Ford F23Z-18125-A Shock Absorber Assembly

On models with air suspension, turn off the air suspension switch and disconnect the height sensor connector link before allowing the rear suspension to hang past its normal point of full rebound. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. If the vehicle is a pre-1992 model with automatic leveling rear suspension and coil springs, allow the rear axle to hang free until the shock absorbers are finished venting through the compressor. Support the rear axle with a floor jack to prevent it from dropping when the shock absorber is disconnected. If removing an air-assisted shock absorber, detach the air line.

The strut is separated from the steering knuckle by removing the strut to steering knuckle nuts and bolts.

The upper mounting rubber insulator and the dished washer should be installed on the shock rod.

Check and tighten the steering gear mounts and inspect tie-rod ball joints.

For 2003 and later models, remove the three shock absorber upper mounting nuts, the brake caliper, and the brake disc. Additionally, remove the upper and lower stabilizer bar links. Remove the upper balljoint nut and separate the control arm from the steering knuckle. Finally, remove the lower mounting bolt and the shock absorber/coil spring assembly from the front end of the vehicle.

Allow the rear axle to hang freely until the shock absorbers finish venting through the compressor. Support the rear axle with a floor jack to prevent it from dropping when the shock absorbers are disconnected.

Loosen the three upper mount-to-shock tower retaining nuts, but do not remove them completely.