2004-2014 Ford F-150 Front Strut Replacement Procedure

These are the Loaded Struts I Recommend (check fitment guide)-
amzn.to/2Uz5Zx2
In this video I go over in detail just how to change out the front coil over shocks on this truck. All years are basically the same, these are widely known for the springs cracking. Check yours today if you live in the salt belt you will likely run across this before long.
Torque Specs-
Blue Medium Strength Thread locker used on fasteners.
Upper Mount 15mm Nuts- 35ft lbs
Lower Cross Through Bolt- 350ft lbs!
Wheel Lug Nuts- 150 ft lbs
Check me out on Facebook-
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[@FordTechMakuloco]

These are the Loaded Struts I Recommend (check fitment guide)- amzn.to/2Uz5Zx2

[@james19X]

What about 2018 4x2 loaded struts?

[@Akasuper]

FordTechMakuloco just for clarity do you recommend the KYB struts over the Motorcraft (part numbers GU2Z-18A092-K) ones?

[@billbrasky1288]

My 2012 f150 makes a crunching sound when the front-passenger side wheel drops off of a curb. I noticed that the cylinder inside of the coil spring has a big crack in it. I’m guessing that could be the problem or a symptom of a larger problem. What do you think?

[@CanadianCampPurr]

Just checked the amazon link these struts do not fit 2012 f150 2wd vehicles

[@iadc43]

Michael Casey because this is a 4x4 truck n the video

[@5dc61]

I know you have a million people thanking you for saving them money, but make it one million one and counting. Thank you sir!!!

[@timramirez1175]

Thank you for showing this way. It’s way easier than other channels show. There is no reason to remove the knuckle.

[@nmoran2046]

Best mechanic help videos on the Internet save me thousands of dollars thank you very much and I watch these videos just for fun

[@nzs316]

This man has just such a wealth of knowledge. I follow his advice religiously.

[@ezpeazy1857]

2005 f150 owner here. Just wanted to let you know your videos are great. Very informative and very easy to understand. Keep up the good work.

[@rinorush7041]

You have been amazing on your knowledge of these Ford trucks.. I just bought a 08 F-150 for 2500 bucks and I've been stressed with all the work I've had to do but it's paying off. I had a 5.8 before this for about 15 yrs and rarely had to do much. Your videos have been great with helping me to diagnose problems

[@adamwalleman1916]

Gotta tell you thanks again. I’ve been teaching my 18 year old off of your videos Helped us out a ton on these 1-3 hour jobs for the 1/2 and 3/4 tons we own

[@capomak1]

Thank you very much for the great instructions. I replaced my front left and right struts, Driver side wheel bearing, and my front brakes on each side. I followed your instructions and everything went nice and easy. THANKS AGAIN.

[@williamaltman5796]

I've watched several videos, presentation is superlative as it teaches someone with medium mechanical skills how to accomplish each task. In addition, it gives someone with minimum mechanical skills the knowledge that will save them from getting ripped off by unsavory individuals. I find your videos to be one of the most useful tools that I've encountered on the internet......thank you!:)

[@jerrybeck1720]

maintaining my 2011 ford f150 supercrew with 3.5 ecoboost is easy with your great detailed explanations... replace plugs using your videos . now struts and shocks with only 104,000 on truck.. thanks for the help... keep up the good work.... spudlocker..

[@staffordalvi1929]

Thanks again. I have so many of your videos saved and have done all the work myself because of your helpful tips. You have the best tutorials on KZbin. 👍

[@danmetza6497]

Thanks for the great video! .Just did this myself, went pretty smooth, tie rod dropped right out after loosening the nut, no hammering was needed. Moving the bottom knuckle of the shock back into the slot of the control arm was easily done without a pry bar or anything for me. Because of this video I knew exactly what to expect, it really helped.

[@truckerman9836]

Watching this video makes me even happier I live in the southwest, 180+ K on my 2013 F150 4x4 no rust on frame or suspension.

[@Lordporter1]

I appreciate your videos, I was a tech in the Air Force and got away from turning wrenches. As my F150 needs it your videos have given me the boost to get back out there and do it myself. Thanks for taking the time to do them.

[@nzs316]

What trade? I was Avionics, I and E and I to have my 1999 F150 that I hug regularly.

