Replace the rear shock absorbers on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with 3.5L EcoBoost engine to restore ride quality and handling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM Ford specification or quality aftermarket

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear axle center
5. Place jack stands under frame rails on both sides
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability
7. Remove rear wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position the floor jack under the rear axle housing near the side where you will begin work. Apply just enough upward pressure to support the axle weight and prevent it from dropping when the shock is removed. Do not lift the axle, just support it.
2. 2

   Remove upper shock mounting hardware
   Locate the upper shock mount inside the frame rail. Use an 18mm socket and ratchet to remove the upper mounting nut and washer. The shock shaft will spin freely at this point. Support the shock by hand to prevent it from falling.
3. 3

   Remove lower shock mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt that attaches the shock to the rear axle bracket. Use a 15mm socket to remove the lower mounting bolt and nut. Control the shock as you remove the bolt to prevent it from falling. Remove the shock from the vehicle.
4. 4

   Inspect mounting points
   Inspect both upper and lower shock mounting points for damage, excessive rust, or elongated bolt holes. Clean the mounting surfaces with a wire brush if necessary. Verify the upper mount bushing in the frame is in good condition and not torn or deteriorated.
5. 5

   Install new shock absorber
   Position the new shock with the upper mount inserted into the frame rail mounting hole. Install the upper washer and nut finger-tight. Align the lower shock eye with the axle mounting bracket and insert the lower mounting bolt. Install the nut finger-tight.
6. 6

   Torque lower shock mounting bolt
   Using a torque wrench and 15mm socket, torque the lower shock mounting bolt to the specified value. Hold the nut with a wrench while torquing the bolt head if necessary to prevent spinning.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Torque upper shock mounting nut
   Using a torque wrench and 18mm socket, torque the upper shock mounting nut to the specified value. The shock shaft may rotate during tightening, which is normal.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install second shock
   Reposition the floor jack to support the opposite side of the rear axle. Repeat steps 2 through 7 for the second shock absorber, ensuring both upper and lower mounting bolts are torqued to specification.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels
   Install the rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a hand wrench but do not torque yet.
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Raise the vehicle slightly off the jack stands using the floor jack. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all tools and parts are removed from under the vehicle
2. Store old shocks properly for recycling or disposal according to local regulations
3. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area before returning to normal operation

Verification

• Verify all mounting hardware is tight and properly torqued
• Check that both shocks are securely mounted with no play or looseness
• Test drive the vehicle and verify improved ride quality with no clunking or rattling from rear suspension
• Inspect shock mounts after 50-100 miles of driving to confirm no loosening has occurred

More procedures for this vehicle