My dad has a 2010 F150 2wd (5.4) with 75k and is ready to replace the shocks. He purchased a set of Bilstein 4600's (HD Yellow) and we are trying to plan or review the replacement procedure.

My father is in St. Louis, I am in Pennsylvania, so I don't have the truck in front of me to plan the task.

I bought the AllDataDIY online manual for the 2010 2wd F150. We used the AllDataDIY manual for the maintenance on my 2008 F250 and the shock replacement was pretty straight forward.

The All Data procedure specifies the disconnecting of the tie rod ends, lower ball joint, etc prior to replacement of the shock absorber.

Will we have to disconnect some suspension components to remove the shock/spring assembly and replace the shock absorber?

Any advice is appreciated.

OJ

Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent parts, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. Remove and discard the shock absorber upper mount nuts.
2. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires.
3. Remove and discard the tie-rod end nut.
4. Using the Ball Joint Separator, separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.

1. Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.
2. Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link upper nut.
3. Remove and discard the shock absorber lower nut and bolt.
4. Using the Ball Joint Separator, disconnect the upper arm ball joint from the wheel knuckle and remove the shock absorber and spring assembly.

1. NOTE: If the individual spring and/or shock components are not being serviced, continue to the installation procedure.

NOTE: For reference during assembly, index the upper mount, spring and shock absorber.

Using a suitable spring compressor, compress the spring until the tension is released from the shock absorber.

1. NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the shock rod from turning while removing the nut.

While holding the shock rod, remove the nut and the shock absorber.

• Discard the nut.

1. Remove the upper mount, dust boot and insulator.

Installation

NOTICE: Do not tighten the lower shock nut until the installation procedure is complete and the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheel and tire assemblies or incorrect clamp load and bushing damage may occur.

1. Position the shock absorber and spring and install the dust boot, insulator and the upper mount.

1. NOTE: Align the index marks made during disassembly.

Using a suitable spring compressor, compress the spring until the tension is released from the shock absorber.

1. NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the shock rod from turning while installing the nut.

While holding the shock rod, install the new shock absorber and the shock rod nut.

• Tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

1. NOTE: Do not tighten the nut at this time.

Position the shock absorber and loosely install the new shock absorber lower nut and bolt.

1. Connect the upper arm ball joint to the wheel knuckle and install the new nut.

•  
  • Tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

1. Install a new stabilizer bar link upper nut.

•  
  • Tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).

1. Install the new tie-rod end nut.

•  
  • Tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

1. Install the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires.
2. Install the new shock absorber upper mount nuts.

•  
  • Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).

1. With the weight of the vehicle on the wheel and tire, tighten the shock absorber lower nut to 550 Nm (406 lb-ft).

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</td> <td class="lower">
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