🔧 Rear Shock Absorbers - Replacement

This covers the rear shock absorbers on your F-150. Rear shocks control bounce and keep the tires planted on rough roads; worn shocks can cause poor ride quality, extra body movement, and uneven tire wear. Assumption: rear shocks only.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck with jack stands before removing either rear shock.
• Keep hands clear when lowering or raising the axle.
• Use the parking brake and chock the front wheels.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.
• Replace shocks in pairs for even ride and handling.

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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
• Ratchet
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorber - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorber hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Spray the upper and lower shock bolts with penetrating oil before starting.
• Lift only one side at a time if you are new to this job.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and support the rear of the truck

• Use a floor jack to raise the rear axle enough to remove one rear wheel.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Remove the rear wheel with the appropriate lug wrench or socket if needed for access.

Step 2: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use an 18mm socket and ratchet or breaker bar to remove the lower shock bolt.
• If the bolt spins, hold the nut side with a matching wrench if accessible.
• Penetrating oil helps on rusty bolts.

Step 3: Remove the upper shock bolt

• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the upper shock bolt.
• Support the shock with one hand as the last bolt comes out.
• Remove the old shock from the truck.

Step 4: Install the new shock absorber

• Position the new rear shock absorber in place.
• Start the upper bolt by hand first.
• Install the lower bolt by hand next.
• Do not fully tighten until both bolts are seated.

Step 5: Torque the shock bolts

• Use a torque wrench to tighten the upper and lower shock bolts.
• Torque to 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs) for the shock mounting bolts.
• Repeat the same steps on the other rear side.

Step 6: Reinstall the wheel and lower the truck

• Reinstall the wheel if removed.
• Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern with the correct socket.
• Lower the truck fully and torque the lug nuts to factory spec for your wheel package.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive on a smooth road first.
• Listen for clunks or squeaks.
• Check both shock bolts again after the test drive.
• Watch for improved ride control over bumps.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$700 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$300 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$400 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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