Shock Absorber Replacement

This procedure covers the replacement of front and rear shock absorbers on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8 engine, including proper torque specifications for safe installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front shock absorbers × 2 — Use OEM specification or Monroe 34676
• Rear shock absorbers × 2 — Use OEM specification or Monroe 34679
• Upper mount self-locking nuts (3/4 inch-16) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels if working on front, or front wheels if working on rear
3. Apply penetrating oil to all shock mounting nuts and bolts, allow 15 minutes to soak
4. Raise vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer lift points and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
5. Ensure vehicle is stable and will not shift during work

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front shock upper mount
   Working from the engine compartment, locate the upper shock mount stud protruding through the upper shock mount bracket. Using a 1/2 inch wrench to hold the shock stud, remove the 1/2 inch upper mount nut. Remove the washer and upper bushing.
2. 2

   Remove front shock lower mount
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower shock mounting bolt at the I-beam axle bracket. Using a 3/4 inch socket and ratchet, remove the lower mount bolt completely. Pull the bolt free from the bracket.
3. 3

   Remove front shock absorber
   Compress the shock slightly by hand and guide it downward and out of the lower mount bracket. Remove the lower bushing and washer from the shock stud. Inspect all bushings and washers for damage or deterioration.
4. 4

   Install front shock absorber
   Install lower washer and bushing as applicable. Extend the shock fully and guide it upward through the lower mount bracket and through the upper mount bracket. Install the upper bushing and washer onto the protruding stud from the engine compartment side.
5. 5

   Secure front shock upper mount
   Thread a new self-locking nut onto the upper shock stud. Hold the shock stud with a 1/2 inch wrench and tighten the upper nut to specification using a torque wrench and 1/2 inch socket.
   Torque spec

   Upper Mount Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Secure front shock lower mount
   Insert the lower mount bolt through the lower control arm and through the shock lower eye. Tighten the lower mount bolt to specification using a torque wrench and 3/4 inch socket.
   Torque spec

   Lower Mount Bolt90 Nm (66 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Repeat for opposite front shock
   Perform steps 1 through 6 for the opposite side front shock absorber, ensuring all fasteners are torqued to specification.
8. 8

   Remove rear shock lower mount
   Working underneath the vehicle at the rear axle, locate the lower shock mounting bolt. Using a 3/4 inch socket and breaker bar, remove the lower mount bolt from the rear axle bracket.
9. 9

   Remove rear shock upper mount
   Locate the upper shock mount stud attached to the frame rail crossmember. Using a 1/2 inch wrench to hold the stud, remove the 1/2 inch upper mount nut with a socket. Remove the washer and bushing. Pull the shock free from the vehicle.
10. 10

    Install rear shock absorber
    Install the lower bushing and washer on the new shock's lower eye. Position the shock with the lower eye aligned with the rear axle bracket mounting hole. Install the upper bushing and washer on the upper stud and guide the stud through the frame rail mount.
11. 11

    Secure rear shock upper mount
    Thread a new self-locking nut onto the upper shock stud. Hold the stud with a 1/2 inch wrench and tighten the upper nut to specification using a torque wrench and 1/2 inch socket.
    Torque spec

    Upper Mount Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Secure rear shock lower mount
    Insert the lower mount bolt through the rear axle bracket and shock eye. Tighten the lower mount bolt to specification using a torque wrench and 3/4 inch socket.
    Torque spec

    Lower Mount Bolt90 Nm (66 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite rear shock
    Perform steps 8 through 12 for the opposite side rear shock absorber, ensuring all fasteners are torqued to specification.
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and final inspection
    Carefully raise the vehicle off the jack stands using the floor jack, remove the stands, and lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Rock the vehicle side to side to settle the suspension. Visually inspect all four shock absorbers to confirm proper installation and verify no interference with suspension components during travel.

Reassembly

1. Always use new self-locking nuts on upper shock mounts - do not reuse old nuts
2. Ensure all bushings are properly seated and not twisted during installation
3. Verify shock absorbers are mounted with the correct orientation (piston rod up on most applications)

Verification

• All four shock absorbers should be firmly mounted with no play or rattling
• Upper and lower mount fasteners should be torqued to specification
• Test drive vehicle at low speed over minor bumps to verify shock operation and absence of noise
• Visually inspect for any fluid leakage from shock seals after initial test drive
• Verify suspension travel is not limited and shocks do not contact frame or body components

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