Genuine 1990 Ford Bronco II Shock Absorber

1990 Ford Bronco II Shock Absorber Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to remove and install rear shock absorbers on 1990 Ford Bronco II?

  A: To dismantle the shock absorber one has to lift the car and place jack stands under the axle or the wheel so as to relieve pressure off the shock. Lift and slide forward the lower retaining nut and bolt and the lower end will swing away from the mounting bracket on the axle housing. Then, upon undoing the retaining nut(s) on the upper mounting, pull out the shock absorber from the car. ReInstallation is the reverse order with particular attention given to the tightening and the lower retaining bolt most preferably to be tightened to 39-53 ft. lbs. , and in case of the Ranger and Bronco II, the upper mounting nut should be torqued to 53-69 Nm. The shock absorber has the main responsibility of regulating the motion of the springs during the compression and the rebound cycles in the slightest manner; their absence would create enormous banging in the vehicle. There is confusion when it comes to shocks because it is believed that they alter ride height while in real essence, it is defined by springs and tires. Old shocks deminish grip by allowing front-end movement which changes the tires' contact patch with the road and how it responds to steering input. One basic test is to depress one of the corners on an unloaded vehicle and let the car go; it should take about 2-3 oscillation to come to a stop. Systolic and diastolic movements of above 5mm or a movement which fails to settle down is suggestive of poor shock function. Light oil glazing over the seal of the oil filled shocks is not a problem but thick or running oil means failure. Some amount of film may also be seen in the gas-filled shocks; if gas comes out, there will be poor resistance to motion. Specific shocks can be replaced singly; however, it is better to replace them in pairs, so they are evenly loaded, because if one shock is faulty, the other will be weak, too.