Shock replacement

[Mustang225]

I'm pissed as I found out today while the 03 was in the shop for an oil change, that my right rear kicker shock is leaking.

I know I have 48,000 on the 03, but damn...

Has this happened to anyone else and what's the cost to change it?

Thanks

 

[cryptic]

Kicker Shock

 

[Mustang225]

My mechanic whom I trust said that the stang has 3 shocks on each rear side. One vertical and 2 horizontial called kicker shocks.

 

[madmatt]

Might be talking about the quad shocks. They are supposed to help with wheel hop. I need to replace mine too.

 

[urban96]

your mechanic lied to you, theres only 2 per side. the main shock that goes up and down and the quad shock that is visible behind the rear tire. the quad shock is probably the one that is bad. their a snap to replace and can be bought for cheap.

 

[mcmmotorsports]

You'd be better buying some Aftermarket Lower Control Arms and lose the Quad Shocks all together.

 

[twogts4us]

You'd be better buying some Aftermarket Lower Control Arms and lose the Quad Shocks all together.

MCM knows and I agree!!!

 

[Stanged78]

I'm jumping in here...
How do I know when it's time to replace my shocks? I haven't checked for leaks, but my car seems to be squeaking a little bit over bumps (the suspension, not the door panels!), and it doesn't seem to be handling as tight as it used to. I have an 01 GT with 45,500 miles. How long do the stock shocks last?

 

[Jay99]

shocks last about 50,000 miles. as far as the squeaks go its prolly from your lower control arm bushings as they dry out and need to be replaced. mine started the isntant i lowered my car.

 

[Too Slow]

alot of squeaks can be caused by:

parking brake cables needing to be lubed
loose control arms
loose shocks
brake accesories needing to be lubed


if your stang is not lowered then the shocks should last for a pretty long time. my car is lowered and still has the stock shocks and i have 53,000 miles with no problems what so ever.

 

[Stanged78]

If I install lowering springs on my car and also install caster-camber plates, will the stock shocks wear out prematurely? I know it makes sense to replace springs and shocks at the same time to save labor costs, but if my shocks are OK, do I really have to bother changing them?

 

[stangboy999]

If I install lowering springs on my car and also install caster-camber plates, will the stock shocks wear out prematurely? I know it makes sense to replace springs and shocks at the same time to save labor costs, but if my shocks are OK, do I really have to bother changing them?

I think that has alot to do with ride height too.. your shocks would "bottom out" alot with shorter springs.. If you guys are out to replace the existings ones I would recommend the Mach 1 shocks/strut combo.. I use them combined with me H&R SS's (2" back drop, 1.5" front) and have never had a problem.. the ride is very smooth and they're also a pretty decent price about $240 for the set. Spring installation will run about $200 but the last shop I talked to said he would do both for like $10 more because you have to partly remove the shock/struts to get to the springs anyways.

On the other hand, you can always do the install on your own, me and a buddy did it in about 4 hours, learning as we went.. there are a few good articles on stangnet and mustangworld.com..