front coil spring replacement

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Feb 11, 2004 | 01:41 PM

RbsFord

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Joined: Jul 2003

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front coil spring replacement

i am going to change the front coil springs on 1990 f150 (w/ ifs supension) this weekend for a set of springs to level out the truck. need some pointers, thinks to watch out for, generally some advice on how to go about doing this project. also the balljoints top and bottom are wore out so i though it would be a good idea to knock out both at the same time. what do you all think?

Feb 11, 2004 | 01:58 PM

peppy

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Joined: Dec 2003

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From: S/C Texas

I have the Chiltons #26664 right here in front of me for Pick Up's & Broncos 1987-1996. Its the best $15 you'll ever spend on your truck. The springs are quick & simple. The ball joints are a different story. I could type it out. But really, the book is worth it. As far as the springs, just remove and replace I guess. Lower retainer nut back to 100 ft/lbs. Upper retainer back to 13-18 ft/lbs. Position the shock to the lower bracket & torgue the bolt and nut to 65 ft/lbs.
Either way, I've read my manual front to back a couple times, with numerous jumps to the ever smart pages of the manual. I highly recommend it.
http://www.chiltonsonline.com/

Feb 12, 2004 | 06:21 PM

78f3504x4

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Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Whately, Ma

Rent/buy/borrow a set of spring compressors. You don't need them, but it makes a job a little easier.

Feb 12, 2004 | 08:05 PM

hoxiii

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From: Pittsburgh

First thing to loosen is the lower spring mount. Do it with the truck completely on the ground. it can take ALOT of force to break it loose, don't want you dumping the truck on your head.

For a TTB or twin i-beam I've found spring compressors just get in the way. So long as you have a tall enough jack to completely unload one side of the suspesion it's no problem at all.

Justin

Feb 12, 2004 | 09:08 PM

95f150

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Joined: Nov 2003

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From: Alberta

I dont know how you guys go about it but i tried getting a socket in between the spring to loosen off the bottom nut and its almost impossible. I jacked up on the frame to stretch the spring and tried prying but no luck. Even a reg wrench couldnt grab it. Any tricks out there?

Feb 12, 2004 | 09:14 PM

peppy

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Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 2,659

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From: S/C Texas

Dremmel tool to the spring coil just above the nut. It'll come right loose. LOL Kidding, dont do that.
Prying was my guess.

Last edited by peppy; Feb 12, 2004 at 09:17 PM.

Feb 12, 2004 | 09:17 PM

hoxiii

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Pittsburgh

drop a 1 1/8" socket through the top of the coil mount, stick your fingers in there, put the socket on the nut. Slide the ratchet between two of the coils, put it on the socket, and give it all ya got.

Justin

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Feb 14, 2004 | 10:19 PM

natewoz

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Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 887

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From: MN

I have had my springs in/out 4 or 5 times to do new ones, airbags, and a lift. I put a tall jackstand on either the frame beyond the radius arm bracket, or on the rearmost part of the radius arm. Then remove the tire, and remove the upper spring retaing bolt. Then remove the lower shock bolt(s). Then push the axle half down far enough to tip the coil spring out from the top bucket.The spring should then spin freely on the lower mount. Use a 1 1/8" combo wrench. I have used Snap-on and Craftsman, and they both fit fine. The box end will fit between the coils. Use plenty of liquid wrench too. The nut is torqued to 100ft/lbs, but age and rust make them hard to move. I put my left leg against the frame, and pulled like heck on the wrench. I young, so that may have caused it to be easier.Putting them back in is the oppisite, and you may have to jack up under the axle half to get the top of the spring to seat itself correctly. I can replace my springs in 45 minutes, and if everything goes well, it should take you less than 1 1/2 hours. Have fun.