Center Rear "Shock"

[Tim K]

There is some sort of dampener that runs from the rear passenger wheel well to what appears to be the drive shaft. It looks like a 3rd "shock". Well, the bearing is shot and it sqeaks over every bump. The only place that seems to carry this "shock" it is the "Dealer". They want $52 for it...and I am sure they would like an arm and a leg for installation.... Has anyone found this part anywhere else? I am looking for new not off of a junker.

 

[Stephen S]

Hey Tim. I had the same question about that little shock a while back.
There's a thread on it here: Dead Link Removed

and here: Dead Link Removed

and here: Dead Link Removed

These two threads should answer your question. I'd also like to encourage you to use the search function, it's working today That's how I found these. Oh, and why not just buy the new shock from the dealer, cause parts store don't have them, install it yourself and save a few bucks. Shouldn't be more than a few bolts. Hope this helps.

 

[Tim K]

my response is not meant to sound smart-assed, so I hope it doesn't come off that way...but

I am aware of the search function and use it quite a bit. I used it in an attempt to find the answer to my question, and came upon the 3 threads you mentioned. However, none of them actually answered the question I asked. I did not ask what the purpose of the 3rd shock was, rather were there any alternate sources other than Ford from which to purchase it.

While I am aware that far too many people just post away rather than search for their answers....sometimes all the searching in the world doesn't get you the answer you are looking for.

 

[Rhett]

I have heard of people fabricating a bracket or two for an aftermarket shock to fit in the dampener shock location, but I suspect that the dampener shock is specially valved and tuned for its anti-vibration purpose. Because of this, I don't know how well putting a Rancho in there would do...

I think some of those old threads discussed that..

...so therefore I must say that the Ford shock looks like the safest bet. I don't think the install could be too difficult. I am not the greatest mechanic but I was able to change the shocks on mine (of course, since I have a 94 I don't have the dampener shock, but the procedure is similar). Just get the right size wrench and/or sockets and turn away. You probably do not have to jack up the rear, either.

 

[ChrisHeapy]

Originally posted by Tim K
...Well, the bearing is shot and it sqeaks over every bump. The only place that seems to carry this "shock" it is the "Dealer". They want $52 for it...and I am sure they would like an arm and a leg for installation.... Has anyone found this part anywhere else? I am looking for new not off of a junker.

If the shock isn't leaking and it's only the squeaking that's bothering you then it's possible it's just the metal bush that's dry and corroded (it's inside the rubber bush - the bolt passes through it). So why not just take it off and check - only a couple of bolts to remove. Clean it up - maybe replace the metal bush and then put it back. I'd bet there's nothing wrong with it really.

Chris

 

[SplashMan]

Try just taking the shock off completely. I took mine off and I can't even tell the difference. Give it a try and see how it feels.

 

[Kamster]

Bilstein makes a replacement, but I don't know how much it cost. I found this out when I replaced my shocks a couple of years ago with Bilsteins. You can go to their website www.bilstein.com and get the part number. Hope this helps.