1987 F150 Leaf Spring Help

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Mar 2, 2017 | 08:43 AM

Bib

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1987 F150 Leaf Spring Help

Need some input before I go any further….

Wanting to remove 2” inch block from rear leafs. Truck is in the air with rear axle supported as shown (not shown are the two floor stand helping hands under the rear axle). Made the assumption that there is no pressure on the leaf springs with this set up and went to cutting off the u-bolts. Well, first one I cut exploded with a BANG. Damn near scared me to death…what am I over looking?

Thanks,
Bib

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Mar 2, 2017 | 08:54 AM

Onions.n.Butter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 116

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From: Saskatoon, SK

That's normal for them to scare the crap out of you. Lots of tension on the u-bolts themselves. You're completely fine as long as your jackstands have a bit of pressure on them.

Mar 2, 2017 | 09:00 AM

Bib

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Excellent....that was one hell of a noise when it popped for sure!
Thanks,
Bib

Mar 2, 2017 | 03:55 PM

GoinBoarding

Cargo Master

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 3,342

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From: Laramie, WY

Yep the u bolts are under a lot of tension, as they are stretched when torqued to specification.

Mar 2, 2017 | 08:45 PM

88n94

Cargo Master

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 3,118

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From: South Dakota

Generally when working with the rear axle housing it's best to block both sides of the frame. With hefty wood blocks rather than jack stands. Get it blocked and stand off to the side and shake the truck to make sure it is secure.

I'm a little late to the party, I hope it works out for you safely.

Mar 3, 2017 | 05:19 AM

Bib

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Thanks all. I will report back on Saturday.

Mar 5, 2017 | 05:37 AM

Bib

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Got 'em done. Loud bangs and all. As mentioned by all, just minor movement. Still not one of my favorite jobs!

Check out the bushing...yikes.

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Mar 8, 2017 | 05:00 AM

Bib

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Posts: 96

Likes: 3

Came to me in what of those "what if" moments...glad it worked as well as it did.
As for the lift, love it. Got too old to be on my back all the time.