First time Front Shock rebuild

[Irregular F150]

yeah ill just take my time. Too bad they were like this when i got it.

 

[TomDirt]

Hit it with a wire brush and clean out all the crap. Let it soak again. Repeat till it comes off

I ended up adjusting the Branick spring compressor fingers all the way in to break loose and move it up.

 

[Irregular F150]

Thats a great idea. My old ones are stuck.

 

[TomDirt]

If you have access to the Branick you can avoid using a hammer or scratching that anodized aluminum. But I agree, the shock collar and retaining clip and those stickers all conspire to make removal way too difficult.

 

[Jhollowell]

I've done several rebuilds and almost all of them have been a fight to get the perch off. I've had to beat the living crap out of all the perches to get them to move so if you're able to get them to move with a press, good on ya. Maybe a oxy-acetelene torch and press would be better but haven't invested in that torch set yet. The perches do get banged up but the coating seems to hold up, and its on the bottom so you can't see it anyway.

 

[TomDirt]

I peeled off the steeker on the 2nd shock, (original units on my 2011), after I noticed the Branick was already peeling it back. Anyway, that .006" thick steeker material made the difference, it slides like butter now. I've seen at least one youtube video showing a mechanic move up to midperch ON THE TRUCK. I don't think that's possible, unless Fox started using thinner vinyl sticker material? BTW, that silly little threaded stop uses a 3/32" Allen to remove.

 

[Jhollowell]

Wow. You’ve got some unicorn shocks there!! This is what i get to work with and yes that is corrosion caked on the inside of the perch that i get to chisel out.



They do clean up pretty nice though and i guess the perch does get a little beat up