F53 bilstein shock replacment

[wbrodmerkel]

Hi all.
In the process of adding a roadmaster rear anti sway bar to my ace 27.2. All is going well but since I have to remove the rear shocks to add the bar I figured I would add some new bilstein shocks as well. Only problem is how do you compress the shock to put in the bolts?

[John & Diane]

When I installed the Roadmaster "add-on" sway bar to our 27K I used a bottle jack to get the shocks compressed enough get the bottom bolts back in. Be safe.

[Yvonnemarc]

New shocks typically come already compressed with a plastic loop holding it in. Attaching the top bolt ( not tightened all the way allows it to pivot) and line it up to the bottom receiver and cut the plastic loop... it slowly extends and you can guide it into the bottom bracket.
If it’s already extended then you can usually lean your weight on it to slowly compress is and zip tie it compressed to work with it.

[wbrodmerkel]

Thank you all. The shocks when purchased seemed to be around 8 inches longer. They are the correct model . I used a pole clamp to compress and used air conditioner ductwork cable ties to hold the shocks at the same length as the shocks I took off. Mounted them and then cut the cable ties. Next issue is torque rate. In the past I have seen numbers such as 260 ft-pounds. 7/8 in thick bolt, class 5.

[wbrodmerkel]

picture of shock

[wbrodmerkel]

contacted bilstein for the torque specs. Told me since they don't supply the bolts they dont say what the specs should be. Referred me to ford. Local ford told me they dont work on f53's. another thread a while ago said to use 260 lbs.

[wbrodmerkel]

Just got back from ford. Torque spec for the front and rear shocks is 258 ft-lbs.
ok all done and thank you to all .

[99dart]

Wow! Good job! I looked at mine and said "Nah, ain't goin' there!"

[16ACE27]

Normally, normal shocks do not self extend as shocks do not support any load unless thay are coil-over shocks or air shocks. Why do these self extend?

[Clahmann]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Normally, normal shocks do not self extend as shocks do not support any load unless thay are coil-over shocks or air shocks. Why do these self extend?

Gas shocks are pre-charged and they do come generally with a plastic band to hold them compressed.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Clahmann

Gas shocks are pre-charged and they do come generally with a plastic band to hold them compressed.

Gas shocks have gas on both sides of the piston and are not gas springs or gas struts. Shocks dampen movement; they are not support mechanisms unless they have coil-over springs or bellows to hold air or gas on one side to help support the load.

[wbrodmerkel]

Thanks all. Lets end this thread.