How to Replace Ford Leaf Springs
Ford uses semi-elliptical, arched-leaf springs on the rear suspension of many of its cars and trucks. The ends of the springs attach to the frame by way of hangers that are usually riveted to the frame. The spring sits on a spring perch that is part of the axle. It is held in place by U-bolts that slide under the axle and through holes in the spring plate, with nuts securing the U-bolts to the plate.
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Things You'll Need
- Wheel chocks
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Ratchet and socket set
- Wrench set
- Hammer
- Punch
- Torque wrench
Instructions
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1
Park the Ford on a paved, level surface and set the parking brake. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels. Raise the rear of Ford and support it with jack stands under the frame.
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2
Use a wrench, ratchet and socket to remove the nut and bolt from the lower shock mount where it attaches to the axle. Repeat for the other shock.
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3
Use a jack to raise the rear axle until it just starts to put upward pressure on the leaf springs.
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4
Use a ratchet and socket to remove the U-bolt nuts located on top of the leaf spring. Remove the spring plate and U-bolts. Carefully lower the axle until you have about 1 inch of clearance between the spring perch and the spring. Note that the spring perch has a hole in the center of it and the leaf springs have a guide pin running through the center of the springs. The end of the pin fits into the hole on the spring perch.
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5
Use a wrench, ratchet and socket to remove the nuts from the upper and lower shackle at the rear of the leaf spring. Note the way the shackle sits in the bracket and attaches to the leaf spring. Use a hammer and punch to tap the bolts out of shackle.
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6
Use a wrench, ratchet and socket to remove the nut and bolt from the front of the leaf spring. Tap the bolt out with a hammer and punch and remove the leaf spring.
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7
Slide the new leaf spring into place and line up the front of the spring with the front spring hanger and install the bolt and nut finger tight. Mount the rear shackle onto the rear of the leaf spring and install the bolt and nut finger tight. Mount the shackle onto the bracket and install the bolt and nut finger tight.
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8
Raise the axle until the spring perch makes contact with the leaf springs. Make sure to line up the guide pin with the hole in the perch. Mount the spring plate on top of the leaf springs. Install the U-bolts and nuts finger tight. Mount the shocks into the brackets on the axle. Install the bolts and nuts finger tight.
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9
Raise the axle until the frame just begins to lift off the jack stands but is still in contact with them. Use a torque wrench and socket to torque the bolts in the following order: U-bolts, front spring mount, rear shackle, lower shock mount. You will have to obtain the torque settings for your specific Ford, as it varies from model to model.
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10
Raise the Ford off the jack stands, remove them and lower the Ford to the ground.
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Tips & Warnings
You may see your torque specification listed as a range, for instance 45 to 70 foot-pounds. If you are reusing your old bolts, choose a setting towards the upper end of the range.
