How to Install Front Shocks on a 2000 Ford F-250

The F-250 name did not appear in Ford's lineup until the 1953 model year; however, the three-quarter-ton truck's roots date back to 1948 --- the debut year of the Ford F-2 pickup. The 1999 model year marked the first year that Ford offered the F-250 Super Duty --- the regular F-250 was still available. In 2000, Ford added the "Super Duty" name to all F-250 trucks. The 2000 F-250 Super Duty came standard with a 260-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 and front independent suspension. This front suspension used a set of gas-charged shocks and coil springs to absorb any hard bumps. Replacing these shocks can help smooth out a rough-riding F-250.

Instructions

1

Remove the upper shock nut from each of the shocks --- located under the hood near the rear of the engine compartment, on both sides --- using a combination wrench, while holding the shock studs steady with another combination wrench. Pull the rubber bushing off each shock stud.

2

Loosen, but don't remove, the front lug nuts with a ratchet and socket. Raise the front of the F-250 and slide jack stands under the truck's frame rails. Lower the F-250 onto the jack stands. Remove the front lug nuts and pull the front wheels off the F-250.

3

Remove the shock-to-radius arm nut --- located on the bottom of the shock --- using a ratchet and socket.

4

Pull it from the radius arm and out of the F-250.

5

Set a new rubber bushing --- included with the new shock --- on top of the new shock and guide the upper shock stud through the upper mounting hole. Press the lower shock mount onto the radius arm and hand-tighten the shock-to-radius arm nut to 60 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and socket.

6

Repeat Steps 3 through 5 to remove the shock from the other side of the truck.

7

Reinstall the front wheels on the F-250 and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Raise the truck off the jack stands, using a floor jack and pull the stands from under the truck. Lower the Ford to the ground and tighten the lug nuts, in a crisscross pattern, to 155 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and socket.

8

Set an upper shock bushing and metal washer --- included with the new shocks --- on the shock stud on top of both shocks. Hand-tighten the upper shock nuts, then tighten them to 30 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and socket.