🔧 TITAN - Shock Absorber Replacement

This repair replaces the worn shock absorbers on your TITAN to restore ride control, reduce bouncing, and improve tire contact on rough roads. Your PRO-4X uses front coil-over shock assemblies and separate rear shock absorbers.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours for all four

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Never work under your TITAN supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands.
• ⚠️ The front shocks are part of a coil-over assembly. A coil-over means the coil spring surrounds the shock. The spring is under heavy pressure.
• ⚠️ For a beginner, use complete front shock/strut assemblies if available. Do not disassemble the front coil spring unless you have a proper spring compressor and experience.
• ⚠️ Replace shocks in pairs: both front, both rear, or all four.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear when lowering suspension parts. They can move suddenly.
• ⚠️ 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
• 21mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 22mm socket
• Ratchet wrench 1/2-inch drive
• Breaker bar 1/2-inch drive
• Torque wrench 1/2-inch drive
• 17mm combination wrench
• 19mm combination wrench
• 22mm combination wrench
• Flat pry bar
• Rubber mallet
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Coil spring compressor (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front shock/strut assemblies - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Qty: 2
• Front shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Rear shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your TITAN on level ground.
• Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the wheels that stay on the ground.
• Loosen the wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting. Do not remove them yet.
• Spray penetrating oil on the upper and lower shock fasteners before starting.
• Use a paint marker to mark the direction of any bolts you remove. This makes reassembly easier.
• If replacing front bare shocks only, the coil spring must be compressed safely with a spring compressor. For first-time DIY, complete front assemblies are strongly recommended.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and Support the Front

• Use the 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the front wheel lug nuts one turn.
• Use the floor jack to lift the front of your TITAN at the front crossmember.
• Place jack stands under the frame rails.
• Lower the truck gently onto the jack stands.
• Use the 21mm socket to remove the front wheels.
• Shake the truck lightly to confirm stability.

Step 2: Support the Lower Control Arm

• Place the floor jack under the lower control arm near the outer end.
• Raise the jack just enough to support the arm. Do not lift the truck off the jack stand.
• The lower control arm is the large suspension arm below the front shock assembly.

Step 3: Remove the Front Lower Shock Bolt

• Use the 19mm socket and 19mm combination wrench to remove the lower shock bolt and nut.
• If the bolt is stuck, use penetrating oil and tap it gently with the rubber mallet.
• Use the flat pry bar only if needed to relieve light pressure on the shock mount.

Step 4: Remove the Front Upper Shock Nuts

• From inside the wheel well, locate the three upper shock mounting nuts.
• Use the 17mm socket to remove the upper mounting nuts.
• Hold the shock assembly with one hand while removing the last nut.
• Lower the shock assembly out through the wheel well.
• Do not loosen the center spring nut.

Step 5: Install the New Front Shock Assembly

• Position the new front shock/strut assembly into the upper mount.
• Start the upper nuts by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 17mm socket to snug the upper nuts.
• Align the lower shock mount with the lower control arm using the flat pry bar if needed.
• Install the lower bolt and nut by hand.

Step 6: Torque the Front Shock Fasteners

• Use the torque wrench and 17mm socket on the upper nuts.
• Torque front upper shock nuts to 44 Nm (33 ft-lbs).
• Use the torque wrench, 19mm socket, and 19mm combination wrench on the lower bolt and nut.
• Torque front lower shock bolt to 155 Nm (114 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Repeat on the Other Front Side

• Use the same 17mm socket, 19mm socket, and 19mm combination wrench to replace the opposite front shock assembly.
• Make sure both front assemblies are seated evenly in the upper mounts.

Step 8: Reinstall the Front Wheels

• Install the front wheels by hand.
• Use the 21mm socket to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Use the floor jack to raise the front slightly and remove the jack stands.
• Lower your TITAN to the ground.
• Use the torque wrench and 21mm socket.
• Torque wheel lug nuts to 133 Nm (98 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Lift and Support the Rear

• Use the 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the rear wheel lug nuts one turn.
• Use the floor jack under the rear axle center section to lift the rear.
• Place jack stands under the rear frame rails.
• Keep the floor jack lightly supporting the rear axle.
• Use the 21mm socket to remove the rear wheels for easier access.

Step 10: Remove the Rear Shock Absorber

• Use the 22mm socket and 22mm combination wrench to remove the lower rear shock bolt and nut.
• Use the 19mm socket and 19mm combination wrench to remove the upper rear shock bolt and nut.
• Remove the shock absorber from the truck.
• If the shock is stuck, use penetrating oil and the rubber mallet.

Step 11: Install the New Rear Shock Absorber

• Position the new rear shock with the body and dust boot oriented the same way as the original shock.
• Start the upper bolt and nut by hand.
• Use the floor jack to raise or lower the rear axle slightly until the lower mount lines up.
• Install the lower bolt and nut by hand.
• Hand-start bolts before using tools.

Step 12: Torque the Rear Shock Fasteners

• Use the torque wrench, 19mm socket, and 19mm combination wrench on the upper bolt and nut.
• Torque rear upper shock bolt to 155 Nm (114 ft-lbs).
• Use the torque wrench, 22mm socket, and 22mm combination wrench on the lower bolt and nut.
• Torque rear lower shock bolt to 155 Nm (114 ft-lbs).

Step 13: Repeat on the Other Rear Side

• Use the same 19mm socket, 22mm socket, and matching wrenches to replace the opposite rear shock.
• Keep the rear axle supported with the floor jack while lining up the bolts.

Step 14: Reinstall the Rear Wheels

• Install the rear wheels by hand.
• Use the 21mm socket to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Use the floor jack to raise the rear slightly and remove the jack stands.
• Lower your TITAN to the ground.
• Use the torque wrench and 21mm socket.
• Torque wheel lug nuts to 133 Nm (98 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Bounce-test each corner by pushing down on the bumper. The truck should rise and settle quickly.
• ✅ Test drive slowly first. Listen for clunks, rattles, or knocking sounds.
• ✅ Recheck all visible shock fasteners after the first short drive.
• ✅ Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.
• ✅ A front wheel alignment is recommended after replacing front shock assemblies.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,600 for all four shocks, depending on parts quality and labor rate

DIY Cost: $350-$900 for parts only

You Save: $550-$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?

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