Needed: torque values for the Lightning ER front and rear shock mounting bolts.

[21st Century Truck]

Folks,

I'm replacing my OEM shocks front & rear after 76 thousand miles... at least one shock is leaking oil, and "why not" after this mileage on the OEM shocks.

I'll be using the Eibach shocks for my Lightning ER, and per EIbach suggestion I'll be keeping the OEM springs as I do not care to "level" the truck.

Anyone who's DIY replaced the front and rear shocks, or anyone who has the Ford shop manual handy with this information, the torque values for the top and the bottom mounts, front and / or rear will be very much appreciated!

Side note: the pretty reliable. friendly local Ford dealer maintenance shop told when I was pricing options out that the front shock replacement is more involved on the Lightnings than the rear shock replacement, and they bill 4 hours for the front job labor vs. 2 hours for the rear job labor because of this. I've replaced shocks on a few of my former cars so I can see that... any comments from DIYers are welcome.

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[Itaintfastenough]

Just replaced mine with Eibach shocks… (you do Not need to remove front brake calipers, rotor, backing plate, or axle shaft nut) Hope this helps.

 

[21st Century Truck]

Just replaced mine with Eibach shocks… (you do Not need to remove front brake calipers, rotor, backing plate, or axle shaft nut) Hope this helps.

Ooooh You have made my day! A pizza and a sixpack of choice on me when we have a chance to meet!

 

[21st Century Truck]

Just replaced mine with Eibach shocks… (you do Not need to remove front brake calipers, rotor, backing plate, or axle shaft nut) Hope this helps.

380 foot-pounds? Wow that is pretty tight on the rear shock's bottom mount. I really, really appreciate this info.

What are Your driving impressions now with the Eibachs all around and the Ford OEM springs? Also, how many of the OEM shocks were blown or leaking at their replacement?

 

[Itaintfastenough]

Well, it was the highway speed porpoiseing (rebounds)after encountering a minor dip that prompted me to replace them… my mileage is low at just under 15K, and three out of four OEM shocks had lost their nitrogen charge. Even backing out of my shop, with a 1-1/2” drop down from slab to ramp caused a couple of rebounds… That’s all gone with the Eibachs, and was the first thing I noticed. Highway speed dips are now smoothed out, with an overall improved feel one would expect from a quality shock. I’m running stock size Michelin tires with aftermarket 9and3 wheels with stock offset (+44) and stock ride height. Yeah, I agree, that bottom rear shock nut (30mm socket) is a tough one to break free and tighten. Had to us my 3/4” torque wrench rated up to 600ftlbs to tighten it. Caution! Make sure you support the rear swing arm when doing so! Also, don’t get frustrated when jacking up the rear coil over assembly to align with the bottom bolt hole… I wound up using a 1x1 square tube (about 6” long) between the bottom shock mount and swing arm to help keep it from being pushed to the rear while jacking it up. I did however experience frustration when I was finished, and putting up my tools, that I noticed a rear shock “bump stop” sitting on my workbench! Had to pull that rear shock assembly out and dismantle it again.. It’s not that hard to do, take your time… it’s worth the time and $ invested… Good luck!

 

[21st Century Truck]

... putting up my tools, that I noticed a rear shock “bump stop” sitting on my workbench! Had to pull that rear shock assembly out and dismantle it again.. It’s not that hard to do, take your time… it’s worth the time and $ invested… Good luck!

Oh I've stuff like that ha ha Back in my younger and foolish years I and a friend reassembled my proudly bought used Kawasaki's camshaft 90 degrees out of phase, and "test-cranked" it with a wrench while the engine was still on the work bench. When it didn't quite rotate fully, we of course backed it up and, er... applied force like only two 20-somethings can do. THAT funny experiment meant two more new exhaust valves and another head disassembly / reassembly.

 

[Itaintfastenough]

It’s things like that that stay burnt in our memories… so that we never repeat them again… it’s how we learn the hard way!

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