Just replaced shocks yesterday on my 98 f150 4x4 and my buddies 2000 2wd, what a pita! Fronts no prob, rears very hard to get at, lower nut on shaft thinner than regular box-end wrench, tough to access, top nut and threads very corroded. I do all my own maintenance and thought this would be an easy 2-3 hr. job, turned into an all-day misery!
Suggestions:
find or make a thinner wrench for lower top bolts (18mm)

use lots of penetrant and clean threads if possible

have air tools or at least something to cut off old shocks

have a pass-thru socket set (top threads too long for regular socket, not enough clearance for deep socket)

Or:

do fronts yourself and pay a shop to do rears while you drink beer

Please do not reply saying "I did mine and it was easy" That really doesn't help anyone.

 

Your last line has me confused...

There are easy ways to do the rear but since you're done now I'm not going to type it out.

This is a 30 min job tops. Yes I have pass through sockets and ratcheting wrenches that make it easier. The right tools always help.

Glad you got the job done, hope your buddy supplied the beer!

 

I'm just saying,that me and a friend did my rear shocks in 20 minutes or so. My shocks were a PITA to take off,I had to take a broken one off on the side of the road borrowing some old guys tools,now I keep a ratchet set in my truck lol. I figured the fronts would be hard,I have no choice but to replace the fronts now so this makes me feel a little better about that.

 

yeah, the rear driver side is a pita, I read someone here cut a 2" hole in the bed to make it easier and used a rubber plug to cover it. I may do that next round but since this is just occasional it's not too bad. I painted the threads on my new shocks with por15 so hopefully they won't corrode. it should be a 30 min job if everything goes as it should, but how often does that happen? took me about 2 hrs and some cussing, save the rear passenger for last, it is the easiest and you can end on a high note.

 

Sorry to sound so bitter in my original post, long day in the hot sun. I actually do have pass-thru sockets, just didn't have them with me that day, would have made the job a lot easier. We did 2 trucks/8 shocks, both trucks high milers with lots of corrosion, these shocks will last the rest of the time I will own the truck.

 

What brand did you go with?

 

Went with Monroe Sensa-Trac's, truck is used for city/hiway driving only. Very noticable difference, should have replaced them years ago. Old shocks appeared to be factory original, totally shot. Truck now rides/handles much better.