How to Replace Front Shock Absorber 95-05 Ford Explorer

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1A Auto shows you how to repair, install , fix, change or replace your front struts with their loaded struts. This video is applicable to 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, 02, and 03 Ford Explorer, the 01-05 Sport Trac, the 98-07 Ranger, the 97-01 Mercury Mountaineer, and the 98-08 Mazda Pickup models.
🔧 List of tools used:
• 13mm Socket 1aau.to/oI2/1AX...
• 15mm Socket 1aau.to/oI2/1AX...
• Vise-Grips
• Adjustable Wrench
• 1/2 Inch Breaker Bar 1aau.to/ogo/1AX...
• Ratchet 1aau.to/oSX/1AX...
• Rust Penetrant
For More Info visit us at 1aau.to/h/ayb/
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@JesusGodHolySpirit3]

Do I need to raise the car to do this job?

[@1AAuto]

HI Marvin, There are quite a few aftermarket companies out there that sell lift kits for your truck, which would enable you to run a larger tire. You may want to check out a forum for your truck to see what the Mountaineer enthusiasts deem as a good lift kit for your truck. They would also (more than likely) be able to suggest a tire size and wheel offset too. Hope this helps you out.

[@debbrameyer1638]

Thank you for such a well made & narated video. This is just what I wanted to find for my Husband's sake. He has no mechanical skills, but I give him credit for wanting to have a crack at replacing the rear shockies in our '99 Explorer. I myself know how to do the job, and most other mechanics on most vechicles as my first husband before he passed away was a mechanic, and I am a panel beater/spray painter by trade, so I am rather handy around most vechiles, but I wanted to find something that was going to help him out so that he could do the job independantly, and just call on me if he gets in trouble. So thank you very much.

[@1AAuto]

+Debbra Meyer Thanks for watching, we're glad we could help! Regards, 1aauto.com

[@squallreviews788]

Thanks for the video! I was able to replace the shocks on my 97 ford explorer. only difference was that I needed a 14mm wrench instead of a 15mm. But all the instructions helped.

[@1AAuto]

+Squall Reviews Thanks for watching. If any of our viewers needs to make this repair we carry the repair part shown in this video on our website. Here is a link to them www.1aauto.com/1A/shocks_struts/Ford/Explorer/MNSSP00086?KZbin&CTA+Comment&IMjiEg

[@darrinsiberia]

I also have a 97 Explorer. Did you do it without a car lift like they use? I only have a floor jack and some jack stands. I am thinking you block the lower control arm as you lower the vehicle to get the lower end of the shock through....

[@1AAuto]

They do come in fairly handy.

[@1AAuto]

We currently do not have an auto repair video that shows this particular repair. The basics should be similar. There are usually only a couple of bolts that hold them in place.

[@1AAuto]

@Dicer69r If you want to keep the air bags, then you would need to buy the ARC equipped shocks.

[@1AAuto]

if you visit our website 1aauto.com we list all of the correct shocks and struts for your vehicle. All of our parts also include FREE SHIPPING in the lower 48 states. Hope this helps you out.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you.Yes the procedure is the same on a 97 4x4.

[@1AAuto]

@DJTommy812 It looks as though that they come with new mounting bolts to bolt them to the vehicle, but may now have washers included in with them.

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for checking out our auto repair channel on KZbin. Have a great day!

[@bknutti]

Thanks for this video! I just got through changing the front shocks on my 1999 Mercury Mountaineer. This made it much easier. Turned out to be less of a job than I thought it would be. It looks like the rear shocks may be a bit more of a challenge, but I have also watched your video on that and I'm going to tackle them tomorrow. Thanks again!

[@1AAuto]

+Brad Knutti We're glad the video helped you out. Thanks for watching. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@efortney68]

Brad Knutti i

[@JesusGodHolySpirit3]

Do I need to raise the car to do this job?

[@RobandMerrie]

At 3:51 if you look at the shock there is a nut where you put the first washer down on, when I helped my husband change shocks on his 02' Ranger 4X4 we put a wrench on it let it go up against the shock mount, put a deep wall socket on the upper nut and let it just snap them off thus saving time... we had both front shocks done in about 15 to 20 minutes. . Merrie-Merrie

[@1AAuto]

We currently do not have an auto repair video that shows you how to replace the struts in your 95-05 Ford Explorer. They should have three bolts at the top that need to be removed and one on the bottom. We carry replacement struts on our website 1aauto.com Hope this helps you out.

