<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-formatther; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-formatther; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style> I am cleaning and rust proofing the frame of my F150.
With everything taken off including the bed, now would be a good time to replace the leaf springs if necessary. The truck has 84,000 miles and I cannot see any obvious sagging of the rear and I don't expect to be hauling heavy loads. However, if there is a good reason to replace the 4 leaf springs now, I will.

Do the springs on these trucks have any inherent problem with weakening of the springs over time, or is there any other reason(s) I should replace the leaf springs?

Your experience and suggestions would be appreciated.

 

I replaced mine when a 500lb load made her squat and 1000lbs damn near put it on the bump stops. If yours aren't broken (no cracked leafs) and you don't have any issue with their weight bearing ability I wouldn't replace them. Take a look at the bushings and the spring pads, make sure they're not all worn out bc now would be an easy time to replace them.

You definitely want to take a good look at the rear spring hangers, they are cup shaped and hold water/salt/dirt so they rot pretty easily.

 

Hey OLFM, how's the frame clean-up etc. going? Did raising the cab up a little on each side work for you?

 

Lets just say I am in the process up to my neck. I started cleaning rust by leaving everything attached. I decided it would be a good idea to take the drive shaft out and replace the U-joints. Drive shaft was rusty and I cleaned primed and painted it. Wow! That looks good. Can't have a good looking drive shaft with the rest rusted.

So now I have all of the gas tanks out. Differential laying on the driveway. Bed has been removed. All brake, vent and fuel lines are loose. Started grinding out rivets yesterday. I have been reconditioning parts as I take them off. The job has been really dirty so I can't do it in my garage since it is connected to the house. So I have been working in the drive way. Hoping not to get thrown out of the neighborhood. I'm originally from West Virginia so I am good with it.

The picture below is before the rear tank was taken out.

I am slowly working my way up to the cab and I will try lifting the cab as you suggested.

BE WARNED.. Don't think "I'll just replace that U-Joint" when you really hate seeing rust on the frame. Next thing you know your truck is in a 1000 pieces.



Help! I've gone nuts

 

I feel your pain. LOL Its like everything you touch can, should, and damit will be better. All the while saying to yourself, "Why Did I Have To Look There Too" On a side note, with your springs, head to the JY and grab a couple more leafs to add to your packs, just a thought.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...1&d=1407200481

 

Exactly what he said. If the springs aren't giving you a problem and you are not looking to haul much with the truck than I'd leave them alone. Definitely look at the bushings, see what the condition of those are. If they are in bad shape, replacing them will make a world of difference.


-Junior

 

Personally if I were in that deep I might consider replacing them now, because inevitably in the future they will sag. If you've got the money I'd almost just throw an add-a-leaf kit in or throw a couple salvage yard leaves in to beef up the packs.

Growing up, it was always .. "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"
Your call though!