Gents
Looks like ye old Christmas bonus is going to buy some rear shocks for the kitty. I know you have to drop the rear end (cmon Ford, really??) so while that is out what else should I look at doing?

 

Why would you drop the rear?????

If you are only going to renew the dampers, then just drop the lower arms down to let the springs fall out.

If you plan on doing more work to the diff or mount bushes, then removal might be required.

I have posted MANY times on the easy way to bend the lower plate down and let the arms drop. Remove the 4 bolts under the diff and bend the living $H!T out of the lower plate, jam a block of wood into the space. The springs and dampers WILL FALL OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A floor jack or trans jack will lift the plate into place for the re-installation of the 4 bolts.

Or just remove the rear suspension unit?? (seems like alot more work to me)

bob gauff

 

Bob,

Have you considered making a "how-to" presentation? That way it can be made a "sticky" or FAQ so you can point people in the right direction, rather than typing it out evey time.

That's why I built the "Electrical" presentation, so,that I tell,folks to follow the link in my signature. It saves a lot of typing.

 

Paid to have my rears changed: two bolts took a six foot breaker bar. Either cat or me (72) will be gone before next iteration. Fronts were a piece of cake and DIY.

 

As Bob said there is no need to drop the rear end. I choose to remove the lower plate rather than bend it and the shocks will then the suspension will drop down enough to remove the shock/spring as a unit. I believe I did need to disconnect the ABS sensor cable and the remove and support the brake caliper (do not let it hang from the hose) but it has been a while


There is a detailed write-up with photos on the web showing the entire shock change out by dropping the lower plate


While doing the shocks I would:
-treat any rust around on the shock top mount and the body opening for the top mount- I had some
-remove and clean the differential breather (top rear of the diff)
-grease the U-joints on the 1/2 shafts
-check and/or replace the rubber exhaust pipe hangers above the suspension