Just bought this 88 f 150 5.0 4x4. It's got the quad front suspension and the forward driver's side shock is missing. I have tried orieleys and chux trux for a replacement but nobody can match the part # up. I don't know how big the lift is either (which makes this a pain). the #'s on the shock are cc42323 and then below that is 650346. White tubes with black boots... I'm stuck.

Lastly, the local custom shop said to take the corresponding shock off the passenger side and bring it in to be matched. Do I have to put the truck on a lift or can the suspension be under load when I remove the shock?

 

Oh Geesh you need to relieve all that tension.

 

Yeah, first big 4x4 and it's odd. The front end squats down when you reverse and it seems to be a little bound up. I have to replace the ball joints, carrier bushings, and it looks like some of the other bushings are toast too. Guessing the lift's been on there since the 90's

 

Welcome to the forum man...

Have you tried Google? Or if so, what other methods have you tried to search the shocks?

Well man, i searched on Google, each number from that shock, and i got pushed toward "rough country" twice.... And "rancho" once.

The rc searches show it to be a front shock, and Im not sure about the rancho from or rear.

Anyways man, maybe if you slide around under the truck, you can find some hints that say which lift it is. (blocks etc)

Keep me updated man... I used to have to figure out How to match up shocks on semis, so Im going off of what i learned... And Its currently 2:18am here lol

 

You can pull the other shock while she's sitting in the driveway, but if it's gas charged it'll expand slowly, no big deal if it does, but just be aware that it can.

If that shock has been on there since the 90's it's due to be swapped out anyways so I'd replace both front shocks for safe handling on the road.

On another note, the steering damper looks to be installed incorrectly too. The 2 steel rods on either side of the frame look like they are on upside down and missing a bolt. I assume they are supposed to bolt above and below the frame, and then have the damper bolt through the bottom of the 3 holes.

If the same guy installed your lift who installed your damper I'd take a REAL good look over the rest of the truck to make sure its put together safely.

 

First off, thanks and good catch... so I went and messed with the bracket for the damper and it was loose to the touch. I was able to wiggle it on the frame so I'll need to grab a bolt for it.

Question though, if you hit a bump the front end rebounds somewhat violently and it's worse the faster you go. The closest thing I can compare it to is a tankslapper on a motorcycle. the wheels alternate hopping until it's shaking the front end of the truck. I'd seen an HD dodge do it a few years back but does that sound like something that could be caused by that loose damper or the unbalanced shocks (2 on one side, 1 on the other)?

 

My guess would be the shocks aren't doing their job, which is keep the wheels touching the road at all times. With that kind of travel I would def go with Bilstein gas shocks for that height of a lift. Warranty for life!

 

I agree that the shocks probably aren't do their job, but 1 shock on each side should be fine. the only reason for 2 shocks on each side is if the damping in the shock is too soft for the application or to prevent shock fade in off-road racing type situations.

I've also seen a dodge 2500 do the front wheel dancing thing and it was scary. If I were you I'd check all the steering rod ends and make sure they are not worn out, check the steering box for excessive play, and get a front end alignment to make sure you have enough trail to keep the tires rolling straight down the road.

The problem you describe would prevent me from driving that truck until it's fixed and safe to be on the road.


As for the shocks, all you really need to know is what the shortest shock length you could need is and what the longest length you could need is. It's fun to determine this because it usually involves and RTI ramp (google it if you don't know what this is) and you can measure the length at compression and extension for the shock mounts and buy a single set that meets the need of your ride. You'll want to buy a set that has the correct mounting design for your truck (either the bolt style or the eyelet style.)

 

That shock is a Rough Country shock part number 8115. It is recommended for a 4-5" suspension lift, they are an oil filled shock.
You will not have to unload the suspension to remove or replace those shocks.