This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear shock absorbers on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn before lifting vehicle
4. Lift rear of vehicle and support on jack stands positioned at frame rails
5. Remove both rear wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and prepare work area
   Visually inspect the rear shock absorbers for oil leaks, damage, or worn bushings. Spray penetrating oil on upper and lower shock mounting bolts and allow to soak for several minutes. This will ease removal of potentially corroded fasteners.
2. 2

   Support rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle near the shock to be removed. Raise jack just enough to make light contact with the axle to support its weight when the shock is disconnected. Do not lift the axle, just support it.
   ⚠The jack must remain in position throughout shock removal to prevent the axle from dropping and damaging brake lines or wiring.
3. 3

   Remove lower shock mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt that attaches the shock to the rear axle bracket. Using an 18mm socket and ratchet, remove the lower mounting bolt completely. Support the shock with one hand as you remove the bolt to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Remove upper shock mounting bolt
   Access the upper shock mounting bolt from inside the frame rail area. Remove the upper mounting bolt using an 18mm socket with extension. Once the bolt is removed, carefully lower and remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Inspect mounting points
   Clean the upper and lower shock mounting points with a wire brush. Inspect mounting bushings in the frame and axle brackets for wear or damage. Check that mounting holes are not elongated or damaged. Replace any worn bushings or hardware before installing new shocks.
6. 6

   Install new shock absorber
   Position the new shock absorber between the upper frame mount and lower axle mount. Install the upper mounting bolt first, threading it by hand to ensure proper alignment. Do not fully tighten yet. Then install the lower mounting bolt by hand.
   ℹ️Ensure shock is oriented correctly with any protective boot or dust shield facing the proper direction as indicated by manufacturer markings.
7. 7

   Torque shock mounting bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten both upper and lower shock mounting bolts to specification. Torque the bolts while the vehicle weight is still on the jack stands and the axle is in its natural position supported by the floor jack.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Repeat for opposite side
   Reposition the floor jack under the opposite side rear axle. Repeat steps 3 through 7 to remove and replace the second rear shock absorber. Ensure both shocks are torqued to specification before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels
   Mount both rear wheels onto the hubs, threading lug nuts by hand to start. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a hand wrench but do not fully torque while vehicle is on jack stands.
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Once vehicle weight is fully on all four wheels, use a torque wrench to tighten the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify no tools or parts are left in the wheel wells or under the vehicle
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper shock absorber operation by bouncing each rear corner of the vehicle - it should rebound once and settle
• Visually inspect shock mounting bolts after test drive to ensure they remain tight
• Verify rear ride height appears normal and even side-to-side

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