DIY front shock installation

[06Warrior]

Hello, I have a 20’ XLT 2WD. Replaced the rears with Blistein 4600’s and were pretty easy to install.

Bought the front 4600’s but trying to see if anyone has a DIY write up for installing the front shocks. How hard is it and any special tools I would need?

I’ve done all the work on my truck except an alignment.

Thanks.

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[tnewcomb6370]

Since it is 2wd it will be a piece of cake. Same as doing 4wd but don't have to worry about the front cv pulling out of place. Plenty of write ups on the interwebs on how to do. Just did mine last month (4wd) and I am 64 years old and only took me a couple of hours. No special tools needed.

 

[06Warrior]

Since it is 2wd it will be a piece of cake. Same as doing 4wd but don't have to worry about the front cv pulling out of place. Plenty of write ups on the interwebs on how to do. Just did mine last month (4wd) and I am 64 years old and only took me a couple of hours. No special tools needed.

Thanks, I just watched a couple of YouTube videos but were for the 4WD. Looks like something I can tackle. I’m going to buy a spring compressor then head to the alignment shop once I’m done. I’m a year younger than you at 63.

 

[specialKody]

Many auto parts stores will allow you to borrow a spring compressor for the day. As long as you take your time you should have no problem swapping out new struts. I like to use hand tools to tighten each side of the compressor a handful of turns max. You can probably do it faster with an impact gun but I like to keep the compressor as even as possible to avoid any slip or thread gall.

 

[specialKody]

Note - you may still want to order the spring compressor. I found the one my local O'Reillys had was too thick to fit between the coils on the Ford+Fox 2.0 struts.

 

[tnewcomb6370]

I went the easy way and ordered the shocks with the springs installed. Which worked out good because I would of needed new top hats to keep the old ones.

 

[06Warrior]

Good to know. I am planning on buying the stick spring compressor from Harbor Freight. They also have the clam shell spring compressor but it cost alot more. Hopefully the top hats will be fine.

For those that have installed new shocks did you get new fasteners or reuse them with some blue loc tite?

 

[Bullet]

This is just me, but... to avoid this , or this , I'd have a reputable shop do it. But... I'm some-what handy in my shop and have done this many times.

 

[TJC]

Since it is 2wd it will be a piece of cake. Same as doing 4wd but don't have to worry about the front cv pulling out of place. Plenty of write ups on the interwebs on how to do. Just did mine last month (4wd) and I am 64 years old and only took me a couple of hours. No special tools needed.

Am I understanding you correctly that you removed and replaced both front shocks in 2 hours? You only spent an hour on each side?

 

[Bob902]

Am I understanding you correctly that you removed and replaced both front shocks in 2 hours? You only spent an hour on each side?

That’s about what I spent doing mine

 

[TJC]

Impressive! Have you done this work previously on s Ranger? Did you take the top loose, or go in from the bottom? Most go from the top, but I've seen few Australians go in from the bottom... which looks easier to me.

I've got to do the fronts, but have put it off until this winter. Just had a couple of discs replaced in my neck 3 months ago, and have been cleared to do strenuous endeavors - was limited to 5lbs or less lifting over my head until the discs and bone fused.

 

[Bob902]

Impressive! Have you done this work previously on s Ranger? Did you take the top loose, or go in from the bottom? Most go from the top, but I've seen few Australians go in from the bottom... which looks easier to me.

I've got to do the fronts, but have put it off until this winter. Just had a couple of discs replaced in my neck 3 months ago, and have been cleared to do strenuous endeavors - was limited to 5lbs or less lifting over my head until the discs and bone fused.

First time attempting it. I watched a couple of videos and followed the directions that came with the Eibach kit.

 

[tnewcomb6370]

Am I understanding you correctly that you removed and replaced both front shocks in 2 hours? You only spent an hour on each side?

That is it, not that hard if you have the right tools and watched enough videos on how it is done. Also had a couple of disc in my lower back fused in January. Feel like a million bucks.

 

[06Warrior]

That is it, not that hard if you have the right tools and watched enough videos on how it is done. Also had a couple of disc in my lower back fused in January. Feel like a million bucks.

Before I thought about changing the factory front shocks I was pretty intimidated. Now after watching several videos I have a pretty good grasp on how to do it.

I did change out my 2015 Mustang GT factory suspension to the track pack suspension but that didn’t require using a sting compressor.

 

[TJC]

That is it, not that hard if you have the right tools and watched enough videos on how it is done. Also had a couple of disc in my lower back fused in January. Feel like a million bucks.

Yeah, my left shoulder is no longer on fire, my arm no longer falls asleep, and my ring and pinky fingers on both hands no longer go numb! Not to mention the pain in my neck and shoulders.

An hour and 45 minutes in surgery at 11 am, and home the by 4:30 pm the same day! Outpatient!

Not to mention I can look up and down, and swivel my head! No pain and full range of motion restored!

I asked them how long they will last, Doc replied we don''t really know, but folks have had them in for 10-15 years now. They look like sewing machine bobbins made of what appeared to be plastic.

I've got a BendPak 2 pole 10 ton lift and the tools, just didn't have the OK from the doc... and I was waiting for the dog days of summer to end. My work garage is not air conditioned and 95F temps with 90%+ humidity is dreadful to work in... even with the big fans running.

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