This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear strut assemblies on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including disconnecting related suspension components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut assembly (complete) × 2 — Motorcraft SW-7170 or equivalent
• Strut tower mounting nuts (if corroded) × 6 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Apply penetrating oil to all suspension fasteners that will be removed and allow to soak 15-30 minutes
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at rear differential
6. Place jack stands under frame rails behind rear axle at factory lift points
7. Lower vehicle onto jack stands ensuring stable support
8. Remove rear wheels completely
9. Position floor jack under rear axle housing to support axle weight but allow suspension droop

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper strut mounting nuts
   From inside the bed of the truck, locate the strut tower access panel. The 2011-2014 F-150 has accessible strut mounts near the rear bedside. You may need to remove cargo management items or bed liner sections to access the three upper mounting nuts on each strut tower.
2. 2

   Remove sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection to the strut assembly. Using a 6mm Allen key to hold the shaft from rotating, use a 15mm wrench to remove the upper sway bar link nut. Remove the link from the strut mounting point. If the ball stud spins, you may need to use penetrating oil or carefully apply upward pressure on the link while loosening.
   ⚠Do not allow the sway bar link to hang unsupported as this may damage the lower bushing. Support it with wire or mechanics wire if needed.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the rear knuckle assembly. These are large 18mm bolts. Support the strut with one hand or have an assistant hold it. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. The strut may need to be pried away from the knuckle bracket slightly.
   ⚠The strut will become free to move once the lower bolts are removed. Ensure you are supporting it to prevent it from falling or damaging brake lines.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts153 Nm (113 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove upper strut tower nuts
   From inside the bed, use a 13mm socket to remove the three nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower. Hold the strut from below to prevent it from dropping. Once all three nuts are removed, carefully lower the strut assembly out from the bottom of the vehicle.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy (approximately 15-20 lbs). Control its descent to avoid injury or damage to brake components.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect mounting points and clean threads
   With the strut removed, inspect the strut tower mounting surface for damage or corrosion. Inspect the knuckle mounting bracket for cracks or elongated bolt holes. Use a wire brush to clean all bolt threads on the knuckle. Check brake lines and ABS wiring for any damage. Clean the strut tower mounting studs with a wire brush if reusing hardware.
6. 6

   Prepare new strut assembly
   Remove new strut from packaging and inspect for shipping damage. If installing complete assemblies, verify the spring is properly seated and the mount is secure. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the upper mounting studs (not the threads). Compare the new strut to the old one to verify correct part.
7. 7

   Install new strut assembly
   Lift the new strut assembly into position from below the vehicle. Align the upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. You may need to compress the suspension slightly or adjust the floor jack position under the axle to align the lower mounting points. Once the upper studs protrude through the tower, thread on the three upper nuts by hand.
   ⚠Do not fully tighten upper nuts yet. Hand-tight only at this stage to allow alignment of lower mounting points.
8. 8

   Connect strut to knuckle
   Align the strut lower mounting bracket with the holes in the rear knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar to align the holes or adjust the floor jack height to raise or lower the axle. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and thread nuts on by hand. Ensure bolts are fully seated before proceeding.
9. 9

   Torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Using an 18mm socket and torque wrench, torque both strut-to-knuckle bolts to 153 Nm (113 lb-ft). Torque in a crossing pattern if possible. Verify both bolts are fully seated in their brackets before torquing.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts153 Nm (113 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque upper strut tower nuts
    From inside the bed, use a 13mm socket and torque wrench to torque all three upper strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Torque in a star pattern to ensure even loading of the mount.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link into the mounting point on the strut assembly. Install the nut and tighten while holding the shaft with a 6mm Allen key. Torque the sway bar link nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) using a 15mm socket.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 11 for the opposite rear strut assembly. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification on both sides before proceeding.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount the rear wheels onto the hubs, threading lug nuts on by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a breaker bar until snug, but do not torque yet.
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Carefully raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to the ground so full weight is on all four wheels. Using a torque wrench and 21mm socket, torque all rear wheel lug nuts to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
    ⚠Lug nuts must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels to ensure proper clamping force and prevent wheel loosening.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any bed liner sections or cargo management components that were removed for strut tower access
2. Remove wheel chocks from front wheels
3. Double-check that all fasteners have been properly torqued to specification

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground, bounce each rear corner of the truck several times and verify the struts dampen the motion without excessive bouncing or noise
• Visually inspect all connection points to ensure bolts are tight and properly seated
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling problems
• After test drive, re-check torque on all fasteners, especially wheel lug nuts
• Schedule a professional alignment check within 100 miles, as new struts may affect rear suspension geometry
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque wheel lug nuts and verify all suspension fasteners remain tight

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