Hey everyone,
So my 96' F-150 has had it's fair share of use, 150,xxx miles of use, and probably little to no in depth maintenance. The most notable problem I'm seeing is that the back of the bed is crooked, the bed itself is in absolutley fantastic shape (the bed floor. fenders are a different story..) however I am thinking a shock mount, or something to that nature is broken, or rusted the point of uselessness. The previous owner had said that he had replaced the right side spring hanger in the back, which if you compare the two, right and left sides, you could see the difference. However, the right side doesn't look good, it also has it's fair share of rust. Do I replace both, putting the extra one the po had (apparently you buy them in pairs?) and buy yet another set, or only replace one.. I have no clue.

Second project, bumper.. So dad dented my rear bumper quite badly with the tractor however the bolts are practically solidly on with rust, I know, saw them off, but there's a fuel tank.. the rear tank.. which leaks.. (thanks to Ford's lovely straps..) do I risk sparks flying everywhere and possibly starting a fire of some sort, or am I over-reacting to this and to just put a blanket up between..

Thank you all for your help in advance.. Electronics is my specialty, although I'm quickly learning automotive maintenance

 

Hey there, sounds like you've got a cool project!

If the spring hanger that has been replaced looks structurally sound (no cracks/holes) it should be ok. You can just replace which ever ones look the worst, you don't *have* to replace them in pairs, it is just recommended that you do so if both sides are rusted out. If you're going to be doing one hanger, I'd just get them all done and out of the way if the others appear to be rusty, because they will rust out sooner or later too.

As for the bumper, if you have to cut the bolts.. yeah you can probably get by with using some sort of a shield. If it were me I'd replace that rear tank, though.