Shock Absorber

Removal

For inspection procedure, refer to Section 04-00.

1. On all vehicles, except Mustang 3-door, open the luggage compartment to gain access to the upper shock stud. On Mustang 3-door, entry to the upper shock attachment is made by opening the hatch back door and removing the luggage compartment side cover (45423) .

2. Remove retaining nut, washer, and insulator assembly from the rear shock absorber (18125) upper stud.

3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist, and support rear axle housing (4010) . Refer to Section 00-02.

4. Remove the lower shock absorber nut and bolt from the clevis style bracket and rear shock absorber lower mounting bracket (18164) .

5. From underneath the vehicle, compress the rear shock absorber to clear it from the rear shock absorber lower mounting bracket .

    WARNING: THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH GAS PRESSURIZED REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS WHICH WILL EXTEND UNASSISTED. DO NOT APPLY HEAT OR FLAME TO THE SHOCK ABSORBER TUBE DURING REMOVAL.

6. Remove the rear shock absorber .

Installation

1. Properly prime the new rear shock absorber to remove air from the working cylinder. Refer to Section 04-00.

2. Place the inner washer and insulator on the upper retaining stud. Position stud through shock tower mounting hole. Compress rear shock absorber as required, and align rear shock absorber mounting eye to attachment.

3. Lace the absorber's lower mounting eye between the ears of the lower rear shock absorber lower mounting bracket , then insert the bolt. Its bolt head must seat on the inboard side of the rear shock absorber lower mounting bracket , through the rear shock absorber lower mounting bracket and the shock absorber mounting eye. Install a new nut. Do not tighten the nut at this time.

4. While holding the rear shock absorber in its position, tighten the lower shock cross bolt to 76.5-103.5 Nm (56-76 lb-ft).

5. Lower vehicle. Install the insulator assembly to the upper shock stud. Tighten to 34-46 Nm (25-34 lb-ft). Install the luggage compartment side cover .