[@kubotaman85]

Thanks for sharing this video! I went to take my 2008 F-150 for an alignment and they told me my spring was broke. They told me that they replace these strut assemblies in pairs. They quoted me well over $800 to get the parts, plus labor and then the alignment. I have the parts from the parts store. It looks so easy to put it from the video that I may tackle the job myself and save the money from the labor and just go and have the alignment done once I get them in.

[@khum4723]

Just did this over the weekend along with the rear shocks. Your video helped tremendously! Mine (07 stx) did not come out or go in as easily but i think it was because i was trying to be too easy with it. Those third bolts in the engine compartment took long extensions as there is no room to turn a wrench in there. Thank you!

[@Jeff-sc1df]

I thought I already watched this. I noticed truck also got a new half axle and ewi hub. Good job. I ALWAYS watch your video related to something I have to do to my "05 f150 4x4 5.4

[@pmreales]

Excellent video. Hi def and well explained. Great camera angles and super easy to follow. Kudos and thank you for taking the time to put this together!

[@Alan_Edwards]

Did my struts along with both the four wheel drive actuators the other day. Your videos really helped me out. It would have been a lot harder without your tips. Everything is working great now. Oh and I ordered some of the Mopar rust penetrant. I normally use Kano Aerokroil which is a lot more expensive but good stuff too. So we'll see if the Mopar lives up to your claims. Thanks for all the videos man. You are #1 in my book. Next project is the rear end differential.

[@EminHVAC]

Nice Job. I like how you explained everything in detail. Thank you

[@cheatumk]

THE INFORMATION OF YOUR VIDEO WAS VERY HELPFUL MADE THE JOB SO MUCH EASIER THAN I EXPECTED.

[@Brian-vi5di]

Thank you FordTecMakeuloco! Installed Kyb loaded struts on my 2005 lariat this weekend. The job went flawlessly because of your insightful video. Start to finish less than 2 hours including coffee break. Next project is spark plugs and coils. Hope they don't break. Thanks again and keep up the great videos.

[@Funexpected]

Did you break any plugs? If not, what removal technique did you use?

[@JacobWinkle]

Great video. Been watching your videos for learning and I been learning a lot. keep it up

[@nvwlsnvwls2785]

Thank you Sir. I used this as my reference material to swap my Ford Expedition struts. I found the 30mm needed the deep socket, like the one you used and the Milwaukee M18 high torque impact driver. So i used the money I saved on labour to buy a few more tools and got the job done. I did not have a 406lb torque wrench, the price of 0-600 lb wrenches is shocking. If I can find a deal I will buy one, if not next time i am in a shop i will add a torque check to the job, For now the Milwaukee with 1100 ft lbs of torque rammed them on. BTW you are an amazing teacher, so much detail, I feel confident that with your videos and the right tools, I can better maintain my fords.

[@tskfrcdgr]

Hey great vid, I replaced the coil spring assembly on my truck not long ago. Just a tip I had a cardboard box from Uhaul in the garage and I cut a square and put it between the CV boot and the bottom of the coil spring assembly so it doesnt tear anything when it comes up. Thanks for posting all these!

[@junkredo2518]

Thankyou for taking the time to do this video, I just replaced mine with your help.

[@nickdouglas9298]

This was very helpful, saved me a ton of time learn. The 2010 model bottom of strut fits into a pocket.

[@tsukune8494]

Wow Brian this is awsome I have an 11 year old f150 and I always wanted to learn how to do this just in case anything happens to my truck thanks awsome vid as always very thorough on how you explain things keep it up and thanks.

[@richardaffonso]

Hands down, best Ford F-150 content on KZbin.

[@FrumpyFriend39]

Thanks for the video, replaced struts in an '07 F-150 and this video helped greatly. I just wanted to tell you for the next time you do this, you don't have to unbolt the outer tie rod end, it slips right out with it in place. Once again, great video.

[@tooltime4640]

I think maybe you have a 2wd model. He was working on a 4wd

[@VOOODOOO37]

great video, like your thoroughness and expertise. Lotta people just beat these parts when its not necessary. I'm doing it on my town car and the basic principle is the same. thanks!

[@curtstewart6558]

Man I really appreciate the videos you post! They have helped me repair and have knowledge to future repair my Expedition. Thank you!

[@greatproduction1198]

You’re the BEST Technician EVER!!…. Thank you so much for sharing your great knowledge, and your videos are so good quality just like you are, thanks again, May God bless you All.

