Leaf Spring removal
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,661
Likes: 23
Leaf Spring removal
Right now I have about a foot thick of leaf springs on my truck on the rear axle. Without the several thousand pounds it's use to, it rides like it might as well have been welded on.
I was taking a look at the springs today but I am not sure how exactly they are held together. It looks like they have rivets in a few spots and maybe one large bolt down the middle. Do I have to remove the whole leaf spring set-up to remove a couple of them? Or is there a trick to getting them out while having it still somewhat in place?
Thanks
I was taking a look at the springs today but I am not sure how exactly they are held together. It looks like they have rivets in a few spots and maybe one large bolt down the middle. Do I have to remove the whole leaf spring set-up to remove a couple of them? Or is there a trick to getting them out while having it still somewhat in place?
Thanks
Phantom of the Phorum
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 1,696
From: Kentucky
Keep in mind, my experience is only up to an F-350.
The rivets only hold the spring alignment brackets in place. The bolt in the center, above the axle, is what holds the springs together. If you can get the springs high enough off the axle, you should be able to get that bolt out, and remove some springs.
You will need to SAFELY clamp the spring pack together. Some of the springs may have more arc than others, causing the spring pack to be loaded. If you just take that center bolt out, even without the weight of the truck on it, you could have some pretty heavy springs flying around. If you get in their way, they will hurt you.
When you put the spring pack back together, put the bolt back in, then use the clamp to squeeze it back down so you can get the nut back on.
The rivets only hold the spring alignment brackets in place. The bolt in the center, above the axle, is what holds the springs together. If you can get the springs high enough off the axle, you should be able to get that bolt out, and remove some springs.
You will need to SAFELY clamp the spring pack together. Some of the springs may have more arc than others, causing the spring pack to be loaded. If you just take that center bolt out, even without the weight of the truck on it, you could have some pretty heavy springs flying around. If you get in their way, they will hurt you.
When you put the spring pack back together, put the bolt back in, then use the clamp to squeeze it back down so you can get the nut back on.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
You should remove the springs or the axle - You need to be able to put clamps on the spring to allow the spring to be loosened gradually otherwise there is a chance of hair, teeth and eyeballs being scattered about
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