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Need info on the 5th shock

HardTech

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City, State
Anna, Tx
Year, Model & Trim Level
95 XLT
Well the shock has developed a bad spot in it, so when ever the rear hits ANY bump, its noisy now.

I was just wondering if anyone has some info on the shock

Conection type?
Length?

maybe a part number or a suggested shock to replace it. I look forward to your reply.
 



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Good question. Does the 00 X have a 5th shock as well?
 






You can simply remove it ( and not replace it ).

Mine has been off a long, long time.
 






it's otherwise known as the steering stabilizer if I am thinking of what you guys are thinking of. it's not even needed, EDIT: as aldive pointed out, his has been off for awhile
 






jimcom said:
it's otherwise known as the steering stabilizer if I am thinking of what you guys are thinking of. it's not even needed, EDIT: as aldive pointed out, his has been off for awhile

Its not a steering stabilizer, its mounted on the rear differential housing. Ford put it there for vibration control.

I noticed no difference in anything when I removed mine.
 






aldive said:
Its not a steering stabilizer, its mounted on the rear differential housing. Ford put it there for vibration control.

I noticed no difference in anything when I removed mine.

ok, thanks for the correction bud :thumbsup: I've always called it a steering stabilizer, but as you said it's on the rear, and I ain't figured a way to steer the back yet :D so a different name would be more appropriate
 






hmm, I was hoping to replace it.

I guess I can take it off, but does anyone happen to know specs. I was surprised to see it lasted 129,857 miles before it started acting up :p
 






It not needed.

The only place that I am aware of that it can be had is Ford and I do believe they price it as if it were made of gold.
 






aldive said:
The only place that I am aware of that it can be had is Ford and I do believe they price it as if it were made of gold.

They are available as aftermarket. I came across this about a year ago when I was looking for shocks. There may be others, but this is the only one I remember finding.

5th shock
 






This is one that is a matter of opinion
I am of the feeling ford would have cut this part if it wasn't needed, to cut cost.
Also, my wife noticed when it was off, seriously. When doing most of our traveling between small towns on paved, but substandard roads, there is a resonating vibration without it. very noticable in rear wiew mirror.
I took mine off, she complained, put it back on, she asked what fixed it.
It could be mine is lowered and the difference is exaggerated. My wife is no car enthusiast, but when she drove it she noticed.
I also have to add I removed this completely without her knowledge.
 






Autozone has them for a reasonable price.
 






I took mine off to see if it would get rid of a noise so I thought I'd leave it out. When I got back in the truck and put it in drive the whole truck twisted and a horrible clunk was heard. Put it back in and it was fixed. I have always thought it was for axle wrap when you change from Park to Drive (and we've replaced these shocks before on other vehicles because of my condition in the shop). So, I mean - I'm just going with what I've expierenced and what I've seen in the shop.

-Drew
 






aldive said:
Its not a steering stabilizer, its mounted on the rear differential housing. Ford put it there for vibration control.

I noticed no difference in anything when I removed mine.
Monroe Part# SC2958
http://www.monroe.com/catalog_looku..._selector&VG=1&MK=70&MDL=821&YR=2000&LST=3048
It's listed under the "steering stabilizer" heading at all of the parts departments. Once you look under that heading on their parts computer, the "axel damper" comes up.

I just replaced mine last month. It was $66 Cdn at my local Canadian Tire.
It fit perfectly.

Cheers

PS

I could be wrong, but from just looking at the design of the shock and mounting points, it looks like its function is to help minimize lateral movement of the rear half of the drive train. With it removed, I'm sure the rear end of the truck would sway around alot more going over large bumps, etc.
 












I knew I called it a steering stabilizer for a reason, lol :)
Axel damper seems an appropriate term though. :thumbsup:
 






If you want to go high buck, Bilstein also makes this item. It's around $80. I only know because I'm about to upgrade from my VST's to Bilstein and have been shopping recently. I'm sure the Monroe item will do the job for less than half the price...
 






I think this has been causing a knock when I turn... advance autoparts carries it for $36. Lasted about 120,000 miles, I think the torsion twist and shackles may have contributed.
 






Pardon my ignorance but where is this part located on the truck and what is the best way to tell if it's bad?
 






if you read this thread is says the 5th shock or damper is locaed on the rear differential, so the center orf the rear axle, pass side you cant miss it (looks like a shock)

The one that lasted 130K miles likely has not been doing anything back there for the last 70K miles except sit there and not make noise, now its making noise. I suggest removing this piece and see if there are any adverse effects on your truck, if no then dont worry about replacing it.

It is another Ford band aid for vibrations some trucks need them some do not, I typically get rid of as many of these dampers, weights and unneeded stuff as I can, with well balanced tires and driveshafts I have never had an issue, well anything I would consider not acceptable, considering I run 33"+ tires....
 



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I grabbed ahold of mine and shook it and it had some play
 






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