I am getting ready to replace the front shocks on my ford f150 xl. i noticed that the new shocks come conpressed with a wire. I assumeing that i completley install the new shock "before" i cut the wire compressing yes?

 

everyone has a way of doing it right or wrong... attach the top nut, cut the strap and guide it into the bottom, insert the bolt, done.

 

What year truck is it. Is it just a shock or is it more like a strut to go inside the spring.

 

It can be done either way, with it compressed you'll only be able to get one side installed and then you'll have to guide the other end of the shock in.