Ford 6R3Z-18124-CA Kit - Shock Absorber

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Remove and install shock absorbers one side at a time. The manufacturer recommends using new fasteners for shock absorber installation. With the vehicle on the ground and at normal ride height, mark the shock absorbers in relation to the dust sleeve. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands placed under the frame, not under the differential housing or axle. Place a floor jack under the axle tube on the side of the vehicle that you're working on to support it. Locate the upper retaining nut for the shock absorber inside the trunk by pulling the carpet back. To remove the upper mounting nut, hold the shock's piston rod with a wrench to prevent it from moving while loosening the nut. Remove the nut, washer, and upper insulator. Discard the nut. For models equipped with a rear stabilizer bar, remove the stabilizer bar links from the chassis and move the stabilizer bar to gain access to the lower shock mounting fasteners. Remove the lower shock mounting fasteners and the shock absorber. Move the axle up or down as necessary to free the shock from the vehicle. Discard the mounting fasteners. If you are replacing shock absorbers with new ones, transfer the index mark made in step one to the new shocks. Place the shock in position. Raise or lower the axle as needed to install the upper and lower mounting fasteners and leave them finger tight. With the mounting fasteners in place, carefully raise the axle so that the mark on the shock lines up with the dust sleeve and then tighten the mounting fasteners to the torque listed in the specifications. Raising the axle so that the shock compresses to the reference mark simulates the position of the vehicle's suspension when it's sitting at normal ride height. Remove the jackstands and lower the vehicle.

If the struts or coil springs show signs of wear such as leaking fluid, loss of damping capability, or cracked coil springs, it is important to explore all options before starting any work. The struts or coil springs cannot be repaired and must be replaced if there is a problem. However, complete strut assemblies may be available on an exchange basis, which can save time and effort. Before disassembling the vehicle, it is crucial to check the cost and availability of parts. It is important to note that disassembling a strut assembly can be dangerous, so utmost attention and caution must be exercised. A high-quality spring compressor should be used, following the manufacturer's instructions. After removing the coil spring from the strut assembly, it should be set aside in a safe area. To disassemble the strut assembly, it should be mounted in a vise, taking care not to tighten the vise excessively or damage the unit. A spring compressor should be installed on the spring, compressing it enough to relieve pressure from the upper bearing assembly. The pressure can be verified by wiggling the spring. The damper rod nut should be removed using two wrenches, with one holding the damper rod to prevent it from turning. The upper bearing assembly should be removed and inspected for smooth operation. If it does not turn smoothly or if there is any cracking or deterioration in the rubber portion, it should be replaced. The compressed spring should be carefully lifted from the assembly and set aside. The dust cover and rubber bumper should be slid off the damper rod. To reassemble, the rubber bumper and dust cover should be installed. The coil spring should be placed onto the strut, ensuring that the end is positioned correctly onto the lower spring seat. The upper bearing assembly should be installed, aligning the notch on the bearing assembly with the clevis on the bottom of the strut. The damper rod nut should be installed and tightened to the specified torque. The spring compressor tool can then be removed. Finally, the strut/spring assembly should be installed.

To remove the strut, start by loosening the front wheel lug nuts and raising the vehicle on jackstands. Remove the wheels and place a floor jack under the lower control arm. Remove the ABS harness and sensor, if equipped, as well as the brake line bracket and stabilizer bar link. Mark the positions of the bolt heads and remove the strut-to-steering knuckle fasteners. Remove the strut tower cross brace and mark the upper strut mount. Lower the control arm slightly and remove the upper mount-to-body fasteners. Separate the strut assembly from the steering knuckle and remove it from the vehicle. Inspect the strut body for damage and the coil spring and spring seat for any issues. If necessary, proceed to the strut disassembly procedure. To install the strut, guide the assembly into the fenderwell and insert the strut mount studs through the holes in the strut tower. Install the nuts and tighten them to the specified torque. Slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange and insert the bolts. Install the nuts and tighten the bolts to the specified torque. Reattach the brake hose and ABS harness, if applicable. Remove the jack from under the lower control arm, install the wheels, and lower the vehicle. Finally, tighten the lug nuts and have the front wheel alignment checked and adjusted if needed.