[@1AAuto]

@jfredcrawler Thank you for visiting our channel. We carry a great variety of Ford Explorer replacement parts on our website 1aauto.com

[@jregamey]

i lifted my 97 explorer 2 inches and fitted with 32x11.5 bfgs Cost? 20-80 bucks! Heres how to do it. Go to your local fab shop and get them to make you shackles! What i made up and gave me 2-2.25" lift was 12"x2" flat bar 1/2" thick, 4 of these. Have them, or you punch or drill 9/16" holes 10" apart from each other. Stock shackles are 6" hole to hole, for every 2" longer you go makes 1 inch lift. Then get 5" long grade 8 bolts 9/16 But i used 1/2" worked fine. basic washers and 50lbs torque

[@1AAuto]

@SexyKush420 Here's a link to a set on our website for the front pair. 1aauto.com/1A/shocks_struts/Ford/Explorer/MNSSP00086?ATony

[@juanrangel6575]

I enjoy watching this 1A Auto videos

[@1AAuto]

+Juan Rangel Thanks for the feedback!

[@1AAuto]

@zomit If your shock is in the coil spring I assume you are referring to front shocks on a 2 wheel drive. Check out my video for front shock replacement on an S10. I have heard of people replacing them without jacks, but I believe that is on higher ground clearance vehicles. On an older car for example I am pretty sure you need to lift the car up to get the shock out. Ramps work as well. Always be careful no matter what tools you are using.

[@JesusGodHolySpirit3]

Do I need to raise the car to do this job?

[@1AAuto]

@theciskokidd Usually you turn it until it reached the end of its travel. then tighten to 40 foot lbs or so.

[@1AAuto]

@Mike Curtis We currently do not have this particular auto repair video on that model year. We'll keep this request in mind in the event that we may need to do this repair in the future.

[@1AAuto]

You (MIGHT) be able to support the cab with a hydralic floor jack, not sure how they attach to the frame and if the cab actually needs to come off of the frame to change them. It all kind of depands on wether or not you can service them with the cab in place.

[@1AAuto]

@general67 You would remove the wheel if you would like to.

[@1AAuto]

We currently do not have a video that covers this particular repair. Have a great day. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@SaborLatino2005]

Hey Mike, question. recently i had to change my front inner and outer bearings on my 1998 explorer RWD. 7 days after the initial swap, my outer bearing disintegrated. I changed it again and followed the steps from the Ranger video. Im looking into replacing dead shocks as well this weekend. in your opinion, do you think lack of shocks could have contributed to maybe some crazy pressure on the bearings that caused them to fail? also. I think you should add a note on your bearing video that if someone has a 2WD they should reference the Ranger video to change the Hub Bearing. Hey keep creating this great content, its really helped me to have the confidence to start turning wrenches on my truck. Thanks for the help Jon G

[@JorgeHernandez-ey9vw]

Great video but I was hoping to see the procedure on the front shocks / struts I own a 95 ford explorer and I need it some help in how to do it . I hope you can make a video in how to on front struts or shocks thanks.

[@64CEZZAR]

MUITO OBRIGADO PELO ATENDIMENTO, E; PARABÉNS PELOS SEUS VIDEOS BEM EXPLICATIVOS, NOS AJUDA E MUITO AQUI NO BRASIL! FORTE ABRAÇOS À 1aauto E SUCESSOS!!

[@MattKendrick]

Thanks very much for this video! It made the whole process very simple for me.

[@flilguy]

I have a 2000 Ford Ranger. I haven't decided if I will tackle this on my own or not.. What is the best brand of shocks?

[@1AAuto]

@brettkacerek1 We have a lift so it was supported by the frame.

[@probegt75]

do shocks come with new nuts and bolts because I notice the ones you're using are new. I plan on changing mine on my ranger this weekend and wondering if I should get mounting hardware too. thanks and great video!! helps a lot.

[@hoscaletrains500]

what type of penetrating oil do you use to spray the bolts with?

[@Cbr978]

@1aauto PB all day!

[@1AAuto]

@y2knoproblem If the ones that are in the vehicle are old and worn out they would.

