Replacing front shocks with Bilsteins
I am replacing the front shocks on my 2015 E-450. It's been 12 years since I replaced them on my Winnebago. I can't recall if it was a simple job or one that should be left to a shop. I have all th...
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On our E450, I "can" get the box end of a combination wrench up past the fender liner and onto the top nut. Then turn the hex at the top of the shock piston. BUT only a few degrees at a time, so here's my radical hack:
Unlike those easy Chevies, Ford E-series springs don't require a compressor to remove and install. They simply tip out of their pockets once the little clip at the top comes off. I'm not sure if one end of the shock has to be off first, but the plan is:
Jack coach and support at FRAME
Remove Front Wheels
Place Floor Jack under outboard (brake) end of Axle
Remove LOWER Shock Mount (remove Nut/Washer than pry inward)
Remove Spring Retainer (10mm screw)
Lower Axle to drop Spring out
Put wrench on top of Shock Rod, remove Shock using Hex on Rod in Spring Pocket area. No Spring allows plenty of throw on open end wrench.
Note: Unless you can drop both axles (two floor jacks) then you might have to disconnect one Sway Bar link.
This is only a couple extra steps but it gets the spring out of the way of the hex on the shock rod. I noticed how hanging the shock by the top before putting the spring back made for easy wrenching while replacing the whole front axle last year.
On our E450, I "can" get the box end of a combination wrench up past the fender liner and onto the top nut. Then turn the hex at the top of the shock piston. BUT only a few degrees at a time, so here's my radical hack:
Unlike those easy Chevies, Ford E-series springs don't require a compressor to remove and install. They simply tip out of their pockets once the little clip at the top comes off. I'm not sure if one end of the shock has to be off first, but the plan is:
Jack coach and support at FRAME
Remove Front Wheels
Place Floor Jack under outboard (brake) end of Axle
Remove LOWER Shock Mount (remove Nut/Washer than pry inward)
Remove Spring Retainer (10mm screw)
Lower Axle to drop Spring out
Put wrench on top of Shock Rod, remove Shock using Hex on Rod in Spring Pocket area. No Spring allows plenty of throw on open end wrench.
Note: Unless you can drop both axles (two floor jacks) then you might have to disconnect one Sway Bar link.
This is only a couple extra steps but it gets the spring out of the way of the hex on the shock rod. I noticed how hanging the shock by the top before putting the spring back made for easy wrenching while replacing the whole front axle last year.
