Leaf springs — removal and installation Ford F150
Removal
Warning: The manufacturer recommends to replace all removed suspension component fasteners (nuts and bolts).
Note: Removal of the left-side leaf spring requires that the gas tank be lowered (see Fuel and exhaust systems). Right-side spring removal requires that the rear portion of the exhaust system (muffler) be removed.
1. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts. Raise the rear of the vehicle, support it securely on jackstands placed under the frame rails and block the front wheels. Remove the wheel.
2. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting nut and bolt (see Shock absorbers (rear) – removal and installation).
3. Support the rear axle with a floor jack nearest the spring to be removed. Remove the four U-bolt nuts, then remove the spring plate and U-bolts (see illustration). Now lower the jack far enough to relieve tension from the spring.
.3 With the axle supported, remove the nuts from the U-bolts
4. Remove the lower bolt and nut securing the shackle assembly to the frame bracket at the rear of the spring (see illustration).
.4 To detach the rear end of the leaf spring and shackle from the frame, remove the lower nut and bolt
5. Remove the spring hanger bolt and nut at the front of the spring (see illustration). Remove the spring.
.5 To detach the front end of the leaf spring from its bracket, remove this nut and bolt
6. Remove the shackle and spring as one unit from the vehicle.
7. If necessary, remove the nut and bolt and detach the shackle from the spring.
8. Inspect the spring shackle bushings for wear or distortion. If worn or damaged replace the shackle assembly.
9. Inspect the spring eye bushings for wear or distortion. If worn or damaged have them replaced by an automotive machine shop or other qualified repair facility.
10. On 4WD models, replace the spring spacer if needed. If the spacer has a single protrusion on one end in the center, it should face towards the front of the vehicle. If it has a single offset protrusion or two protrusions, it should face the rear of the vehicle.
Installation
11. Install the spring in the front bracket. Tighten the bolt and nut finger-tight.
12. Place the spring shackle in the frame bracket. Install the bolt and nut and tighten them finger-tight.
13. Raise the axle into contact with the spring making sure they are positioned correctly. Install the U-bolts and nuts and tighten them to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications. Tighten the U-bolt nuts in a «X» pattern.
Note: If equipped, be sure the spring spacer is in place.
14. Install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the spring bracket bolt and nut and shackle-to-frame bracket bolt and nut to the torque values listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.