X code leaf springs
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New User
Joined: Feb 2008
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X code leaf springs
I was reading a thread on these leaf springs and it said you have to remove the bumper to get the spring off. Is there a way you can get these off without removing the bumper? I just put a custom bumper on and it was a pain to install and am trying to get my pickup level without taking the bumper off. If not, is there another kit I could level out the pickup without taking the bumper off?
Thanks
Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 947
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From: Glen Rose, Texas
Theres all types of kits out there. Add-a-leafs, spring packs, and hanger kits. Just got to do some research and see what everyone has and likes. Im running zoneoffroad spring packs and hangers.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 8
From: Longview, TX
I swapped suspensions out with another truck, and we got the driver sides off with the bumpers on, but it was so difficult we pulled the bumpers for the rest of the build. If you can get the front leaf bracket bolt out and back in without pulling the bumper then you can leave it on.
We did have to pull off the lower trans cooler brackets though to get enough clearance for the bolts to clear. They were a PITA to go back on for some reason.
My bumper was just the 4 bolts to take off with the impact. I've installed a few customs and agree they can be a pain. Here's a pic of how accessible it is with the bumper off
Also, if its 4wd you'll have to pull the front driveshaft to get the driver side rear bolt out. Not a big deal.
Edit: breaker bar breaker bar breaker bar...
We did have to pull off the lower trans cooler brackets though to get enough clearance for the bolts to clear. They were a PITA to go back on for some reason.
My bumper was just the 4 bolts to take off with the impact. I've installed a few customs and agree they can be a pain. Here's a pic of how accessible it is with the bumper off
Also, if its 4wd you'll have to pull the front driveshaft to get the driver side rear bolt out. Not a big deal.
Edit: breaker bar breaker bar breaker bar...
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 8
From: Longview, TX
My truck and the donor truck both had the bolts put in from the center with the nut on the outside. The front shaft from the transfer case to the front axle was keeping the bolt from going all the way out the hole. We reinstalled with the nut in the inside so we wouldn't have the issue next time.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
I was reading a thread on these leaf springs and it said you have to remove the bumper to get the spring off. Is there a way you can get these off without removing the bumper? I just put a custom bumper on and it was a pain to install and am trying to get my pickup level without taking the bumper off. If not, is there another kit I could level out the pickup without taking the bumper off?
Thanks
Thanks
The reason the front bumper is taken off is to access the front spring eye bolts. The OEM bumper blocks proper access to the spring eye bolt, but it's possible your custom bumper doesn't.
There is also another way, but it is labor intensive, as you would have to remove the corner bumper support brackets.
Stewart
Last edited by Stewart_H; Apr 23, 2013 at 12:47 PM.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 804
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From: Staten Island,hamilton ny
I did mine last week and did not remove the bumper,on the driver side which was the harder of the two i had to disconnect the front drive shaft and remove a bracket by the font spring bolt,it was a pain in the ***,passenger was easier than driver side but still a pain took about 3 hours or so start to finish
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Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
Stewart
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
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From: Longview, TX
I think we dropped the shaft because we couldn't get the clearance even with a skylift jack on the tow hook. But, it may have been prior to taking off the stabilizer bar links. Those have to come off anyway, so try that first. If you don't take them off you won't have enough clearance to get the springs in and out.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
Likes: 1
From: Hampstead, NC
I know it is a pain to remove the bumper(custom, not stock) but it makes the job so much easier.
The first time I modified the front suspension in my truck was to install a 4" lift. What a PITA that was.
No lift, one floor jack and 2 6 ton jack stands. I literally had to set the front axle on the floor to install the new leaf springs. I never disconnected the front driveshaft.
I did remove the bumper, it is only 6 bolts(on mine anyway). Also had to remove the brackets for the A/C condenser and the plow mount that was on the truck.
The last time the suspension was modified, just 2 weeks ago, was to remove the 4" front springs and install a pair of new X codes. I did everything the same except this time I had a lift.
The first time I modified the front suspension in my truck was to install a 4" lift. What a PITA that was.
No lift, one floor jack and 2 6 ton jack stands. I literally had to set the front axle on the floor to install the new leaf springs. I never disconnected the front driveshaft.
I did remove the bumper, it is only 6 bolts(on mine anyway). Also had to remove the brackets for the A/C condenser and the plow mount that was on the truck.
The last time the suspension was modified, just 2 weeks ago, was to remove the 4" front springs and install a pair of new X codes. I did everything the same except this time I had a lift.
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
I did not have to remove drive shaft to get the rear spring hanger bolt out. Simply let the jack on the axle DOWN and the bolt will go right over the top of the drive shaft with plenty of clearance.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
Likes: 1
From: Hampstead, NC
Yes, it sure does.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.