How to Install Rear Shock Skid Plates on a 2021+ Ford Bronco

If you've spent any time off-road with your 2021+ Ford Bronco, there's a good chance you've noticed how beat up the rear shock mounts get after a rough session. Bronco rear shock mount skid plates are a great addition to any build and can keep your rig from getting damaged on the trail.

Check out the video below for more information.

2021+ Ford Bronco Rear Shock Mount Skid Plates Installation Guide

In this installation guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing Ford Bronco shock skids. These skid plates can make a huge difference when you're out on the trail as they keep potential damage to your suspension components from piling up. While they won't give your Bronco extra power or torque, they're still a worthwhile investment for those looking to keep their 2021+ Bronco running right for years to come.

We're installing the rear shock mount skid plates from JKS onto our Bronco. Keep in mind that the Bronco shock skids are directional and won't fit if you install them onto the wrong side. Be sure to test-fit everything before you bolt anything down. If the holes don't line up, there's a good chance that you have the skid plate on the wrong side.

Tools Needed

• 27MM Socket
• 30MM Socket
• 30MM Wrench
• 3/8" Ratchet
• 1/2" Impact
• 9/16" Socket
• 9/16" Wrench
• Grinder
• Black Paint
• Sandpaper
• Safety Gear

Step 1: Lift Your Bronco

Lift your Bronco into the air using a lift or a jack and jack stands. Be sure to put the lift post or jack stands on the frame of your Bronco because you're going to have to drop the shocks during installation.

Step 2: Remove Wheels

Remove the wheels on your Bronco after you've lifted it into the air.

Step 3: Loosen Shock Bolts

Use your 1/2" impact to loosen the shock bolts and remove them.

Step 4: Modify Shock Bracket

Use your grinder to cut the bracket on the bottom of the shock assembly in between the two holes on the bracket itself.

Step 5: Clean Up Modified Shock Bracket

Sand the edge of the bracket you cut until it's smooth to the touch. Then, paint over the exposed metal to prevent rusting in the future.

Step 6: Assemble Hardware

Grab the hardware supplied in the kit. You should have one large strut bolt, four washers, the nut for the other end of the bolt, and the strut skid plate itself.

When installing the kit onto the strut, you're going to want to have a washer on either end of the holes you put the bolt through.

Step 7: Secure the Strut (OPTIONAL)

If you're doing this alone, it can be challenging to mount the skid plate while holding the strut in place.

A way to get around this problem is to attach a ratchet strap to the coil spring on one side and a hole in the frame on the other side. Then, tighten the strap down to keep your strut in place without you needing to hold it.

Step 8: Mount Skid Plate

Position your skid plate into place until the holes on it match with the holes on the strut and strut bracket. Then, slide your bolt through the hole on the bottom of the strut. If you're using the ratchet strap, it might not align perfectly on the other end and you won't be able to push it all the way through.

Step 9: Loosen Ratchet Strap (OPTIONAL)

Loosen the ratchet strap until the bottom of the strut slides into place and push your strut bolt the rest of the way through.

Step 10: Screw Nut onto Strut Bolt

Slide your washer and nut onto the end of the strut bolt and loosely tighten it. Don't tighten the nut down fully yet.

Step 11: Install Smaller Mounting Bolt

Slide the small mounting bolt into place onto the bracket while using the supplied washers and nut.

Step 12: Tighten the Bolts

Now that everything is properly installed, go back and tighten all of the nuts and bolts you left loosely secured before.

Step 13: Repeat the Process on the Opposite Side

Repeat steps 3 to 13 on the opposite side of the Bronco.

Step 14: Lower Your Bronco

Gently lower your Bronco off of the lift or jack stands you had it on during the installation.

Step 15: Torque Your Bolts

Once your Bronco is on the ground, torque the bolts you tightened earlier. Torque the main bolt to 350 ft/lbs and the smaller one to 30 ft/lbs.

Congratulations, you're all done!

Protect Your Suspension From Damage with This Upgrade

After you've installed the rear shock mount skid plates from JKS, you're ready to hit the trail! This fantastic upgrade gives you the protection and peace of mind that off-roaders need without breaking the bank. If you're looking for more undercarriage protection for your 2021+ Bronco, check out our selection of skid plates, fender flares, side steps, and more below.