Ford E4TZ-18124-F Shock Absorber Kit

To remove the shock absorbers, start by blocking the rear wheels and applying the parking brake. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts and raise the front of the vehicle, supporting it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel. On coil spring models, remove the nut and washer from the top end of the shock absorber, and then remove the lower shock absorber mounting nut. If necessary, use a backup wrench on the hex provided on the lower part of the stud mount. On later leaf spring models, simply remove the upper shock mount bolt and nut. Remove the nut and bolt securing the bottom end of the shock absorber to the lower bracket or spacer plate. Remove the shock absorber and insulators. To inspect the shock absorber, remove it and examine it for signs of damage to the body, distorted piston rod, loose mounting, or hydraulic fluid leakage. If any of these signs are evident, a new unit should be installed. Inspect the upper frame mounted shock insulators on coil spring models for signs of wear and replace if necessary. To test the shock absorber's efficiency, hold it in a vertical position and completely extend and compress the piston rod several times to work out any trapped air bubbles. Mount the bottom end of the shock absorber in a soft-jawed vise and grasp the upper rod, extending and contracting it rapidly. The resistance should be smooth and uniform throughout the entire stroke in both directions, with greater resistance during the extension stroke. If there is erratic or notchy resistance or if the resistance is the same or less during the extension stroke, the shock absorbers should be replaced. The shock absorbers on each axle should have identical action, and they should always be replaced in pairs on the same axle. To install the shock absorbers, follow the reverse of the removal process. If old shock absorbers are being reinstalled, replace the bushings if there are signs of deterioration or wear. New shock absorbers come equipped with new bushings, and when installing new bushings, never compress them beyond the diameter of the steel washers retaining them.

Low pressure gas shocks are charged with Nitrogen gas, and it is important not to open, puncture, or apply heat to them. Before installing a new shock absorber, hold it upright and extend it fully, then invert it and fully compress and extend it at least three times to bleed trapped air. Begin by raising the vehicle for better access and removing the bolt and nut that attach the shock absorber to the lower bracket on the radius arm. Next, take off the nut, washer, and insulator from the shock absorber at the frame bracket and remove the shock absorber. Position the washer and insulator on the shock absorber rod, then place the shock absorber to the frame bracket and loosely install the attaching nut. After that, position the shock absorber to the lower bracket and loosely install the attaching bolt and nut. Finally, tighten the lower attaching bolts to 40-63 ft. lbs. and the upper attaching bolts to 25-35 ft. lbs. The shock absorber's purpose is to limit the motion of the spring during compression and rebound cycles; without them, the vehicle would experience excessive up and down motion. Contrary to popular belief, shocks do not affect ride height, which is determined by other suspension components. Worn shock absorbers can impact handling, and if the front of the vehicle rises or falls excessively, it alters the tire footprint on the pavement, affecting steering. A simple test involves pushing down on one corner of the unladen vehicle and observing the motion as it is released; it should come up beyond its original rest position, dip back below it, and settle quickly. Any excessive pitch motion or failure to return to rest within 2-3 cycles indicates poor function. Oil-filled shocks may have a light film of oil around the seal due to normal breathing, which is not a sign of failure, but thick or running oil indicates a problem. Gas-filled shocks may also show some film at the shaft, and if gas has leaked out, the shock will have little resistance to motion. While individual shock absorbers can be replaced, it is advisable to change them as a pair to ensure equal response on both sides of the vehicle, as a failed shock often indicates that its counterpart is also weak.

Position the shock absorber to the lower bracket and install the attaching bolt and nut loosely.

Inspection of the rear shock absorber is similar to that for the front shock absorber.