🔧 Front Strut Assembly - Replacement

Assumption: This covers the front strut/shock assemblies on your F-150. On this truck, many people call the front shock-and-spring assembly a “strut.” If you are replacing complete preassembled units, the job is much easier and usually does not require a spring compressor.

The front suspension supports the truck’s weight and controls ride quality, braking, and steering stability. Replacing worn assemblies restores handling, reduces bounce, and can help fix clunks or uneven tire wear.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Keep hands clear of the coil spring area. A compressed spring stores a lot of energy.
• If you are reusing the spring on a bare strut, use a spring compressor (specialty) and be very careful.
• Use eye protection. Rust and road debris often fall when bolts come out.
• Do not let the brake hose or ABS wire hang by itself.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 21mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 13mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Trim tool
• Spring compressor (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly - Qty: 2
• Front strut mounting nuts - Qty: 6
• Sway bar link nuts - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting the truck.
• Turn the steering wheel for better access to the side you are working on.
• Spray penetrating oil on the lower strut bolt and top fasteners before starting.
• If you are replacing only one side, it is still best to replace both front assemblies in pairs.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and support the front end

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the truck at the proper frame or crossmember lift point.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Remove the front wheel with the 21mm socket.

Step 2: Disconnect the sway bar link

• Use the 15mm socket to remove the sway bar link nut from the strut area.
• If the stud spins, hold it with the correct wrench while loosening the nut.
• Move the sway bar link aside carefully.

Step 3: Free the brake hose and ABS line brackets

• Use the 13mm socket or 15mm socket to remove any bracket fasteners attached to the strut body.
• Do not let the brake hose or ABS wire stretch or twist.

Step 4: Remove the lower strut bolt

• Use the 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove the lower strut bolt and nut.
• Support the knuckle while removing the bolt so it does not drop suddenly.

Step 5: Remove the upper strut nuts

• Use the 15mm socket to remove the top mounting nuts from the engine bay.
• Hold the strut with one hand as the last nut comes off.
• Remove the strut assembly from the wheel well.

Step 6: Transfer the spring and mount, if needed

• If your replacement is not preassembled, use a spring compressor (specialty) to compress the coil spring.
• Use the 13mm socket or the correct top nut tool to remove the center shaft nut.
• Transfer the spring, mount, and insulators to the new strut.
• Keep the spring evenly compressed.

Step 7: Install the new strut assembly

• Guide the new assembly into the tower and start the upper nuts by hand.
• Align the lower strut mount with the knuckle and install the lower bolt.
• Reinstall the brake hose and ABS brackets.
• Reinstall the sway bar link nut.

Step 8: Torque all fasteners

• Tighten the upper strut nuts with the torque wrench to 47 Nm (35 ft-lbs).
• Tighten the lower strut bolt to 203 Nm (150 ft-lbs).
• Tighten the sway bar link nut to 85 Nm (63 ft-lbs).
• Tighten brake hose/ABS bracket fasteners to 10 Nm (89 in-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts with the 21mm socket.
• Lower the truck and torque the lug nuts to 204 Nm (150 ft-lbs) in a star pattern.

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✅ After Repair

• Start with a slow test drive and listen for clunks or rubbing.
• Check that the truck sits evenly side to side.
• Inspect all fasteners again after the first drive.
• Get a front-end alignment if the truck pulls, the steering wheel is off-center, or tire wear was already present.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $600-$1,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $300-$750 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.