Your shock absorbers serve to fine-tune your vehicle's suspension, affecting not only the quality and comfort of your ride but also the handling, traction and steering. The types of shocks you have should match the type of driving that you do. Specialized off-road shocks (figure A) help prepare your vehicle for maintaining a comfortable ride even over rough terrain. If you decide to install off-road shocks, first consult your service manual to get specific information on changing out the shocks in your particular vehicle.
Materials:
Off-road shocks and installation hardware
Floor jack and jack-stands
Socket wrench
Adjustable wrench
Penetrating oil
For ease of installation and better viewing, our installation was done with the vehicle on a lift. (We also removed the tires and wheels for better access, although this is not necessary.) The installation can also be done using an under-car jack and jack-stands. Be sure to chock the front wheels for added safety.
Important : Whether you're using a lift or a floor-jack, you'll need to use jack-stands to support your axle and suspension. When your existing shocks are removed, the stands will help prevent a drop, which could otherwise result in possible damage.
- You'll need to remove the nuts securing your existing shock. The shock is held in place at the bottom end (figure B) and the top (figure C). You'll need to remove both. Since these are likely to be secured tightly, and possibly rusted, use some penetrating oil to help loosen them before you attempt to remove them. The most effective method is to use two wrenches working in opposite directions to make the job easier. Take note of any spacers, sleeves, washers or other hardware used in connection with your existing shocks to be sure that the new shocks have the right replacements or counterparts.
Important: The shock used in this demonstration is a stud-mounted type, but different vehicles use different types of mounts. Consult your service manual for details and specifics. - With the old shock removed, prepare the new one for installation. In our case, the new shock comes with a dust boot and (for the top- or rod-end) a bushing and a retaining washer (figure D). The boot slides over the shock cylinder and is secured at the bottom of the cylinder with a plastic tie.
Tip: If you have difficulty sliding the boot over the new shock, you may want to use a lubricant such as dish soap to make it easier to slide on. - With the shock and hardware assembled, position the new front shock (figure E) just as the old one was and make sure that it lines up properly for mounting (figure F).
- Make certain that the holes line up at the bottom-end attachment so that you can insert the retaining bolts (figure G). With the bolt inserted, thread on the nut and tighten.
- For the upper attachment, install the retaining washer and bushing and secure the shock in place with the upper nut.
- Repeat these steps for the other front shock.
- The rear shocks (figure H) are replaced in much the same fashion. Installation is somewhat easier because there is better access, although reaching the top nut can be a bit awkward.
RESOURCES :
Vehicles provided by McNelly-Whaley Ford Lincoln Mercury
750 Dolly Parton Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862
Phone: 865-453-2833
Web site: www.ford4u.com
The Off-Road 4-Wheel Drive Book: Choosing, Using and Maintaining Go-Anywhere Vehicles
Model: 1859606067
Author: Jack Jackson
(1999)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Haynes Publications
4-Wheel Freedom: The Art of Off-Road Driving
Model: 0873648919
Author: Brad Delong
(1996)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Palladin Press
Rancho Suspension
Performance-suspension products in this segment are from
Rancho Suspension
Web site: www.gorancho.com
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