Front Struts - Pair

This procedure explains how to replace the front shock absorbers (not struts — this vehicle uses a twin I-beam front suspension with separate shocks) on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front shock absorber (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty aftermarket equivalent
• Front shock absorber (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty aftermarket equivalent
• Upper shock mounting hardware kit (if needed) × 1 — Includes bushings, washers, and nuts
• Lower shock mounting hardware kit (if needed) × 1 — Includes bushings, washers, and nuts/bolts

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake firmly.
2. Chock the rear wheels securely on both sides.
3. If shock mounting fasteners are visibly rusted, spray with penetrating oil and allow to soak for several hours or overnight.
4. Gather all tools and new shock absorbers. Inspect new shocks for damage and verify they match the originals in mounting configuration and length.
5. Review the entire procedure before beginning work to identify any steps requiring special attention.

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support the front of the vehicle
   Using a floor jack positioned under the front crossmember or designated jacking point, raise the front of the vehicle until the front wheels are approximately 6 inches off the ground. Immediately place jack stands under the frame rails on both sides, positioned behind the front wheels. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and verify stability before proceeding. Leave the jack in place as a backup but not bearing weight.
2. 2

   Access the upper shock mount (driver side)
   Open the hood and locate the upper shock mount on the driver side. The upper mount is attached to a bracket on the frame and is typically accessed from the wheel well or from under the vehicle, not through the engine compartment. You should see a single nut securing the upper shock stud through a rubber bushing. The shock is mounted between the Twin I-Beam axle at the bottom and a bracket on the frame at the top.
3. 3

   Remove the upper shock mounting nut (driver side)
   Using a socket wrench (typically 9/16" or 1/2"), hold the shock absorber body from below to prevent spinning (you may need an assistant or use a box-end wrench on the shock body flats if equipped). Remove the upper mounting nut, washer, and rubber bushing. Note the order of components for reassembly: typically upper washer, rubber bushing, shock stud through mount, lower rubber bushing, lower washer, and nut.
4. 4

   Remove the lower shock mounting fasteners (driver side)
   Move under the vehicle to access the lower shock mount. The lower shock eye is attached to a bracket on the front axle or I-beam with a single through-bolt and nut (typically 1/2" or 9/16"). Support the shock by hand to prevent it from falling. Remove the lower mounting bolt and nut. The shock may require gentle prying or twisting to free it from the bushings if they are old and compressed.
   ⚠The shock will become loose once the lower fastener is removed. Keep one hand on the shock to control it.
5. 5

   Remove the old shock absorber (driver side)
   Once both upper and lower mounts are disconnected, compress the shock slightly if needed and maneuver it out of the mounting points. Remove the shock from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting points, bushings, and hardware for excessive wear, damage, or corrosion. Replace mounting hardware if rubber bushings are cracked, torn, or excessively compressed.
6. 6

   Prepare and install the new shock absorber (driver side)
   If the new shock includes new mounting bushings and hardware, install them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Extend the new shock fully. Insert the upper shock stud up through the lower mounting hole in the frame bracket, then through any bushings and washers. Start the upper mounting nut by hand but do not fully tighten yet. Align the lower shock eye with the lower mounting bracket on the I-beam.
7. 7

   Install lower mounting hardware (driver side)
   Insert the lower mounting bolt through the shock eye and bracket. Install the nut on the opposite side and tighten by hand. Verify the shock is seated properly in both upper and lower mounts with bushings correctly positioned. The shock should be vertical or at its designed angle without binding or twisting. Torque to 52.0 lb-ft (70.0 Nm).
8. 8

   Torque shock mounting fasteners (driver side)
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the lower shock mounting bolt to 40-50 ft-lb. 41.0 lb-ft (55.0 Nm) Do not over-tighten as this can damage rubber bushings. Verify the shock moves freely through its travel without binding.
9. 9

   Access the upper shock mount (passenger side)
   Locate the upper shock mount on the passenger side in the engine compartment. The configuration should be identical to the driver side. Identify the upper mounting nut securing the shock stud.
10. 10

    Remove the upper shock mounting nut (passenger side)
    Hold the shock body from below to prevent spinning. Remove the upper mounting nut, washer, and rubber bushing using the same process as the driver side. Note the component order for reassembly.
11. 11

    Remove the lower shock mounting fasteners (passenger side)
    Access the lower shock mount from under the vehicle. Support the shock by hand. Remove the lower mounting bolt and nut. Free the shock from the bushings if necessary.
    ⚠Support the shock to prevent it from falling once the lower fastener is removed.
12. 12

    Remove the old shock absorber (passenger side)
    Disconnect both mounts and remove the shock from the vehicle. Inspect mounting points and hardware as before. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush if corroded.
13. 13

    Install and mount the new shock absorber (passenger side)
    Install new bushings if provided. Extend the new shock and insert the upper stud through the frame bracket and bushings. Start the upper nut by hand. Align the lower eye with the mounting bracket on the I-beam and insert the lower mounting bolt. Install the lower nut by hand.
14. 14

    Torque shock mounting fasteners (passenger side)
    52.0 lb-ft (70.0 Nm) Verify proper shock installation with no binding through full travel.
15. 15

    Lower the vehicle and perform final checks
    Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to unload the jack stands. Remove the jack stands and slowly lower the vehicle to the ground. Once on the ground, bounce each corner of the front end several times to settle the suspension and verify shock operation. Check all mounting fasteners for proper tightness. Close the hood.

Reassembly

1. No disassembly of other components was required for this procedure.
2. Ensure all tools are removed from the engine compartment and under the vehicle before operating.
3. Dispose of old shock absorbers according to local regulations (most auto parts stores accept used shocks for recycling).

Verification

• Visually inspect both shocks from under the vehicle and from the engine compartment. Verify all mounting hardware is tight with no visible movement.
• Bounce the front end of the vehicle vigorously. The suspension should rebound smoothly without excessive oscillation. New shocks should dampen movement within 1-2 cycles.
• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speed. The front end should feel controlled and stable over bumps without wallowing or bouncing excessively.
• After the first 50-100 miles, re-inspect all shock mounting fasteners and re-torque if necessary.
• Monitor for any unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues that could indicate improper installation.

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