Changing Front Shocks
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 195
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Changing Front Shocks
I have been mauling all week whether I want to tackle this task myself. I have read here about the need to take the spring/shock assembly to a shop and have them swap it for you. If I remember correctly from installing my leveling kit, can't you just unbolt the top of the assembly and take the shock out without any need for compressing? It has been 3 years since the leveling kit and I can't remember. Thanks.
New User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3
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It's a strut in the front. You'll need to compress the spring to get it apart. You can usually rent the spring compressor from an auto parts store, or a local shop could do it for you.
What you are thinking of with the leveling kit is the mounting bolts. Once you get the strut assembly out you'll need to compress the spring to remove the strut cap and spring from the strut itself. It's a fairly simple job to do, only about an hour or two in the driveway.
What you are thinking of with the leveling kit is the mounting bolts. Once you get the strut assembly out you'll need to compress the spring to remove the strut cap and spring from the strut itself. It's a fairly simple job to do, only about an hour or two in the driveway.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
I replaced the shocks, and I think it was easier to do than the leveling kit its self was.
After more than 3 years, I'm willing to bet you have over 30K miles, and I gaurentee you those stock shocks are worn out, and aren't helping anything.
After more than 3 years, I'm willing to bet you have over 30K miles, and I gaurentee you those stock shocks are worn out, and aren't helping anything.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,460
Likes: 14
From: The Land Of Time
Beefford,
I killed 2 birds with 1 stone and put the 2" adjustable struts in the front and the shocks the Bilstien kit gave me for the rear. I own my own shop so I had the tools but all in all it wasnt bad. You will need a spring compressor though. If you have a good relationship with a local shop they may do it for you. I bought new strut bearing and bushings when I did mine they were cheap too. I got them right through Ford.
Sarge
I killed 2 birds with 1 stone and put the 2" adjustable struts in the front and the shocks the Bilstien kit gave me for the rear. I own my own shop so I had the tools but all in all it wasnt bad. You will need a spring compressor though. If you have a good relationship with a local shop they may do it for you. I bought new strut bearing and bushings when I did mine they were cheap too. I got them right through Ford.
Sarge
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,195
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From: Sunapee NH
But to answer your questions. Yes, you have to take the front tires off. And you will need a 27mm socket, a 30mm deep socket (must be a deep socket) to remove the lower bolt. And a 13mm socket to remove the 3 nuts on on the top. This will remove the hardware to allow removal of the front strut assembly.
Be careful
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Logistics Pro
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From: The Land Of Time
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 886
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From: NC
Please, I am not trying to be a jerk here. But if you're asking questions like this, you probably don't have much experience working with suspensions. Especially loaded coil springs, as the front struts on our trucks have. I would highly recommend that you have a local shop do this work for you.
But to answer your questions. Yes, you have to take the front tires off. And you will need a 27mm socket, a 30mm deep socket (must be a deep socket) to remove the lower bolt. And a 13mm socket to remove the 3 nuts on on the top. This will remove the hardware to allow removal of the front strut assembly.
Be careful
But to answer your questions. Yes, you have to take the front tires off. And you will need a 27mm socket, a 30mm deep socket (must be a deep socket) to remove the lower bolt. And a 13mm socket to remove the 3 nuts on on the top. This will remove the hardware to allow removal of the front strut assembly.
Be careful
Please in the future do not reply to my questions. I am sure this forum is for helping people and treating them with respect. Not treating them like junk.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: Vacaville,CA
If you guys are still working on your struts...check out my write up on changing them. I have the Daystar Level Kit Installed...Its complete with what you need and what to do:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7350843
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7350843
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: westland, mi
taking off the wheel would be the first step after putting the front on jack stands and if you dont know that you shouldnt be working on the suspension. period.
he was very respectful to you, obviously you havent been on many forums to understand that.
now theres two less people to answer your noob questions. as i assume ill be asked to not reply from now on also.
buy a chiltons or haynes and use the search to avoid all this.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,195
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From: Sunapee NH
Trust me, I'm not wasting my time offering up anything to help you.
Last edited by svt2205; Sep 23, 2010 at 03:23 AM. Reason: Edited
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 886
Likes: 0
From: NC
If you guys are still working on your struts...check out my write up on changing them. I have the Daystar Level Kit Installed...Its complete with what you need and what to do:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7350843
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7350843
Great Write up!!!! Wealth of knowledge!
