Rear Shock Replacement Questions

[HardTech]

1995 XLT 2WD

Basicly I have to do this, this weekend. I was wondering if there is any tips to make it go easier. Im currently in a battle with Discount Tires trying to prove that something is indeed wrong with my GoodYear rear tire. They refuse to speak to me till I have everything checked out. So I might as well replace the rear shocks since ill be near that mess anyways.

Anyways any tips would be nice, im not the best when it comes to cars. But I can normaly find my self around. The front shocks where a PAIN last time I had to replace them. I thankfully learned from the first one, what to do on the second one so it made it easy. Just trying to get a heads up.

Plus where is a good place to start, I havent really looked that hard. But it seems that I may have to get it from the inside to get to the top of the shock, or just remove that skirt?

 

[95limited]

I just replaced the shocks on my 95 Limited. The rear shocks went a lot faster than the fronts. Removing the spare will give you more room. Good luck.

 

[HardTech]

Thanks for the tip, good to know the backs ones are a little easier than the fronts. Im just hoping this either fix's the problem or DT will give me a blasted tire already.

Oh well, hopefully new shocks in this thing will help it. 124k miles on it. I assume the rear shocks where never replaced.

 

[95limited]

You might also spray some WD40 type product on the bolts and nuts before the weekend. That sure made mine come off easier.

I have the ARC system and 140,000 miles on the Explorer. My left front was replaced under warranty doing the first year. The other three were the originals. The Explorer still passed the shock test but it was bouncing way too much when driving. The new shocks has given my Explorer a much nicer, smoother ride.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Rear shocks are pretty easy. Fords design is a little more complicated than others with the way the top of the shock mounts, but it isn't too bad. How are you doing this? On a lift? If so, a screw jack is always helpful. You can drop the old shocks, then extend the new ones and if they don't reach all the way, put the screw jack under the axle and put it up til it'll meet. Now, if you have to screw the jack up really far to make it meet, you might not have the right shock. Always look at the last one (length wise) to make sure they're similar.

-Drew