NOTE: The design of the rear suspension on station wagons is slightly different. Replacing the shock absorber on station wagons is described below, at the end of this subsection.
You will need: socket heads "10", "15", open-end wrench "13", welding clamp.
WARNING: Before raising the rear of the vehicle, engage first gear and chock the front wheels. With the rear of the vehicle raised, place secure supports near the jack.
WARNING: Replace shock absorbers (left and right) in pairs.
1. Remove the wheel.
2. Unscrew the mounting bolt…
3. …and move the shock absorber away from the trailing arm.
4. Remove the two bolts securing the shock absorber bracket to the body…
5. …and remove the shock absorber assembly with the mounting bracket.
6. Loosen the nut securing the bracket to the shock absorber, holding the rod from turning..
7. …and remove the bracket assembly with the compression buffer and protective cover.
8. Disconnect the protective cover and compression buffer.
9. Inspect the protective cover. Replace the damaged cover.
10. Disconnect the compression buffer and the shock absorber mounting bracket.
11. Inspect the compression buffer. Replace any hardened, cracked or deformed buffer with a new one.
12. Check the condition of the bracket rubber bushing. If the bushing is damaged or badly worn, replace the bracket with a new one.
13. Install the shock absorber in the reverse order of removal.
14. Replace the second shock absorber in the same way.
On station wagons, replace shock absorbers in the following order.
WARNING: Before raising the rear of the vehicle, engage first gear and chock the front wheels. With the rear of the vehicle raised, place secure supports near the jack.
WARNING: Replace shock absorbers (left and right) in pairs.
1. Remove the wheel.
Fig. 7.3. Rear suspension of station wagons: 1 – upper shock absorber mounting bolt; 2 – shock absorber; 3 – rear suspension cross member; 4 – trailing arm of the rear suspension; 5 – lower shock absorber mounting bolt; 6 – rear lower arm of the rear suspension; 7 – spring; 8 – nuts of the bolts for fastening the anti-roll bar bracket; 9-crossbar stabilizer bar; 10 – anti-roll bar cushion; 11 – anti-roll bar bracket
2. Unscrew the bolts (see Fig. 7.3) of the lower 5 and upper 1 shock absorber mounts 2 and remove the shock absorber.
3. Install the shock absorber in the reverse order of removal.
4. Replace the second shock absorber in the same way.
(The original article is available on the website: «fordbook»)