Ford F4TZ-18124-J Shock Absorber Assembly

You can Select Your Vehicle to check if F4TZ-18124-J fits your vehicle.

To install the rear shock absorber, simply reverse the removal process.

To remove the shock absorbers, start by blocking the rear wheels and applying the parking brake. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts and raise the front of the vehicle, supporting it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel. On coil spring models, remove the nut and washer from the top end of the shock absorber, and then remove the lower shock absorber mounting nut. If necessary, use a backup wrench on the hex provided on the lower part of the stud mount. On later leaf spring models, simply remove the upper shock mount bolt and nut. Remove the nut and bolt securing the bottom end of the shock absorber to the lower bracket or spacer plate. Remove the shock absorber and insulators. To inspect the shock absorber, remove it and examine it for signs of damage to the body, distorted piston rod, loose mounting, or hydraulic fluid leakage. If any of these signs are evident, a new unit should be installed. Inspect the upper frame mounted shock insulators on coil spring models for signs of wear and replace if necessary. To test the shock absorber's efficiency, hold it in a vertical position and completely extend and compress the piston rod several times to work out any trapped air bubbles. Mount the bottom end of the shock absorber in a soft-jawed vise and grasp the upper rod, extending and contracting it rapidly. The resistance should be smooth and uniform throughout the entire stroke in both directions, with greater resistance during the extension stroke. If there is erratic or notchy resistance or if the resistance is the same or less during the extension stroke, the shock absorbers should be replaced. The shock absorbers on each axle should have identical action, and they should always be replaced in pairs on the same axle. To install the shock absorbers, follow the reverse of the removal process. If old shock absorbers are being reinstalled, replace the bushings if there are signs of deterioration or wear. New shock absorbers come equipped with new bushings, and when installing new bushings, never compress them beyond the diameter of the steel washers retaining them.

Inspection of the rear shock absorber is similar to that for the front shock absorber.

To install the shock absorbers, follow the reverse of the removal process. If old shock absorbers are being reinstalled, replace the bushings if there are signs of deterioration or wear. New shock absorbers come equipped with new bushings, and when installing new bushings, never compress them beyond the diameter of the steel washers retaining them.