How to Change the Shocks on a 2003 Ford F150

The Ford F150, like most vehicles, uses different types of shock absorbers on the front wheels compared to the rear. Both sets of shocks are needed for absorbing the hard bumps of the road. Removing and changing these shocks on the 2003 model depends on if you need to change the front or the rear ones. There can also be slight variations, like if the truck has two- or four-wheel drive. You must change both shocks on one end together.

Instructions

Front shocks

1

Remove the upper mounting nut for the strut within the engine compartment, holding the lower nut below the top of the housing with one wrench while you loosen the top nut with another.

2

Raise the truck's front end, support it on jack stands and remove the wheel, making sure the parking brake is on.

3

Remove the two nuts connecting the shock to the lower control arm and pull out the shock from underneath. If the truck has four-wheel drive, there is one bolt and nut instead.

4

Connect the replacement shock to the lower control arm, tightening its two nuts to between 22- and 29-foot pounds using a torque wrench. For a four-wheel drive, tighten the nut and bolt to between 65- and 87-foot pounds.

5

Connect and tighten the upper mounting nut to between 35- and 46-foot pounds.

6

Reconnect the wheel and lower the truck off the jack stands. Tighten the wheel lug nuts once the truck is back on the ground.

Rear Shocks

7

Block the front wheels and then raise the rear end and support it on jack stands.

8

Raise a floor jack under the transmission to support the axle.

9

Remove the mounting fasteners for the shock absorber with a ratchet and socket and remove the shock.

10

Connect the replacement shock absorber, tightening the upper fasteners to between 22- and 29-foot pounds and the lower ones to 44 to 60.

11

Lower the floor jack from the transmission and the rest of the truck from the jack stands.