2002 Ford Explorer REPLACING REAR SHOCKS

2002 FORD EXPLORER
96,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TBYRNE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
tHE ACCESS TO THE REAR SHOCK TOP MOUNTING
NUTS IS LIMITED (ABOVE CROSSMEMBER).
ON THE DRIVER SIDE THE ACCESS IS FURTHER
LIMITED BY THE PRESENCE OF A GREY PLASTIC
DEVICE WITH THE WORD "GAS" ON IT. (vAPOR?)

IS IT OK TO REMOVE THIS JUST FOR ACCESS?

p.s. i DID REMOVE THE SPARE

THANKS FOR THE HELP.
Sep 29, 2010 at 2:45 PM
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 16,542 POSTS
The upper mounting nut can only be accessed by removing the left and right plastic trim panels in the inside of the car over the rear wheels. Both panels pop off with clips. I would suggest you pull gently at the rear of the panels first. the front of the panel actually rests near the rear seat at the floor. There is one pop-in pastic clip that hold the lower corner of the left and right panel to the floor. Once you remove the panels, the upper portion of the shock is visible and the upper mounting nuts can be removed. Replace the plastic trim panel by aligning the holes with the clips and pooping them back in gently with your hand
Sep 29, 2010 at 2:50 PM