How to Replace Shocks on a 1997 Ford Thunderbird

The rear shocks on the 1997 Ford Thunderbird act as rebound stops for the suspension, so the shocks cannot be removed with the wheels off the ground. The best method to support the vehicle in the air is to use drive-on car ramps. The shocks connect to the shock tower in the floorboard of the trunk and at the lower suspension arm on each side of the vehicle.

Instructions

Removal

1

Set the car ramps behind the rear tires. Start the vehicle and slowly reverse up the ramps until the tires sit in the tire grooves on the ramps. Place the vehicle in park and set the parking brake.

2

Open the trunk and pull down the interior carpet on both sides of the trunk walls to reveal the upper shock mounting area.

3

Remove the upper shock mounting nut on each shock in the trunk. Remove the washer and insulator from each shock.

4

Lie down under the vehicle. Loosen the lower mounting bolt and nut using the wrench to stabilize the nut while loosening the bolt with the socket and ratchet. Hold the shock with upward pressure toward the shock tower and remove the lower mounting nut and bolt. Remove the shock from the vehicle.

Installation

5

Place the washer over the upper end of the shock, followed by the insulator. Set the shock into the shock upper mounting tower and hold it in place.

6

Compress the shock by hand and push the bolt through the lower suspension arm and the eye hole for the lower shock mount. Install the lower mounting nut. Tighten the lower mounting nut and bolt to 95 to 125 foot-pounds using a wrench to hold the nut and the torque wrench on the bolt.

7

Install the insulator over each upper shock mounting stud, followed by the mounting washer, working inside the trunk. Install the upper shock mounting nut and tighten with the socket and ratchet.

8

Place the carpeting back into its original position on each side of the trunk and latch the trunk. Start the vehicle, release the parking brake and slowly drive down the car ramps.