🔧 Front Strut Assembly - Replacement

Assumption: This covers the front strut assemblies on your F-150, since the rear uses shocks, not struts.

The front strut assembly supports the truck, controls ride motion, and helps keep tire contact stable. Replacing it is straightforward if you have the right tools and can safely support the front suspension while it is apart.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck securely on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle held up only by a jack.
• The front suspension is under spring load. A strut assembly can shift suddenly during removal.
• Keep hands clear of the knuckle and control arm while separating the strut.
• If equipped with front ride height or alignment-related sensors, do not force them.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.
• After replacement, an alignment is required.

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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
• Work gloves
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Ratchet
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Trim tool
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Strut nut socket
• Bungee cord

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly - Qty: 2
• Upper strut mount hardware kit - Qty: 2
• Lower strut bolts and nuts - Qty: 2 sets
• 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.
• Raise the front and support the frame with jack stands.
• Remove both front wheels for easier access.
• Mark the orientation of any brackets or brake line clips before removal.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the front end

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the truck.
• Set the frame on jack stands and chock the rear wheels.
• Remove the front wheels with the 21mm socket.

Step 2: Free the strut from attached brackets

• Use the 21mm socket to remove any brake line or ABS wire bracket bolts from the strut.
• Use a trim tool if a clip needs to be released.
• Move the lines aside carefully. Do not stretch them.

Step 3: Remove the sway bar link from the strut

• Use the 18mm socket and a matching wrench if needed to remove the sway bar link nut from the strut.
• If the stud spins, hold it with the correct wrench or hex if equipped.

Step 4: Mark the lower strut position

• Use a paint marker to mark the alignment of the lower strut-to-knuckle position if helpful.
• Small marks help during reassembly.

Step 5: Separate the strut from the knuckle

• Use the 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove the lower strut bolts.
• Support the knuckle so it does not drop suddenly.
• If the bolts are tight, use penetrating oil and work them out slowly.

Step 6: Remove the upper strut nuts

• Use the 18mm socket to remove the upper strut mount nuts.
• Hold the strut assembly with one hand while removing the last nut.
• Lower the strut out of the wheel well.

Step 7: Transfer the spring and mount if needed

• If your replacement is not a complete assembly, use the spring compressor (specialty) to safely compress the coil spring.
• Use the correct strut nut socket to remove the center shaft nut.
• Transfer the mount, spring, and hardware to the new strut in the same order.
• Torque the center shaft nut to manufacturer specification for the strut kit.

Step 8: Install the new strut assembly

• Position the new strut in the tower and start the upper nuts by hand using the 18mm socket.
• Align the lower mount with the knuckle.
• Install the lower strut bolts with the 21mm socket.
• Torque the lower strut bolts to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs).
• Torque the upper strut mount nuts to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the sway bar link and brackets

• Reinstall the sway bar link nut with the 18mm socket.
• Torque the sway bar link nut to 85 Nm (63 ft-lbs).
• Reattach the brake line and ABS brackets with the 21mm socket.

Step 10: Reassemble and lower the truck

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

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✅ After Repair

• Start the truck and listen for clunks or rubbing noises.
• Inspect the strut area to make sure all brackets are secure.
• Drive slowly at first and verify the steering feels normal.
• Get a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $700-$1,400 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$700 (parts only)

You Save: $450-$700 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?

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