I couldn't find a simple how-to on this general task most of us OBS should be doing anytime soon, so here you go

Tools Needed:

13mm socket & wrench (preferably 1/2" drive)
13/16" open-end wrench
13/16" deep socket (preferably 3/4" drive)
2x New Front Shock Absorbers (I used Monroe-Matics PN#32302, $24.95 retail)
4-way Lug wrench
Jack & Stands



Average Time: 2 hours

Disclaimer: I will not be held responsible for any injury or damage resulting from following this post. This is purely for informational and comical purposes only.

Step 1:

Securely stable the rear tires of the vehicle either using chocks, or a curb like so:



Pick which side you prefer to do first, and using your 4-way, break loose the lugs on your wheel:



Jack up the vehicle until the tire is about 1" off the ground, and secure the lift using a jack-stand (do as I say, not as I do )

Remove the wheel and if handy, spray down the bolts with some PB blaster or WD-40. Use the 13/16" open-end and secure the nut that is inside the strut housing. Attatch the 13/16" socket to the top and using your drive, turn until the strut tower is acting as a second pair of hands to hold the wrench.







Go to down on that bad-boy. The thread is about 3-4" long, so it will take you about 50-75 swings before you feel like you are making any progress. By that time you can hand-thread off the top bolt, and remove the rubber bushing.





Carefully going underneath the vehicle, use your 13mm and remove the two tiny nuts holding on the bottom of the shock.



At this time, the shock should fall loose and utilizing Ford's (for once) ingenious idea of preventive maintenance, use the cut-out they have supplied and slide the shock inwards and it will have enough room to slide out. If not, do your damnest to compress it.



Here is my FACTORY (that's right, 210K miles. Not a good idea....) shocks versus my Monroe-Matics.



Installation is the reverse of removal. First be sure you install the first half of metal washer and new rubber bushing correctly. Slide the shock into the tower and guide the 4" thread pin at the top into the hole. Then secure both 13mm nuts at the bottom:



Now after putting the other bushing and washer on, you may notice a lack of room to attach the new bolt.



At this time you are going to have to reinstall the tire and lower the vehicle onto its own weight to compress the shock. Allowing you to secure using your 13/16" open-end and 13/16" deep-socket. Tighten down appropriately (again, 50-75 swings, or until you feel tightness).



Enjoy your new ride!

 

nice work alex

 

Wow - great write up! Actually seems relatively pain free! Quick question, for anyone - how much difference (if any) is it for the 4WD? I have an '02 with 315k (km) and everything is still stock suspension wise - likely due anytime!

Thanks!

 

couple of pointers (as i always seem to have on your writeups)


If you use a Jack stand (or pair of stands) you can use the floor jack to compress the coil if necessary to install the shock, just be careful not to compress so much that you lift the vehicle off the stands.

If you are using OEM, or Bilsteins with the rubber bushings, they do not need to be sandwiched and smashed flat. They merely need to be a little tighter then snug.

Also remember to retorque the wheels when all is said and done

 

Same shocks that are on my green truck. Procomp wont send you the right fitting shocks...warning!

 

Great ride for such a cheap set. I also have Monroe-Matics on the rear. They take the Tally bumps pretty damned well. Now all I need to do is my ball joins and A-arm bushings and I should be set.

 

Informative post, great write up

 

just curious. did it make the front end sit any higher. Ive got the same truck and I''m thinking about putting new shocks on.

 

shocks have no change on the ride height on these 97-03 suspensions

 

Shocks might restore stock height but wont lift the truck.

 

like i said; shocks have no change on the ride height on these 97-03 suspensions.

In fact you could remove all 4 shocks completely and the truck still keep the same ride height

 

Try riding like that.


No really dont.


I got my stock shocks stolen from under my truck at school for the rear, it was a nightmere.

 

I thought stealing tailgates was the lowest of the low

 

Great pics and writeup. Thanks for the info and for sharing!!

 

This gave me inspiration to do my Procomps, did one then ate, came out and noticed my truck sits unlevel. Damn it, got to do the other side now and im lazy so going to school tommarow on a unlevel truck