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I am considering installing shocks on my 2001 F-250 Quad Cab 4x4. Is this a very tough job? Must I use a jack to lift the vehicle off the ground to install shocks? I have little experience doing mechanic work and do not want to bite off more than I can chew. Thanks in advance for any advise.
My son and I pulled the shocks off of our truck and painted them and then re-installed. Piece of cake and no, you don't have to use a jack. The truck can sit right on the ground while you do it.
I found it easier to remove the front tires, but not a necessary step. The rear was very basic as well. Just don't cut the nylon until you have one bolt in and are ready for the other. Then you can hold some pressure, and guide it in as it extends.
When I installed my shocks I took the front tires off so I didn't have to fight them. The rears I did with the tires on the ground and worked from under the truck. You probably don't have to take the fronts off but I thought it was easier for what it's worth.
It's a pretty easy job to do yourself. Two bolts for each shock. Remove old and replace with new. The fronts will be much easier to do with the wheels removed.
Bowstring, has a good point, I hit my hardware with a shot of WD-40 the day before. I installed my new Bilsteins with the front tires on, but I see where it would be easier with them off.
We took ours out and put them back in with the wheels on and it wasn't that bad but I had help as my son is beginning to be a pretty good wrench turner.
Bilsteins on mine. Big difference, since two of the four of my OEM shocks were blown! There is hardly any body roll in the corners empty or loaded. They are a tad stiff on the interstate when empty. I went with HD Bilstein shocks for towing, longevity and everyone recommends them.
Changing the shocks is simple. I did my 02 without a jack, and without removing my wheels. I did not have any problems with rust or loosening the bolts. Beware of NAPA shocks. I replaced mine at 150,000 miles and the ride improved tremendously, but 30 days later I was replacing a scalloped tire from a bad shock. NAPA replaced the shock for free but the new tire was more expensive.
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