[@jonathanmessore1907]

after watching this video and ordering these same struts i was able to complete this job exactly how you said it would go...awesome videos... thanx alot

[@jaandel1]

What year and model pls I have2013 f150 xlt ecooboster??? Do you have the same??

[@10rninjariderzx]

Mopar knows all about rust. that's a fact lol.

[@veiledallegory]

I bet they have good connections for a tow truck too!

[@cortneywebb1677]

If only they had a change transmission light every 50k lol

[@ryanshearouse12]

Change your fluid. That will help.

[@real_g0att467]

Yeah my ram was a nightmare to fix and put on all new suspension haha

[@ronbaynes179]

Great videos. Just found your channel and am catching up on all of them you have posted. I work on a fleet of Lincoln Navigators from 2006 to 2012 and this is great information. Thank you !

[@g6wings]

Great Step by Step! Nice description along the way - and Thanks for not missing anything!

[@capnmatt41]

Watching in 2017 - Thanks a lot man, great archive of instruction.

[@TheJeffArthur]

I want to thank you for this video, made changing the front struts easy. The only real time eating process was jacking up the truck and taking off the wheels, other than that sweet tutorial video.... Thanks again...

[@randylovett532]

You really gave me the confidence to save money and tackle this project! Big thanks

[@MrAccordman]

Super professional video wow. Dude you are awesome, may all your dreams come true for helping millions out with this.

[@leonardgilbreath9004]

Thanks your video showing how to replace the struts and your right about the replacement especially when it comes to this.

[@mo2cros]

Great video. After I put my new Rancho leveling struts in I will come back and let you know how it went!

[@erictownsend8711]

Goodby Dealer repair or any mechanic. You are showing that many repairs can be done by me, in the garage. I don't have the words to express my gratitude for sharing this information. Thank you very much. But wait, what is that sound coming from the garage? Oh, it's my 2006 Lincoln Mark Lt thanking you too.

[@IPGAuto]

I saw other videos where people took apart everything just to get to the struts. Not necessary. This was quick and simple.

[@gregvanis3433]

Nice video. I have been waiting for this one. I agree with the rest, 350 lbs WOW!

[@dannyorsello8668]

Thank you, very informative, easy to follow. I'm getting Rancho struts, not cheap but are going to level the truck afterwards.

[@dongraham5828]

Quick thanks for the video. Made my job much easier. Cool to know what size tools to gather prior to starting.

[@Grouperhound]

Great info as always, much appreciated. I'm rebuilding the front end in my 2004 New Body Style F150. My struts are still in great shape after 200K but I'm going to change the shock anyway. I'm surprised by the corrosion on this truck. I live the east coast and it is clean by comparison. Unfortunately I have to settle for aftermarket generic shocks since Ford has discontinued them for the HD Payload Package. I considered adjustable, but very expensive.

[@bamagolds]

Thank you for the excellent video and giving all the torque ft lbs. of each.

[@jasonalford491]

Very helpful videos! New struts on my 05 in no time!

[@embreyd4e686]

This video just saved me about $400. Thanks man.

[@bryangoode4699]

I wanted to say thank you for taking the time and making all of the videos I have watched which helped me complete my task today. I changed out both strut assemblies, upper control arms, sway bar links and lower ball joints. I only had one problem with doing everything and it was the driver side strut assembly. I had to take it to a shop and have the spring compressed and the lower mounting hole adjusted as it was about 30 degrees offset. Other than that it went great but took me a full 8 hours to finish. Thanks again and have a great holiday season sir.

[@martinrutledge-chapo-bigworm]

Thank you for this video. I recently purchased the Rough Country 4 inch struts for my 2019 F150 with a 4 inch BDS lift easy off / easy on

[@allisterjackson6916]

Man seeing these videos with all the rust underneath makes me appreciate living in Florida. I have 2005 and my under body still looks new even the stickers are still there

[@lpsocci2]

I think you do nice job. You have helped me on several jobs and have saved me lots or $.

[@hatteraslabuf]

Thank you for giving us accurate information regarding tools needed. Everyone on KZbin says that the struts lower bolt is 30 mm and you say it is 29 mm. You sir, are correct !!!

[@brucedarlingtonjr.4887]

I have a 2005 F150 XLT 4WD. I will also confirm the lower nut is 29mm, not 30mm.