[@probegt75]

i also meant to ask is the KYB gas adjust a good choice for my ford ranger? Its a 2000 xlt 2wd 4 banger .They're the ones I wanted to go with. I see you guys have free shipping too!! Sweet! thanks again!

[@welchdj75]

My 2002 explorer 4.0 V6 XLT 4 wheel drive has big coils around those shocks. Do those need to be replaced or can the shocks be replaced without changing those coils? Thanks

[@y2knoproblem]

Does replacing struts and shocks dramatically improve the ride?

[@santacruzgiantsfan]

what is a good way to see or test if you really do need new shocks?

[@jaredhowe1698]

I can't wait to replace the front and rear shocks now!

[@1AAuto]

+Jared Howe Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com

[@nunyadambidness1444]

Fixing to be putting some on exp Friday thx for a little on-site 👍✌️ kind of happy it's not struts in the front shocks and front rear won't take long at all. I soaked with penetrant on it the other day PB blaster so I know everything should be easy coming off

[@1AAuto]

+gatorboy86 dodirty Thanks for the feedback!

[@1AAuto]

Será que você precisa saber como mudar os faróis?

[@jfredcrawler]

AWESOME! Thank you for the help! Saved me 60 bucks!

[@dylangrahamcracker]

idk for you, but i have a 97 2wd ranger and all i have to do is jack up the side im going to change *(make sure youre jacking up with the frame rail, not the pitman arm, )* take off the tire, then unscrew the the nut off the top of my shock, its 14mm, use a small bottle jack to keep upwards pressure on the shock so that you do not strip the threads on the shock, once the nut is off, remove the bolt holding the shock on then take the shock off, installation is the reverse

[@johnjohnoj6408]

very well done friend, like the way y,all show how to work on cars, ty so much men

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for the great reply. We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com +John john Oj

[@1AAuto]

@TheKing0fHalo Yes you should have the car realigned.

[@1AAuto]

Que tengan un buen día!

[@general67]

im new 2 car repair but i noticed u kept the wheel on during this shock replacement,, would it matter if i took the wheel off?

[@TrueBoricua]

question: do the new shocks include the new washer and rubber/plastic pieces aswell?

[@64CEZZAR]

SAUDAÇÕES! TENHO UM FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 2001 E GOSTARIA DE SABER COMO FAÇO P/ TROCAR AS VELAS DE UMA FORMA MAIS FÁCIL, OBRIGADO E PARABÉNS PELOS VIDEOS DA 1aauto, GRATO!

[@ephraimcamacho9600]

Great video ❤

[@1AAuto]

If the 2000 Lincoln Navigator has and air ride suspension it would be different.

[@daniehollen4183]

You make it look so easy…

[@dereksuddreth8672]

Good Mechanic, fire the Soundman!

[@altonmichel8866]

this is the same as replacing on a 2008 ford ranger? I can't find anything on youtube. and it costs alot to do in the shop. looks simple enough though.

[@1AAuto]

@hoscaletrains500 WD-40 or PB blaster

[@01171206]

any other idea on how to take out the nut on the front shock??? i tried vice grip but still don't want to turn the top part where you grip it, it's getting loose tread...please help..thanks...

[@tumbleweed728]

This looks different than my '94 explorer sport, but this is the link I keep getting sent to. Do you have a video that covers the '94 model installation? Front and rear and spring change out. Thanks.

[@MattKendrick]

Thanks so much for posting this tutorial!

[@Fuziun]

Thanks for this video it help me a lot.

[@LIOTBs]

Thank you so much!

[@brettkacerek1]

Where did you jack the truck up from for the front and the back shocks?

[@riceski]

Thanks - gave me a good idea of what I need to do.

[@RadhadaniteBabylonian]

Is this process the same for 2004 Sport Trac 2WD?

[@1AAuto]

En este momento no disponemos de un vídeo de reparación de automóviles que muestra esta reparación auto particular. Vamos a mantener esta petición en cuenta en caso de que tenemos que hacer esta reparación en el futuro. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@1AAuto]

If you take the tire off is may give you a little more room.

[@64CEZZAR]

OBRIGADO PELO FEEDBECK, NA VERDADE PRECISO TROCAR AS VELAS DE IGNIÇÃO DO MOTOR, MUITO OBRIGADO!

