Never installed shocks before

[91Bear]

I got a good deal on four shocks for the truck but I have never installed any myself. Got any tips for me to save time/effort?

I'm a newbie DIY'er, so anything is appreciated.

[TX69F100]

I have not yet replaced the ones on my bump. However, shocks in general are a pretty easy part to replace (especially when not part of a strut).

Here is a general how-to from Autozone:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repair ... le=replace

Looks like there just a nut on top and a bolt through the bottom up front: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repair ... le=replace

Then you have a bolt through the top and the bottom out back: http://www.fordification.com/tech/image ... noflex.jpg

You should be able to do the swap without lifting/supporting the suspension (unless you just want to put it up the air to get more clearance to crawl under it).

[Kansas 72 Ford]

Just did mine a month or so ago. Very easy removal/installation probably a hour or less for the total project. One bolt through the bottom and one nut to remove from the top. Only tip I have is remove the top one first so the shock doesn't try to turn as you loosen/tighten the top nut.

[91Bear]

Do the shocks usually come with the required bushings?

[1972hiboy]

normally the new shocks should come with all the new/needed bushings and hardware.

[mrollings53]

How tight does that top nut need to be on the front shocks. I just replaced mine last week and when tightening the nuts on one side the tire was raised off the ground and the other tire remained on the ground. I had the truck on jack stands. And both nuts are tightned the same distance down the stud.

[fordman]

the nuts should be tight so that it lets the bushing mash to the frame bracket. maybe something else is wrong. the shocks dont match or a bracket is bent. a spring could be worn on one side. or not the same amount of leafs. the frame could be bent.

[terry1167]

Hey 91 Bear. Installing the shocks shouldnt be very difficult. Here is my thread as I just installed a set last month but mine were a HD shock with a coil over it which did make it a little more difficult to install the front shocks because you have to kind of compress them before installing them. Nothing too difficult, just a small additional challenge http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =5&t=55900. I did raise the vehicle and place on jack stands when I did mine.