Ford 8L1Z-18125-C Kit - Shock Absorber

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If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, turn OFF the air suspension system. The switch is located in the area of the right kick panel. If the vehicle is equipped with four-wheel air suspension, disconnect the upper end of the front height sensor from the upper frame bracket behind and above the left shock, then firmly push in the red ring on the shock body, hold it there, and pull out the air line. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Apply the parking brake. Remove the wheels. Using an open-end wrench to hold the shock from turning, remove the upper shock mounting nut. To detach the upper end of the shock absorber from the frame bracket, remove this nut, the retainer and the bushing; you'll need a back-up wrench on the lower nut to prevent the shock from turning when you loosen the nut. Remove the retainer and bushing. Working from underneath the vehicle, remove the two nuts (2WD models) or bolt and nut (4WD models) which attach the lower end of the shock absorber to the lower control arm and pull the shock out from below. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to tighten the upper mounting nut and the lower mounting bolts. On vehicles with four-wheel air suspension, make sure that at least 1/8-inch of air line is inserted into the red fitting. Tighten the upper nut and lower nut and bolt. Lower the vehicle and reactivate the air suspension system, if equipped. It is possible to replace the shocks or springs individually but the unit will have to be disassembled by a qualified repair shop with the proper equipment, and this will add considerable cost to the project. You can compare the cost of replacing the complete assemblies yourself to the cost of replacing individual components (with the help of a shop). Loosen the front wheel lug nuts. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the front wheels. Remove the nuts that attach the upper end of the shock to the frame. Separate the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle and secure it aside. Separate the upper balljoint from the control arm. Remove the fasteners attaching the lower end of the shock absorber to the lower control arm. Remove the shock absorber/coil spring assembly. Inspect the shock absorber for leaking fluid, dents, cracks and other damage. Inspect the coil spring for chips and cracks which could cause premature failure. Inspect the spring seats for hardness and general deterioration. If any of the components of the assembly are worn or damaged, have the unit serviced by a qualified repair shop or replace it. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to tighten the fasteners. Tighten the wheel lug nuts. The shock absorber lower mounting fasteners should be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height. This can be done after the vehicle has been lowered to the ground (on vehicles with adequate clearance), or can be simulated by raising the lower control arm with a floor jack.

Grasp each front tire at the front and rear edges, push in at the front, pull out at the rear, and feel for play in the steering system components. If any free play is noted, check the idler arm and the tie-rod ends for looseness.

Loosen the wheel lug nuts, then raise and support the rear of the vehicle. After that, remove the rear wheels.

Remove the rear wheels.

You should first loosen the front wheel lug nuts, then raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. After applying the parking brake, remove the wheels. To remove the upper shock mounting nut, use an open-end wrench to hold the shock from turning while removing the nut.

The potential consequences include excessive and abnormal tire wear, poor ride quality and vehicle handling, and reduced fuel economy.

Install the shock absorber in the reverse order of removal.

The instructions cover actions such as loosening wheel lugnuts, raising and supporting the vehicle, removing and installing various nuts, bolts, and components. It also mentions using new fasteners where necessary.