🔧 F-150 - Strut Replacement

On your F-150, the front suspension uses struts (coilover assemblies), while the rear uses shocks (not struts). The exact steps, tool sizes, and torque specs change depending on whether you’re doing the front struts or rear shocks, and whether you’re replacing complete assemblies or transferring the spring.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ If you are reusing the coil spring, a coil spring compressor is required—stored spring force can cause severe injury.
• ⚠️ Support the truck with jack stands on the frame; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear of pinch points when lowering/raising the lower control arm.
• 🧤 Wear eye protection; suspension hardware can release suddenly.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Torque wrench (30–300 ft-lbs range)
• Breaker bar (1/2" drive)
• Socket set (metric, 10mm–30mm, 1/2" drive)
• Wrench set (metric, 10mm–30mm)
• Pry bar (24")
• Hammer (2 lb)
• Punch set
• Penetrating oil
• Needle-nose pliers
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Coil spring compressor (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assemblies (complete/loaded) - Replace in pairs (Left + Right) - Qty: 2
• OR Front struts (bare) - Replace in pairs (Left + Right) - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount/bearing kit - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front bump stops and dust boots - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front sway bar end links - Optional if worn - Qty: 2
• Front strut-to-lower control arm bolt/nut hardware - Optional if damaged/corroded - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to P, and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Spray penetrating oil on the lower strut bolt/nut and sway link hardware 10–15 minutes before removal.
• If you’re not using complete “loaded” strut assemblies, plan a clean bench area for spring transfer.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Two quick questions (so I can give exact tool sizes & torque specs)

• Are you replacing the front struts (coilover assemblies) or the rear shocks?
• Are you installing complete/loaded strut assemblies (spring already installed) or reusing your springs with a spring compressor?

Step 2: What I’ll provide next (after you answer)

• A full, exact procedure for your F-150 with the correct fastener sizes.
• All torque specs called out like Torque to XX Nm (YY ft-lbs).
• Beginner-friendly tips to avoid common mistakes (like overextending brake hoses/ABS wiring).

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✅ After Repair

• Get a front-end alignment after front strut work to prevent tire wear and pulling.
• Listen for clunks over bumps; recheck any fasteners you touched.
• Re-torque lug nuts after ~25–50 miles of driving.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $600-$1,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$900 (parts only)

You Save: $350-$600 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.