[@xTRExDADDYx]

Just finished mine. 30mm in my case. I don't know if this is a year change or a trim change. 2006 FX4

[@tomasgaspar8065]

Thanx for the video. I am doing this job on a 2011 f150 raptor next week.

[@Tenbeerz1]

This is a good clean n clear instruction video. Great job

[@mikefriesen19]

Nice to see someone working on a truck that isn't brand new !

[@everss02]

So glad I left Minnesota for Dallas, just swapped my rear shocks, truck looks brand new underneath still on a 2013. Front should be a breeze. Doing billstein 5100 on all 4.

[@takayama1638]

Great job as usual, Maku.

[@jodyrobinson1161]

Great video, it showed me exactly what to do....

[@markcollins5026]

Man, I'm glad I live in Arizona, I have a 2009 f150 it's clean as a whistle under the truck !

[@chicanopowers4938]

Mark Collins same here, I can't believe how rusty those northeast vehicles get.

[@jamesedwards6269]

Man your videos are a life saver

[@kcled01]

You are extremely clear in all your videos and I have been using them for a few years now. Thank you for making them available. I currently have a 2012 F150 4x4 that I’m about to install a 2 inch leveling kit on. Would this video be good to follow or will I have to remove the knuckle?

[@Hamchuck112]

Your videos are the best. Thank you.

[@michaelnewton1505]

Very grateful for your videos! They have saved me time and money, and are just fun to watch even if I don’t have a pending repair to make. I have a 2005 King Ranch F150 with 139,000 miles. Definitely has bad lower ball joints on both sides, and a visually torn rubber boot on the passenger side upper control arm joint. I think it is safe to assume that most if not all the front end suspension components are shot, and it seems like it would make sense to replace them all while I have stuff taken apart. I am planning to replace upper control arms, lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rods, coil over shock assemblies and stabilizer bar linkage. Maybe wheel bearing hub assemblies too. Is there a particular order I should use for all this to avoid uninstalling/reinstalling parts unnecessarily? Seems like this coil over shock repair would be easier while the drive shaft is out of the hub and the knuckle is out if the way for the ball joint repair. Just worried about things like torquing that bolt at ride height. Wouldn’t I need to finish the ball joint and upper control arm repair first to raise the lower control arm to ride height. Just trying to make a plan...any advice would be appreciated.

[@trentschekk7410]

You are the best. Thanks for all you do!!!

[@saulsandoval2313]

Outstanding. Very helpful. Thank you.

[@benjaminfoster5847]

Your a dam good instructor, keep up the excellent work. I have one request, Can you do a electrical wiring video, on how to find a short within the electrical system. Thank You.

[@brianlwhitney54]

Thanks for the video,good info to know when an if I need to replace mine

[@eldoradony]

Glad you are posting videos again! How about a tour of your new shop?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

eldoradony Soon

[@johnryan9626]

You are my answer man for my 2005 F150 FX4 Thank you.

[@Vade1313]

Awesome video, very well done sir!!

[@ryanwerrell7484]

I love PB Blaster for a penetrant. Very good stuff as well. I’ll have to try the mopar brand

[@jamesd8766]

Amazing video thanks so much really helpful! If I want to add a 2 1/2 leveling kit to the strut is there anything different I need to do?

[@Jitom7]

Excellent video. I try to stay around 100 ft pounds on my lug nuts (not 150) cuz on many cars I've had the rotors become warped for some reason with over torquing. Not sure what the manufacturer specs are but that's what I do. Glad I subscribed to your videos.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Jitom7 Most vehicles the spec is 100 but the trucks they are 150 and the superduty trucks are 165 never a problem.

[@2Aftw]

I could have used this video a few months back. Haha. I had no idea that this would be a common thing. My spring let lose while turning into my driveway (thankfully) and it was a loud pop/ping sound. Scared the crap out of me. It would have saved me a few hundred on labor doing it myself than having my mechanic do it, but I had no idea what the problem was. It sounded more serious than it really was I guess! Then again, I have no idea how I'd torque down that big bottom bolt accurately.

[@dennisschmidt975]

Great Video!...I will be attempting this on My 2010 Tomorrow.

[@alexmic3577]

how did it go

[@dennisschmidt975]

@@alexmic3577 It was pretty easy, probably took me longer than this guy though.

