Assumption: This guide covers both the front shock/strut assemblies and the rear shock absorbers on your F-150.

🔧 Shock Absorbers - Replacement

The front suspension uses shock/strut assemblies, while the rear uses separate shock absorbers. Replacing worn shocks helps restore ride control, braking stability, and tire wear, especially on a 4WD truck used for hauling or rough roads.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck with jack stands before working underneath it.
• Front coil spring assemblies are under high tension; do not disassemble the spring without a proper spring compressor.
• Rear shocks are easier than the front, but the axle must be safely supported.
• If your truck has rusted hardware, use care when loosening bolts to avoid breakage.
• Disconnect the battery 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
• Ratchet set
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Deep socket set
• Torque wrench
• Breaker bar
• Box-end wrench set
• Pry bar
• Penetrating oil
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front shock/strut assembly - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Qty: 2
• Upper shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 2
• Lower shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks at the wheels staying on the ground.
• Loosen the lug nuts slightly before lifting if you are removing the wheels.
• Work one side at a time to keep the suspension stable.
• Penetrating oil helps on rusted bolts.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the truck

• Use the floor jack to lift the truck at the proper frame or axle support points.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• If needed, remove the wheels with a 21mm socket to get access.

Step 2: Remove the rear shock absorber

• Use a 15mm socket and box-end wrench set to remove the lower shock bolt.
• Use a 15mm socket and box-end wrench set to remove the upper shock bolt.
• Pull the old shock out of the mount.
• Support the axle lightly if the shock binds.

Step 3: Install the rear shock absorber

• Position the new rear shock in the same orientation as the old one.
• Start the upper bolt by hand first, then the lower bolt.
• Tighten the hardware with a torque wrench.
• Torque to 98 Nm (72 ft-lbs) for the rear shock mounting bolts.

Step 4: Remove the front shock/strut assembly

• Use a 21mm socket to remove the front wheel.
• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts.
• Use a 15mm socket to remove the upper strut mount nuts from the engine bay.
• Carefully remove the strut assembly from the truck.
• Do not loosen the spring itself.

Step 5: Install the front shock/strut assembly

• Set the new strut assembly into place by hand.
• Install the upper mount nuts finger-tight first.
• Align the lower holes and install the lower bolts.
• Tighten everything with a torque wrench.
• Torque to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs) for the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) for the upper strut mount nuts.

Step 6: Reassemble and repeat on the other side

• Reinstall the wheels with a 21mm socket if removed.
• Lower the truck off the jack stands with the floor jack.
• Tighten the lug nuts with a torque wrench.
• Torque to 204 Nm (150 ft-lbs) for the wheel lug nuts.
• Repeat the full process on the opposite side.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the truck and listen for clunks or rubbing.
• Drive slowly at first and check that the ride feels stable.
• Inspect all shock mounts again after the test drive.
• Get a front-end alignment if you replaced the front struts or notice steering pull.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $500-$1,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$500 (parts only)

You Save: $320-$700 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 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.