Had the same issue with my windshield… was convinced it was the inner laminate that was the culprit… turns out it was a very fine dusting of clear coat, detected when rubbing my hand over the glass…gave the windshield a clay bar treatment and it’s crystal clear now…
I purchased a full set of them from this vendor. They are holding up really well… https://www.etsy.com/listing/1831579413/replacement-ford-lightning-panel-clips?ref=share_ios_native_control
Yes, use a 1X1 metal square tube… about 6” long between the rear swing arm lower shock mount and the shock mount boss… do not use wood or any other material as it will bind up and not allow the shock to slide into position
Well, it was the highway speed porpoiseing (rebounds)after encountering a minor dip that prompted me to replace them… my mileage is low at just under 15K, and three out of four OEM shocks had lost their nitrogen charge. Even backing out of my shop, with a 1-1/2” drop down from slab to ramp...
It is… it’s not reflective, but gets comments asking if it’s OEM… its a grill wide self adhesive decal I purchased online.. over a year now and it still looks new… seems to be bug tough as well…