Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Broken leaf spring

Old Aug 11, 2024 | 09:41 AM
  #1  
Rot Box 2's Avatar
Rot Box 2
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 467
Likes: 158
Broken leaf spring

Nuts!! Noticed this when I got home yesterday. One too many washboards for this ol’ girl haha.






Talk to me about leaf springs if you got a minute. I’m seeing aftermarket springs on rock auto (Dorman, Husky, etc) for a decent price but I’m unsure if they’ll be reliable. My truck sees a lot of dirt roads here out west.

Also do I need to replace them in pairs? Trying to decide if it’s worth attempting the replacement myself….

Have not done the H&H mods is now the time to remove my bed and do that as well? Might make the springs a little easier to change with the bed off.

Anyway just trying to get a game plan. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Andrew


 
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2024 | 01:42 PM
  #2  
Sous's Avatar
Sous
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Veteran: Air Force
Community Builder
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,353
Likes: 5,946
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
FTE Emeritus
I replaced both of the rear leaf springs myself after buying them from SD Truck Springs. They have held up well over the years towing heavy.

It is not a bad job, just be sure you have stands to support the frame and two floor Jack's to support and maneuver the axle.

There is a site sponsor that sells springs, I believe it is ATS, but I could be wrong.
 
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2024 | 03:11 PM
  #3  
Walleye Hunter's Avatar
Walleye Hunter
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10,750
Likes: 1,065
From: Douglassville, PA
ATS has done a lot of us good and I would use them again. Tell them what you're doing and they'll fix you up with a spring. Rear springs is a brute job, not a science job but you'll need to jack that frame up about three feet so get some good jacks and cribbing out, you'll be surprised at how much flex is in those springs.
 
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2024 | 03:30 PM
  #4  
udsuth78's Avatar
udsuth78
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 1,919
From: Ponca City, OK
Yeah the 6 ton stands from Harbor Freight are just about perfect for these trucks and not priced too bad. Well at least not when I bought my set, who the hell knows now. A good impact wrench is very helpful as well. if Sous say the SD springs are good I'd go that route. I can tell you the Pro Comps on Amazon won't last. I broke both rears of a set of Pro Comp within 2-3 years. Dorman can burn in hell so SD gets my vote. Don't forget to buy new u bolts too, and if you don't already own one you'll want a torque wrench to make sure everything is spec when it goes back together. I'm not usually a big torque spec kind of guy, that's one area I will go drag the wench out and do it right. Kinda scary when you think that only 8 u bolts attaching the whole truck and it's contents to the axels and wheels propelling you 80mph down the road.
 
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2024 | 04:56 PM
  #5  
udsuth78's Avatar
udsuth78
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 1,919
From: Ponca City, OK
I just had a look and Harbor Freight wants $80 for their 6 ton stands now, but I found these for under $40 if anyone is interested.

https://m.vevor.com/jack-stands-c_12...EaAkJqEALw_wcB
 
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2024 | 08:41 PM
  #6  
Eman85's Avatar
Eman85
Laughing Gas
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 911
Likes: 294
From: E TN
Check a for a local spring shop, heavy truck shops or parts stores should be able to give you a reference. Let them put a leaf in and you're good to go.
 
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2024 | 09:19 AM
  #7  
Rot Box 2's Avatar
Rot Box 2
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 467
Likes: 158
Can’t tell you guys thanks enough but thank you! Good excuse to pick up some tall jack stands. Maybe I’ll give it a shot this weekend. It’s soaking in PB at the moment.

Andrew
 
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2024 | 11:37 AM
  #8  
knottyrope's Avatar
knottyrope
Lead Driver
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Loved
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,210
Likes: 1,341
From: Bahstun
I used ratchet straps to hold up the axle when doing leaf bushings last year
have a spare jack handy as the pumpkin will make the pinion side point down
PBlaster it for a couple days helps getting bolts off and i cut the u bolts as mine were too rusty
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Aug 12, 2024 | 11:53 AM
  #9  
Sous's Avatar
Sous
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Veteran: Air Force
Community Builder
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,353
Likes: 5,946
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
FTE Emeritus
I paid $414 in 2015 for 2x rear OEM spec leaf springs with all of the associated hardware with a $30 coupon and $105 for shipping via UPS. Although, now when I click on the email receipt, the website appears to be inactive and if I Google SDTruckSprings, my browser warns me about suspicious activity.

At this point, I cannot recommend SDTruckSprings to and would suggest you talk to ATS or another vendor you find that may have earned your business.

I had tall jack stands for the frame support on each side and 2x floor jacks. One is a heavy duty 3.5 ton and the other is a lightweight 1.5 ton or so. Having the ability to raise, lower and move the axle to get it in the right place with the two jack stands was key to my success.
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 08:42 AM
  #10  
Rot Box 2's Avatar
Rot Box 2
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 467
Likes: 158
10-4 thanks Sous. I really think I’m gonna pull the bed and do the hutch and harpoon while I’m at it. It’s a lot of work but I think I could kill two birds making the springs easier to get to.


08+ springs worth it at this point where I’m into it that far anyway? I dunno I sure do drive a lot on dirt roads my kidneys might thank me lol
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 03:32 PM
  #11  
udsuth78's Avatar
udsuth78
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 1,919
From: Ponca City, OK
Originally Posted by Rot Box 2
10
08+ springs worth it at this point where I’m into it that far anyway? I dunno I sure do drive a lot on dirt roads my kidneys might thank me lol
All reports claim it's totally worth it, I don't know first hand though. I do know getting the damn rivets out of the spring hangers is a serious PITA. It's almost like somebody didn't want those things to come off.?. A grinder with cutting wheel, a BF chisel, a couple BF drift punches, minimum 3lb baby sledge, don't forget the lube, a complete assortment of four letter words, and liquid courage are the required tools list for that job. Oh an air hammer might help. Ya know as I type this smarta** crap I'm remembering that I think it was easiest to just grind the head off one side then center punch for a good start for a drill bit and drill the *******s out. Start with a small pilot bit then whatever you feel good about to get you to a final size of 5/8 I believe.
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2024 | 08:28 PM
  #12  
RigCity's Avatar
RigCity
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 94
I’ve heard the 2011+ rides better than the 08 as a 2 spring vs 3 spring set. Planning to install on my truck In good time. Ended up going with the 350 springs on my truck including overloads for the 02 time period. If I had the extra time would have went newer. Something to consider would be positioning of the overload perches if you get that option.
 
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2024 | 08:13 AM
  #13  
Rot Box 2's Avatar
Rot Box 2
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 467
Likes: 158
Thanks again fellas, I’ve axed the heads off the bed bolts so it’s ready to come off. I’m pretty set on the spring upgrade I’ll be sure to post some pics and take you guys along for the ride if I do end up going that route.
 
Reply
Old Aug 16, 2024 | 04:56 PM
  #14  
Rot Box 2's Avatar
Rot Box 2
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 467
Likes: 158
Hey guys any tips for removing that giant spanner nut holding the fuel tank sending unit to the tank? Right hand threads?

Getting closer. Hoping to do the hutch mod this weekend and springs maybe next.





 
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2024 | 06:20 AM
  #15  
udsuth78's Avatar
udsuth78
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 1,919
From: Ponca City, OK
I always just use a blunted flat blade screwdriver and a hammer. I did get online to check if one of my local supply stores had one in stock first just in case. I've taken the ring off probably a dozen times now and still looks good. Well good for a plastic ring that gets beat on with a screwdriver.
 
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:06 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE