Replacing rear leaf springs . . .

Hey guys my new 4 leaf springs have arrived along with the rubber bushings and I was wondering what the procedure is for replacing the leaf springs.

 

Maybe this will help http://1bad6t.com/Maverick/repair/suspension_01.html#B

 

I just love all the info you post, the charts in that link about spring rates and leaf spring packs are so useful, you must have a good data base about lots of stuff

 

1. Put leaf springs in trunk
2. Drive to Bryant's Shop
3. Take lots of pictures whiule he does it.
4.

 

Hey, that's not very supportive!!

 

Meant to be funny. I have sold "the good doctor" many parts and I think it is great he has somebody close by to help him with all these big and little projects.

 

use an air gun or a big ratchet to remove the u bolts,if they are like mine you might replace them when you change springs

 

Buy new shackles/new "U" bolts and nuts/washers then go to Bryants and have him walk you through the install.No better way to learn than to do it...Have fun!!!

 

That was funny! I love it...come on guys, I'm capable of messing this up myself...I mean, replacing it myself! Nobody has any faith in me? And if Bryant was here I'd go to him but he's on vacation. Totally selfish in my opinion for him to leave me without anyone to go to for acute problems. Jk

 

Pick up a set of Ford shop manuals. I didn't actually check to see their instructions for changing springs but I find them really helpful for lots of things.

 

Anything else I'll need besides shackles and u-bolts and nuts and washers? Can I pick that stuff up at kragen or autozone?

 

You will need a good floor jack,a couple jack stands(dont work under a jacked up car without em!) A good 1/2" drive ratchet/breaker bar and sockets to crack the U bolt nuts loose.A good pry bar and a hammer as well.You can do both or one side at a time (up to you)Jack up rear so rear axle hangs.Place jack stands under body at frame rails (next to front spring eyes) is a good place.Remove lower shock fasteners/bushings.Remove U bolt nuts, Shock mount plates will now fall off and axle will be resting on springs.Jack up axle to get it off the spring(this is where you decide if your going to do both springs at once or R/R one and then do other side)I recommend you do one side at a time.Disassemble rear shackles(they can be a real PITA) Use hammer and pry bar as necessary,perhaps some cussing in your favorite language. Remove front spring eye bolt (this one wont give you alot of grief)Be prepared,spring will fall in your lap once the front bolt is out.Install new leaf.Loosely assemble new U bolts and shock plate in place...Repeat process for other side.Once its all loosely installed make certain the spring perches on the axle are sitting on the leafs properly.(should drop in place over the nut/bolt holding the spring pack together)You may have to do a little pushing pulling on the springs from side to side to get it all seated well.Tighten down the nuts on the U bolts evenly.DO NOT gorilla them (you can bend the axle tubes) I put 65FT lbs torque on each nut and call it good...Never had a problem.Re attach your shocks put the car on the ground and go drive it around and feel the wonders of new rear springs.

 

should be able to.
mashori here is a scan of my chiltons on leaf spring remove and replace. hope this helps if you cant read it i can have my wife type it out later. cant type that well my self and shes fast.
let me know
john

 

Where did you get the springs? And if I may be so bold to ask, how much?

 

oh yea, I forgot, $195 for the 4-leaf from ESPO with $70 for shipping. Thanks guys, great info. I'm totally gonna try this one my own.