL or react any different...
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From: Albuquerque
Originally Posted by DS02F250
They are stock shocks. I have a 2002 F-250 SD 5.4L 4X2 with 285/75X16's on 16X8" Eagle alloy wheels. The truck has just over 115k on it and runs great. Knock wood.
Question: What is the proper sequence of the nuts, bolts, spacers, etc for installing the shocks? Which way do the shocks go in... with the fatter of the two cylinders (?) on top or on bottom? Is it the same for front & rear?
Question: What is the proper sequence of the nuts, bolts, spacers, etc for installing the shocks? Which way do the shocks go in... with the fatter of the two cylinders (?) on top or on bottom? Is it the same for front & rear?
If you install the shocks upsidedown, then the rebound and damper control will be off. You will get a harsh ride. Now...if you had Inertia Active Valve shocks like the Edelbrock type, then the boot side would face the bottom. That is because they designed the valve inside the shock to open/close in a certain direction. Take a look at the link...
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_...cks_main.shtml
One thing you did not mention was whether or not the springs were the same on the other SD trucks you rode in (camper package, etc.). That will make a HUGE difference...plus having Load Range "E" tires over "D" tires. What tire pressure you running? All this issues will determine the ride quality of your SD.
Hope this helps some...
biz
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One thing you did not mention was whether or not the springs were the same on the other SD trucks you rode in (camper package, etc.). That will make a HUGE difference...plus having Load Range "E" tires over "D" tires. What tire pressure you running? All this issues will determine the ride quality of your SD.
Biz:
thanks for the info. Definitely helps! I'll double-check,but I'm pretty certain that the shocks are all four installed with the fat end up. I have stock SD springs (no camper edition; no King Ranch, etc). I did add the suspension blocks to dampen the ride. That helps some, too. I also went from 235/85X16 Load E tires (around 80 psi, if memory serves?) to 285/75X16 Load D tires (about 60psi max I think; or whatever it calls for on the sidewall). The tire place checks the pressure and balances the tires every 10,000 miles when I have them rotated.
Daryl
Biz:
thanks for the info. Definitely helps! I'll double-check,but I'm pretty certain that the shocks are all four installed with the fat end up. I have stock SD springs (no camper edition; no King Ranch, etc). I did add the suspension blocks to dampen the ride. That helps some, too. I also went from 235/85X16 Load E tires (around 80 psi, if memory serves?) to 285/75X16 Load D tires (about 60psi max I think; or whatever it calls for on the sidewall). The tire place checks the pressure and balances the tires every 10,000 miles when I have them rotated.
Daryl
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Albuquerque
Your Load range "D" tires are probably 65psi max when cold. Keep in mind...that you do not need to have them at the max unless you are towing or hauling a load. Air them down...and find what works best for you.
I definately know what you are talking about with the SoCal freeways. Was there this past summer in July visiting family and vacationing. Those concrete roads are ruff...and I was in a rental. I think it was a FORD FreeStyle (eek!). I would not want to be in my SD out there...my back hurts just thinking about it.
biz
I definately know what you are talking about with the SoCal freeways. Was there this past summer in July visiting family and vacationing. Those concrete roads are ruff...and I was in a rental. I think it was a FORD FreeStyle (eek!). I would not want to be in my SD out there...my back hurts just thinking about it.
biz
