🔧 Shock Absorbers - Rear Shock Replacement

The rear shocks on your Explorer control bounce and keep the rear tires planted. On this vehicle, the front suspension uses struts, so this guide covers the rear shock absorbers only.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle securely with jack stands before removing any wheel.
• Do not work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
• Rear suspension components can be under load; keep hands clear when lowering or raising the axle.
• If your Explorer has electronic parking brake operation involved for other work, make sure it is fully released. No battery disconnect is normally required for rear shock replacement.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves.

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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
• Breaker bar
• 21mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Socket extension
• Trim tool
• 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 mounting hardware - Qty: 2 sets

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• Raise the rear and support it with jack stands under the frame.
• Remove the rear wheels.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the rear

• Use a floor jack to raise the rear of your Explorer.
• Place jack stands under the frame rails and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Remove both rear wheels with a 21mm socket.

Step 2: Support the suspension

• Place the floor jack under the rear suspension arm or axle area to lightly support it.
• Keep the suspension from dropping suddenly.

Step 3: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use an 18mm socket and ratchet to remove the lower shock mounting bolt.
• If the bolt is tight, use a breaker bar for extra leverage.

Step 4: Remove the upper shock fastener

• Use an 18mm socket and socket extension to remove the upper shock fastener.
• Lower the floor jack slightly if you need more room to pull the shock out.

Step 5: Remove the old shock absorber

• Pull the old shock absorber out of the wheel well.
• Compare the new part to the old one before installing it.

Step 6: Install the new shock absorber

• Position the new rear shock in place by hand.
• Install the upper fastener first using an 18mm socket.
• Then align and install the lower bolt with an 18mm socket.
• Torque to factory specification.

Step 7: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the opposite rear shock using the same steps.
• Replace shocks in pairs.

Step 8: Reinstall wheels and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the rear wheels with a 21mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle off the jack stands using the floor jack.
• Torque the lug nuts to factory specification.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and check for unusual suspension noise.
• Drive slowly over a few bumps to confirm the rear bounce is controlled.
• Recheck all fasteners after a short test drive.
• If the ride height or handling feels uneven, inspect the rear springs and mounts.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $140-$320 (parts only)

You Save: $310-$580 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 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.