5th shock absorber

[X~FACTOR]

I didn't know my X had a 5th shock! Weird

Anyone knows if and when this needs replacing? What are the signs they need to be replaced?

 

[Robb]

Yank It!

 

[X~FACTOR]

Hey... don't temp me... with weight reduction in mind lately, I WILL yank it.

 

[Joey P]

Why is that their anyway?

 

[EliteConcept]

WTF , do sports have these also?

 

[ipozestu]

No sports don't have 'em.

 

[RedBeard]

I replaced that on my '96 (it was rusty and bleeding). I didn't have any vibrations before the replacement, so I didn't notice a difference. That damn thing is $70 bucks!

 

[Digger196]

will that shock shorten my flex lenght?

i'll probolly yank it.

 

[Joey P]

I just checked under my truck and it dosne't have that shock but it does have someting else I never noticed before. It is on the front of the rear axle on the right side of the driveline if your looking towards the transmission, and it looks like a rubber pad or something. It's round anyways and it looks like it dosen't do anyting at all. What is this?

 

[X~FACTOR]

Originally posted by X-factor
Anyone knows if and when this needs replacing? What are the signs they need to be replaced?

bump

 

[snocross1985]

Originally posted by Joey p.
I just checked under my truck and it dosne't have that shock but it does have someting else I never noticed before. It is on the front of the rear axle on the right side of the driveline if your looking towards the transmission, and it looks like a rubber pad or something. It's round anyways and it looks like it dosen't do anyting at all. What is this?

I noticed that i have the same thing and was wondering the same thing myself. Anyone know what it is?

 

[Hartman]

The 5th shock is pretty much worthless. It's supposed to dampen driveline vibrations. I took mine out, and it was very hard to compress, meaning that it didn't move much at all and was still in like-new condition. I left it off and I haven't noticed any ill effects.

 

[JDraper]

Originally posted by Joey p.
I just checked under my truck and it dosne't have that shock but it does have someting else I never noticed before. It is on the front of the rear axle on the right side of the driveline if your looking towards the transmission, and it looks like a rubber pad or something. It's round anyways and it looks like it dosen't do anyting at all. What is this?

That's a vibration damper.


On the 5th shock issue, it will shorten your articulation because it has a short barrel and will max out very quickly. If you have done any suspension lifting of your truck, you will need to remove it or you will have very limited droop, especially when you have the rear swaybar disconnected.

 

[YourmamaISSOL]

It is a rear stabilizer or dampener how ever you want to look at it. It stops you rear from bouncing and twisting under torque. Your choice to replace or toss. IMO replace it.

 

[aldive]

Anyone had theirs off for a while? Effects?

Thanks.....

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

i'm guessing that this 5th shock is only on the 2nds gens +

 

[ipozestu]

If I were to answer and I will, This is supposed to dampen axel hop by forcing pressure onto the axel when it tries to torque into a negative pinion angle. I can't see how it would be very effective. For a lifted truck, pull it. You'd be better off with a set of traction bars. I am actually designing a set now. When it is complete I'm going to do a write up with parts, pics, and dimensions.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Hehe... nice to see one of my early threads back up again.

I never did remove it. I still think it serves "some" purpose if Ford engineers put it there.

 

[james t]

i have had mine off for about 2 years now. it didnt do a thing. no vibration before, none after removed. just take it off.

 

[JDraper]

Mine's been off for 3 years now and I haven't noticed the difference even when towing...If anyone wants to buy mine, it's got less than 4k miles on it and its in perfect shape!! $30+shipping and it's yours !