[@alexmic3577]

@@dennisschmidt975 thank you for replying after 4 years 😂

[@airtechmech6681]

On a 2010 2wd, the lower strut mount goes into a cup-like thing so the lower control arm has to be lowered much more. The lower mount bolt nut takes a 30 mm socket, too. On the first try, I couldn't get the tie-rod end loose without destroying it so I ended up putting it back together. Will try again tomorrow. Maybe the tie-rod will lower enough without taking it apart. Also I had to unmount the brake hose and antiskid wires to keep from breaking them.

[@ashtisindi9831]

This was the best video..this other guy I watched that fooo took everything apart..

[@Creator_Nater]

Very good, concise, informative video!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

A neat trick is how the rusty cv joint magically shined up to brand new! That Mopar rust penetrator works miracles! Probably should have sprayed the whole chassis with it to make it look like new too! (Just joking) A shop I worked for way back use to use a competitors spray of some type that worked better than what we had available through the dealer brand that we were.

[@BkA61]

Nice video just about to start Rancho Quick lift install "2008 F-150 XL 2wd" and no other video mentioned the lock tight, wire brushing the threads or loading the strut before torquing it down

[@paulsosa1872]

Brandon Armstrong how did those Quick lift work? I put some on my 08 F150 2WD and I just don't like how they pull down on the upper control arm.

[@sgt100702]

I'm looking at this job next weekon my 2013 F150 FX4 3.5L V6 DOHC Turbo. I was pretty hesitant about doing this myself until I saw this video. Thanks for the great explanation. Question.. I have a leveling kit on my truck, does this make a difference on the replacement?

[@michaelwdagle7410]

PB Blaster is the best rust penatrator I've found. We use that stuff offshore.

[@patriotkennethburlingham7059]

Sweet video Brian!

[@kingj4044]

Great tips thanks bro ! I’m going to getting to work

[@bigguyyy1]

Your videos are fantastic, thanks for doing them! Doing my 2007 Expedition shocks this weekend; one question though. I am keeping my springs, replacing just the shocks (compress spring and remove). Have you seen the need to replace the upper insulators when removing the shocks? I haven't ordered those, but am hoping they're sound. No suspension noise at all right now (no clunks, etc) - feels tight - just too bouncy. Thanks again!

[@jerryhansen5116]

Huge help on it tomorrow !

[@kwmulligan]

Awesome video.. Thanks for sharing

[@shiznit93274]

I notice the vacuum hose to the hub was off. But I am guessing that you did that since you changed the CV axle also. Am I correct? Great video by the way. Thanks for being my informative Ford tech. Helps a lot!

[@JoshuaDomoslai]

Lol I’ve never seen anyone mention the mopar stuff befor. But that’s all we use at our shop. It’s literally the best we’ve used for rusted, corroded or sticky bolts

[@etripp111]

I have seen/heard that the bottom bolt is 30mm and you said 29mm. I'm going with you man! Thanks for the videos. Another mechanic's bill I don't have to spring for.

[@smithjay100]

Fordtechmakuloco is the man by far but mine was 30mm

[@airtechmech6681]

Ok, so on the next attempt, I figured out how to do this on my 2010 f150 2wd and it was very easy (with the right tools, of course). I did not need to separate the tie rods. Only the stab link, the ABS harness and brake hose, and the upper ball joint. The lower control arm dropped enough that I could get the strut out.

[@jodielaird1004]

First of I want to say I have watched several of your videos and they are all top notch. Thank you for your time and effort in putting these together. I have two questions on the strut install -1 I ordered the struts from your link. When I went to mount the new strut I had to pry down on the lower control arm to get it into position. Is this because my truck has a 5" lift and is this normal? And 2, you didn't show torquing the lower strut bolt. Do I need to spend several hundred on a torque wrench that will do 350 foot pounds that I might use twice in my lifetime?

[@georgehooper6955]

One more tip: I tried doing this at home by jacking up one side of the truck. New strut wouldn’t go in, “too long”. Problem was the sway bar link was pulling up on the lower control arm. Had to jack up the other side of the truck to allow that wheel to drop and let the sway bar link let the lower control arm to drop, giving me room to install the strut. Much easier on a lift probably

[@markk3652]

hey brian, two things, did ford recall the coil springs on these trucks, my 05 broke same side in the same way. second, the new coil looked different compared to old one- redesign for longevity? great instructions on the how to, you're the man when it comes to getting advice on fords, thanks again.