Front leaf springs.. removal
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 3
From: Broad Run, Va
Front leaf springs.. removal
Hey fella's...
tried to replace the rear spring bushing of the drivers side front leaf spring.
Got the nutz off the shackle... The lower bolt was bumping into the front drive shaft and would not come out all the way.
Biggest problem I was having seemed to be I could not get the axle to drop far enough to release the pressure on the bolts in the shackle.
NOTE: I was trying to do this without unbolting the U-Bolts from the axle.
I was under the impression you could do this without unbolting the u-bolts.
HELP.... I have all new hyperflex suspension bushings and would like to get them on.
thanks...
Andy
tried to replace the rear spring bushing of the drivers side front leaf spring.
Got the nutz off the shackle... The lower bolt was bumping into the front drive shaft and would not come out all the way.
Biggest problem I was having seemed to be I could not get the axle to drop far enough to release the pressure on the bolts in the shackle.
NOTE: I was trying to do this without unbolting the U-Bolts from the axle.
I was under the impression you could do this without unbolting the u-bolts.
HELP.... I have all new hyperflex suspension bushings and would like to get them on.
thanks...
Andy
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
Perhaps reading thru this tread will help: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...t-shackle.html
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 3
From: Broad Run, Va
the things you dont think about...
Will also remove the drive shaft up front.
Thanks...
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 0
From: ellensburg
Drive shaft isnt required. Remove the shocks. You might have to remove the pitman arm and track bar. Once those are done it is possible to drop the entire springs and axle out of the truck. However, make sure you have the truck well supported by the frame.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 3
From: Broad Run, Va
Ok.. update
So I had the day off and decided I would have another go at this.
I got the leaf spring dropped down to access the bushing. I start drilling it out as recommended and snapped off the bit up in the bushing. So, I said F-it!! too much work. Reassembled and now driving around with a drill bit up in the bushing!!!
I have resolved that the entire leaf spring should be removed from the truck and taken to have the old bushing pressed out. Downside to this is the need to purchase new U-Bolts for the reinstallation of the springs.
I got the leaf spring dropped down to access the bushing. I start drilling it out as recommended and snapped off the bit up in the bushing. So, I said F-it!! too much work. Reassembled and now driving around with a drill bit up in the bushing!!!
I have resolved that the entire leaf spring should be removed from the truck and taken to have the old bushing pressed out. Downside to this is the need to purchase new U-Bolts for the reinstallation of the springs.
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Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 3
From: Broad Run, Va
hey guys... I'm back on this again...
Yesterday I received the new front leaf springs (procomp 22210) and u-bolts for a 2 inch lift. I decided to just replace the stock springs as they look pretty saggy and don't ride well. I also got a 3 inch rear block kit for the rear axle.
Question is: Any advise on removal of the front leaf springs? Any shortcuts? Someone said to remove something by the front tranny cooler / radiator? I also got the Bilstien 5100's all around. And a new Zone adjustable track bar.
But my biggest concern is getting those leaf springs out as easy as possible.
Thanks,
Andy
Yesterday I received the new front leaf springs (procomp 22210) and u-bolts for a 2 inch lift. I decided to just replace the stock springs as they look pretty saggy and don't ride well. I also got a 3 inch rear block kit for the rear axle.
Question is: Any advise on removal of the front leaf springs? Any shortcuts? Someone said to remove something by the front tranny cooler / radiator? I also got the Bilstien 5100's all around. And a new Zone adjustable track bar.
But my biggest concern is getting those leaf springs out as easy as possible.
Thanks,
Andy
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,093
Likes: 147
From: San Diego, CA
You don't have to remove the radiator. You will, however, need to remove the lower radiator mount on that side to remove/install the front eye bolt for the spring. If you only remove the mount on the side you are working on then you don't have to remove the radiator. The trans cooler mounts to the crossmember so is not an issue.
There's no real short cut or work around removing and re-installing the springs. I was only able to accomplish my spring replacement by removing the track bar. The only advice I can give you is to get a couple of tie-down ratchet straps to maneuver the axle when you re-install the track bar. It is a bear to get lined up. The upper track bar bolt torque spec is around 400 ft-lbs. I used an impact gun on it until the bolt didn't move any more.
There's no real short cut or work around removing and re-installing the springs. I was only able to accomplish my spring replacement by removing the track bar. The only advice I can give you is to get a couple of tie-down ratchet straps to maneuver the axle when you re-install the track bar. It is a bear to get lined up. The upper track bar bolt torque spec is around 400 ft-lbs. I used an impact gun on it until the bolt didn't move any more.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
To the OP, go to the Excursion forum and click on the Read First tech folder sticky thread. Scroll down to the suspension section and click on the links that have the how-to's in them for removing the front springs.
Stewart
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
If you posted that earlier I completely missed it.
Since the easy way isn't possible, check out this how to for removing front springs. The instructions are excellent except where they instruct to remove the "corner bumper supports" to get to the spring eye bolts, but since you can't do it the easy way, this link may help. 2000 Ford Excursion V-Code Leaf Spring Installation pictures, videos, and sounds | SuperMotors.net
Scroll about halfway down the page and you'll see the part I'm referencing. Hope it helps.
Stewart
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