So my 1990 F-150 4x4 only has 4 leaf springs per side. When i bought it a couple years ago it had a leaf (the second from the bottom) broken in half. Well today I headed to the local Pull-a-part and found the exact part I needed. However, right next to it was a 1992-96 F-150, but it had more leaves (5-6 plus an auxiliary/helper spring when I only have 4) per stack. I was wondering if these stacks would be a direct fit? Also, if I found an F-250, could I take those off, and bolt them up to my truck? I am looking to possibly put a flatbed setup on my truck eventually, and I figured it wouldn't sag/squat under the extra weight with upgraded suspension.

 

Leaf spring assemblies from either of the potential donors you mentioned would work. If you want to incorporate the units from the truck with the overloads you will need the "L" shaped spring rests that are attached to the frame rails. They are attached to the frame with rivets so can be removed but it might be a challenge. These would probably give a better empty ride while still maintaining the load carrying capacity you seek. Do also check to make sure that your U-bolts are of the proper length. Some folks state that you should never reuse leaf spring U-bolts but rather replace them any time you R&R an axle. An appropriate approach here would be "caveat emptor". If you would choose to reuse, clean and carefully inspect the bolts for any signs of fatigue and monitor VERY closely during the first days and weeks of use. If you cannot find the proper size new bolts ready-made shops such as FleetPride can custom make the ones you need.

dn.

 

One important more is if your truck has 2.5" or 3" wide springs. I upgraded my 95 f150 to a set of leafs with the helpers and the brackets from a CC LB f350 I gained about 2" in the rear

 

Keep in mind that having added leaves will change the ride height of the truck. Maybe look into keeping it closer to stock suspension, but adding airbags. That way you get load capacity, but your wife/girlfriend won't hate your truck because "it's too bouncy"

 

The f350 leafs in with blocks


I atually had a 2.5" lift block in the rear with the f150 leads and had to take it out when I put the f350 leads in to keep the same rear height

 

Thank you all for the input. Is there anything I need to be aware of when removing these springs? Like I know you need a spring compressor when removing coil springs. I just don't want to lay myself out at the junk yard, it's in a pretty sketchy part of town and I believe the locals would let me bleed out, lol

 

When I got mine I brought a cordless sawzall and cut the brackets so I didn't have to fight with the bolts at the JY. For the rivets on the overload bumpers bring a drill,drill bits a center punch hammer and chisel lol easiest way I could figure out was to drill them out and drive them out.

For the leafs I cut the u bolts with saw to drop the axle first then it's just 2 bolts for each leaf. Unless you cut the brackets too.

 

Like I know you need a spring compressor when removing coil springs.

 

I was thinking the same thing for removing those rivets. I went to the JY today and I broke the four nuts on the U-bolts loose before I ran outta time. I've got a breaker bar and wrenches in the truck for the other ones. I haven't got the sawzall in my collection yet. The more I work on this truck though, the more i find a use for one, lol