How to Replace the Springs in a Ford F-Series

For many years, the Ford F-150 was the best-selling vehicle in America. Ford has sold the F-Series for decades, starting in 1948. The springs in the Ford F-Series are not easy to switch out, but a good home mechanic can replace the springs in the F-Series with the proper tools and preparation. The F-Series has several models; the following uses a 2003 F-150 as the example.

Instructions

Removing the Spring from the Front Suspension

1

Raise the F-Series truck and block the wheels with tire jacks before removing or disconnecting the following: the wheels, disc brake caliper and adapter, rotor and splash shield, shock absorber, brake hose bracket and sway bar retaining nut and bushing.

2

Separate the sway bar from the lower control arm in order to install a sprig compressor. The compressor should be compressed just enough to take the pressure off the spring between the upper and lower control arms. This is the most dangerous part of the repair. Exercise great caution while compressing the spring.

3

Disconnect the lower ball joint and take it off the wheel spindle. Don't forget to mark the lower control adjustment for use during re-installation.

4

Take the nuts and bolts off the lower control arm to remove it along with the compressed coil spring together as an assembly.

5

Relax the pressure on the coil spring slowly and remove it from the compressor.

6

Reinstall the coil spring in the saddle of the lower control arm and make certain the end of the spring is inserted through the correct hole and is visible through the neighboring hole to insure a proper seat.

Re-installing the Front Spring

7

Hold the lower control arm assembly to the truck frame and attach it with the bolts, cams and nuts.

8

Align the adjusting cams with the marks made previously, while tightening the nuts on the control arm to proper specifications.

9

Reinstall the lower ball joint stud onto the wheel spindle and tighten the nut. Use a new cotter pin during this step.

10

Connect the sway bar to the lower control arm and tighten the nuts before removing the compressor.

11

Reattach and reinstall all previously removed parts, while inspecting them for signs of wear.

12

Lower the Ford F-Series truck and pump the brakes several times to set the brake components properly before driving.

Replacing the Rear Springs

13

Loosen the rear wheel nuts before jacking up the truck and blocking the wheels with jack stands.

14

Place a jack beneath the rear axle before removing the nuts, U-bolts and rear spring plates.

15

Lower the rear axle slowly to release the pressure on the spring and take off the rear spring spacer.

16

Detach the rear spring spacer and remove the spring carefully after removing the shackle bolts. This is a dangerous step as the spring has tremendous potential energy.

17

Reinstall the rear spring before torquing the shackle bolts to proper specifications.

18

Reinstall and reconnect all removed parts and components.

19

Lower the vehicle and road test the repairs.