Complexity of changing shocks

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Salt16

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I need to put new shocks on my 01. Is this a pretty straight forward job? I've done this type of work before, but not for many years. Any special tools required?
 
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bedrck46

I haven't changed the fronts yet (parts on order) but they look simple. The drivers side rear is a PITA but lower the spare and move it out of the way look. Again the nut on the upper shock mount is held in place by a retainer clip or at least it should be
 
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Salt16

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Hmm.....not beyond my skill-set, but the PITA factor looks like more than I want to tackle. I appreciate the feedback.
 

Canadian Expy

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My fronts won't come out with out heat. The lower bolt rusted so bad it took alot to get out.
Good Luck .
 

FordandPolaris

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Yeah the front lower bolts were not a good design. The head (13mm I think it was) rounded off when I tried to change them, on both sides. Ended up having a shop cut them out since I don't own a torch. Ford changed the design on the 2nd gens, they have mammoth lower shock bolts compared to the old trucks. Like well over 3/4"

Rear was pretty easy though, had them done in an hour. Use 4 feet of 3/4 drive extensions over the top of the gas tank to get to the passenger side top bolt. That was the only way I could figure out how to do it.
 
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bedrck46

Hmm.....not beyond my skill-set, but the PITA factor looks like more than I want to tackle. I appreciate the feedback.

Being it was the first time I changed shocks on the rear Yes it was a PITA but if I were to do it again it would be as easy as cutting cake. I am getting a little bit too old to be doing some things so what may be a PITA for me may be easy for someone else. Knowing how I finally got them out and posting that here on the forum may help others avoid the PITA part.

Now reading what others have posted about the front shocks hopefully I will be better able to avoid some problems removing the fronts.
 

aircargoo

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i did mine couple yrs ago but mines 1st gen. was easy....bottom has one screw,nut is fixed/welded in place, the top nut is the iffy one. i would try the crack both sides 1st before going any further. i think i keep weight on shock too. you dont want whole shock to turn.
 
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