[@radarmax1]

You can get the top of shock through engine the engine compartment

[@peteymartinez2993]

is this the same for the 2000 ford explorer sport

[@jw200]

Only question that bothers me is how to find correct absorbers for my car? I mean with correct length? Are there any other things besides length that i must check?

[@trollking6111]

Great video! Thanks man!

[@1AAuto]

+Troll Boss Thanks for watching; we hope that this video has helped you out. Here's a link to our website if any of our viewers would like visit us online: goo.gl/0AyTij

[@rubenlincoln]

would this be the same as a 2000 lincoln navigator?

[@semco72057]

I like that video and how I can replace my shocks on my 1999 Ford Explorer.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching! Glad to be of help. Please let us know how the repair turns out. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@semco72057]

I will.

[@billmaroney5866]

Nice video, thanks!

[@gabriels1106]

hi, I wanted to ask why my car "Ford Explorer 96" has dropped too much since I changed the suspension (Rancho) to oil while it was held higher when it uses the air suspension. Thank you

[@fcvjr]

Great Video, Thx for the help.

[@Sostraightup]

What do you do with springs over top? of them?

[@1AAuto]

This was a 4WD Ford Explorer.

[@loshernandez9289]

Hey I have a question I could do this with my Ford Explorer 1998 5.0 v8 rwd?

[@coryudon3350]

What size is the lower hardware nut and bolts? I want to buy new hardware.

[@Jr72]

what is the torque for each nuts

[@finessinglife9257]

does anybody know the bolt sizes of the 2 lower bolts that hold the shock to the arm?

[@TrueBoricua]

@1aauto thank you! :)

[@angelmadrid6783]

Awesome, Thanks!

[@sjhart14]

@santacruzgiantsfan If your car bounces up and down more than once over bumps or when bouncing on the bumper they should be replaced.

[@1AAuto]

It should be fairly easy to do in the driveway or a garage using jack stands. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@RobandMerrie]

Upper nut: 30-41 Ft.Lbs. Lower shock to control arm bolts: 15-21 Ft. Lbs. But like stated tightening with just a ratchet should be fine. Hope that helps, . Merrie-Merrie

[@1AAuto]

Did you also put a new sending unit in the tank? If you did and it still didn't fix the issue. I'm pretty sure that your 93 also has a anit-slosh or it's also referred to as a instrument voltage regulator on the backside of the instrument cluster. When they go bad they will give you a faulse fuel gauge reading. The 90-93 Mustangs had these, so did many of the Ford cars and trucks. Hope this helps you out. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@gendiaz3022]

What are the torque specs

[@1AAuto]

You should be fine tightening these up with a ratchet (as shown in the video).

[@SexyKush420]

how much money is it for a pair of shocks?

[@Captainkingcaca192]

Gear wrench would be nice for this job

[@emilianorodriguez3590]

The wheel well or the shoulder block the view of everything...

[@1AAuto]

@flilguy We carry the Monroe shocks for this application which are pretty decent. Here's a link to them on our website. 1aauto.com/1A/shocks_struts/Ford/Explorer/MNSSP00086

[@trancextend]

What's the torque spec on this bolts?

[@1AAuto]

+trancextend Here is a list of tools needed for the repair Tools Materials, Fluids, and Supplies Rust Penetrant Pliers, Cutters & misc Wrenches Adjustable Wrench Ratchets & Related 1/2 Inch Breaker Bar Ratchet Sockets - Metric 13mm Socket 15mm Socket Specialty Tools Vise-Grips

[@Dicer69r]

i have a 95 explorer limited with auto ride control, i want to replace the shocks but i was wondering do i need to replace them with ones that have ride control? the mounts are the same and the ride control is busted as is.

[@oscarmoyano2724]

Alternador y tensor nuevos para la Ford Explorer XLT 1998!!!!!

[@HOTRODRICO]

ratcheting wrenches....must have

[@darrinsiberia]

but you conveniently omit how somebody can do this without a lift? with just using a jack and some jack stands?

[@TheKingOfHalo]

I can change the front shocks without removing the wheel or jacking up the front of my 2000 Explorer. It’s a pain but with some patience it can be done.

[@jesse60606]

@welchdj75 lol nah man use the same coils unless the shocks are going to be a different size.

[@1AAuto]

@01171206 Cut it with a sawzall.