🔧 F-150 - Rear Shock Absorber Replacement

Assumption: This guide covers the rear shock absorbers on your F-150. The front uses strut-style coilover assemblies, which are a different repair.

Rear shocks control bounce and help keep the tires planted on the road. Replace them in pairs so the truck handles evenly side-to-side.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, solid surface only.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands before getting under the truck. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ The shock is not the main spring support on the rear of your F-150, but it can still be under slight tension.
• ⚠️ Replace both rear shocks together to keep braking, handling, and ride feel balanced.
• ⚠️ 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 3-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 21mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 18mm combination wrench
• 1/2-inch drive ratchet
• 1/2-inch drive breaker bar
• 1/2-inch drive torque wrench rated to 150 ft-lbs
• Penetrating oil
• Wire brush
• Rubber mallet

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your F-150 on level ground.
• Shift to Park and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks in front of and behind the front tires.
• Spray the upper and lower rear shock bolts with penetrating oil and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
• A torque wrench tightens bolts to the correct force so they are not too loose or over-tightened.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and support the rear of the truck

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum under the rear axle housing or approved rear lift point.
• Raise the rear high enough to work safely around the shocks.
• Place jack stands rated 3-ton minimum under the frame rails.
• Lower the truck gently onto the jack stands.
• Keep the floor jack lightly supporting the rear axle so it does not drop when the shock is removed.
• Shake the truck gently to confirm stability.

Step 2: Clean the shock mounting bolts

• Use the wire brush to clean dirt and rust from the upper and lower shock bolts.
• Spray more penetrating oil on the bolt threads if they look rusty.
• Let it soak for a few minutes before loosening the bolts.

Step 3: Support the rear axle

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to support the rear axle close to the shock you are replacing.
• Do not lift the truck off the jack stands.
• The goal is only to hold the axle in position and take tension off the shock bolts.

Step 4: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use the 18mm socket and 1/2-inch drive breaker bar to loosen the lower shock bolt.
• Use the 18mm combination wrench on the nut if the nut spins.
• Remove the lower bolt and nut by hand once loose.
• If the bolt sticks, tap it gently with the rubber mallet.

Step 5: Remove the upper shock bolt

• Use the 18mm socket and 1/2-inch drive breaker bar to loosen the upper shock bolt.
• Use the 18mm combination wrench to hold the nut if needed.
• Remove the upper bolt and nut.
• Pull the old shock absorber out of the mounting brackets.
• Note the direction before removing it.

Step 6: Compare the old and new shock

• Place the old and new rear shock absorbers side by side.
• Check that the length, mounting eyes, bushings, and sleeves match.
• Move the new shock by hand if needed so the mounting holes line up.
• A bushing is the rubber cushion inside the shock mount that reduces noise and vibration.

Step 7: Install the new upper shock mount

• Position the new shock in the upper mount by hand.
• Install the upper bolt and nut from the rear shock mounting hardware kit.
• Use the 18mm socket and 18mm combination wrench to snug the upper bolt.
• Do not fully torque it yet.

Step 8: Install the new lower shock mount

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to raise or lower the axle slightly until the lower shock hole lines up.
• Slide the lower bolt through the shock and bracket by hand.
• Install the lower nut.
• Use the 18mm socket and 18mm combination wrench to snug the lower bolt.
• Never force the bolt through crooked.

Step 9: Torque the shock bolts

• Use the 1/2-inch drive torque wrench rated to 150 ft-lbs with the 18mm socket.
• Tighten the upper rear shock bolt to Torque to 90 Nm (66 ft-lbs).
• Tighten the lower rear shock bolt to Torque to 90 Nm (66 ft-lbs).
• If using new aftermarket hardware, follow the hardware manufacturer torque if it differs.

Step 10: Repeat on the opposite side

• Move the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to support the axle near the other shock.
• Repeat the same removal and installation steps on the other rear shock.
• Use the 1/2-inch drive torque wrench rated to 150 ft-lbs to torque both mounting bolts to 90 Nm (66 ft-lbs).

Step 11: Lower the truck

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to slightly lift the rear of the truck off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands rated 3-ton minimum.
• Lower the truck slowly to the ground.
• Remove the wheel chocks.

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✅ After Repair

• Push down firmly on the rear bumper and release. The truck should rise and settle quickly, not keep bouncing.
• Test drive slowly first. Listen for clunks, rattles, or knocking from the rear.
• After the test drive, visually check both rear shocks to make sure the bushings are seated correctly.
• Recheck the upper and lower shock bolt torque with the 1/2-inch drive torque wrench rated to 150 ft-lbs after 25-50 miles.
• No alignment is normally required after rear shock replacement on your F-150.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $300-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$280 (parts only)

You Save: $210-$370 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-1.5 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.