Rear Shocks - Pair

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear shock absorbers on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front tires
3. If fasteners appear corroded, spray upper and lower shock mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts slightly while vehicle is on the ground. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear differential or frame rail. Position jack stands under the frame rails on both sides behind the rear axle. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands so the rear axle hangs freely with the suspension at full droop. Remove both rear wheels completely.
2. 2

   Locate shock absorber mounting points
   The rear shocks on the F-150 mount vertically between the frame rail and the rear axle housing. Identify the upper mounting bolt that passes through the frame bracket and the lower mounting bolt that attaches to a bracket on the axle housing. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings.
3. 3

   Remove driver side lower shock bolt
   Support the shock absorber body with one hand. Using an 18mm wrench and socket, remove the lower shock mounting bolt from the axle bracket. The bolt passes through the shock eye and axle bracket. Remove the bolt completely and note the position of any washers or bushings for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove driver side upper shock bolt
   While supporting the shock, use an 18mm wrench and socket to remove the upper shock mounting bolt from the frame bracket. Once the bolt is removed, carefully lower the shock absorber and remove it from the vehicle. Keep all washers and bushings in order.
5. 5

   Install new driver side shock
   Position the new shock absorber between the frame bracket and axle bracket. Install the upper mounting bolt first through the frame bracket and shock eye, along with the original washers and bushings in their correct positions. Thread the bolt but do not fully tighten yet. Install the lower mounting bolt through the axle bracket and shock eye with washers and bushings. Thread the bolt hand-tight.
6. 6

   Torque driver side shock mounting bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the upper mounting bolt to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) and the lower mounting bolt to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Hold the opposite side of the bolt with a wrench while torquing to prevent spinning.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove passenger side lower shock bolt
   Repeat the removal process for the passenger side. Support the shock absorber body and use an 18mm wrench and socket to remove the lower shock mounting bolt from the axle bracket. Remove the bolt completely and note the position of washers and bushings.
8. 8

   Remove passenger side upper shock bolt
   While supporting the shock, use an 18mm wrench and socket to remove the upper shock mounting bolt from the frame bracket. Carefully lower the shock absorber and remove it from the vehicle. Keep all hardware organized.
9. 9

   Install new passenger side shock
   Position the new shock absorber between the frame bracket and axle bracket. Install the upper mounting bolt first through the frame bracket and shock eye with washers and bushings. Thread the bolt but do not fully tighten. Install the lower mounting bolt through the axle bracket and shock eye with hardware. Thread the bolt hand-tight.
10. 10

    Torque passenger side shock mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the upper mounting bolt to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) and the lower mounting bolt to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Hold the opposite side of the bolt with a wrench while torquing.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall rear wheels
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground.
12. 12

    Final torque of wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle on the ground, torque all rear wheel lug nuts to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft) using a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all shock mounting bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify no tools or parts were left under the vehicle
3. Check that the shock absorbers are mounted securely with no excessive play

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle and verify the shocks dampen movement within 1-2 cycles with no excessive bouncing
• Inspect both shock mounting points for proper bolt installation and torque
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify improved ride quality with no clunking or rattling noises from the rear suspension
• Visually inspect shock bodies for any signs of leakage after initial test drive

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