Changing Installing New Shock Absorbers    

 

 

Installing shocks hasn't changed much over the years. Different vehicles are all slightly different, but the basics remain the same. Unbolt the old shocks, bolt on the new ones.

Here I show you how to install shocks using simple hand tools most home mechanics already have. In this case, the vehicle is a 1997-2003 Ford 2WD F150. But just about any rear wheel drive car or truck with a typical front upper - lower control arm suspension will be the same as you see here.

Later I may show how to install rear shocks, but those are usually easier than the front, so if you can do this installation, the rears are a snap.

Remember to take ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHENEVER WORKING ON A VEHICLE.

 

 

Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6
Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10

 

 

I'm not going to show you how to do this in a garage with $ 50,000.00 worth of tools and equipment. This is the real world (for the do it yourself people out there).

Here below are the tools I used in the installation. As you can see, there are no fancy or special tools needed. Most do-it-yourself people will have these in their garage.

I did this installation of two shocks on a flat concrete driveway, by myself, in
about one hour (and that includes taking pictures and notes).

 

 

 

Shock absorber tools

 

 
  • Floor Jack - To lift up the tire and front suspension a few inches and to help compress shock absorber.
  • Hammer - To tap on lower shock mount to loosen the shock free.
  • WD40 - To lubricate the upper shock threads while removing old nut.
  • Allen Key - To use on new shock, while installing top shock mount and hardware.
  • Flathead screwdriver - To pop off the (unique to) Ford brake line clip off shock absorber.
  • Wrench - To take off upper shock absorber nut.
  • Vice-grips - To hold the shock piston while removing the old nut off the old shock.
  • Ratchet - To remove the two lower nuts off shock mount on the lower control arm.
  • Jack stand - SAFETY. To use when using jack on suspension lower control arm.
 

Home