Well I usually trust the auto parts store but maybe I should stop that... I order and bought Monroe Sensa-Trac Load Adjustable Shock Absorber, went to pick up today and they seem way to big to put on my stock 2001 5.4 F150 4x4 SCREW. Will I be able to compress them somehow while installing? I can barely move the spring itself and couldn't move the "piston stick" at all. They seem a good 8" larger then my stock struts.

Here is the direct link: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...___#fragment-3

 

When you disconnect the old shocks, and jack the truck off the diff (via the hitch) you should in theory have room to install the new shocks.

 

So just let the leaf springs sag and take off the old struts one at a time and replace them?

 

just installed them on my 2004 crew. Just unbolt the old and jack up the truck by the frame or the hitch. I then bolted the bottoms of the new shocks into place and used a flat blade screw driver to guide the top into the pocket. I had to jack my truck up about 3 inches higher to get the new shocks on.

 

got it 04f150inmn, I'm gonna do it tonight and see what happens.

 

CManHugh, I had the exact same truck as you and put the Monroe load levelers on it about 2 years ago. When I installed them I had to jack up the truck and let the rear wheels hang free. Then I attached the new shocks at the top and I actually had to use my jack to compress the shocks a little bit to get the bottom hole lined up. It was a big PITA getting the bottoms on, but I really liked the ride they gave. This did raise the rear end by about 1 1/2" or so though. Helped level the truck off when towing I guess.

 

the whole process took me about 40 mins total (both sides) keep us posted.