Rear spring replacement tips please.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 521
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Rear spring replacement tips please.
This isn't another "What spring do I buy" thread, it's more of a "I'm gonna do it - any tips for the installation" thread. I know it's a pretty simple procedure, but tips from those who've done it might help. I have replaced rear leafs before, so I'm not totally clueless.
Working on a '99 F250 Superduty 4X4.
I've already got:
- the new springs
- a bunch of 6"x8" blocking to hold up the truck
- all bolts/nuts soaked with PB Blaster
- a very adequate shop full of tools
I don't have:
- new U-Bolts
- new sping bolts
...as I planned on reusing the originals
What I'd like from you guys:
- tips on the install
- should I replace the hardware
- time estimate per side
Working on a '99 F250 Superduty 4X4.
I've already got:
- the new springs
- a bunch of 6"x8" blocking to hold up the truck
- all bolts/nuts soaked with PB Blaster
- a very adequate shop full of tools
I don't have:
- new U-Bolts
- new sping bolts
...as I planned on reusing the originals
What I'd like from you guys:
- tips on the install
- should I replace the hardware
- time estimate per side
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 424
Likes: 70
From: Somerset NJ
Replace the spring bolts... better safe than sorry. I've seen conflicting reports on if
you need to or not, but they are cheap enough, about $18/apiece.
You may also need a small ratchet strap - the axle may move forward or backwards a
little when you remove the old spring. You can use a ratchet strap to pull it back into
place to line up the blocks. Also, you should torque the U-bolts and the spring
retainer bolts with the weight of the vehicle on them. You will probably need a
pretty good size breaker bar to get the spring retainer bolts loose - I ended up using
a 2 foot pipe on the breaker bar to get them loose.
Took me about 2 hours per side, taking my time and working by myself.
you need to or not, but they are cheap enough, about $18/apiece.
You may also need a small ratchet strap - the axle may move forward or backwards a
little when you remove the old spring. You can use a ratchet strap to pull it back into
place to line up the blocks. Also, you should torque the U-bolts and the spring
retainer bolts with the weight of the vehicle on them. You will probably need a
pretty good size breaker bar to get the spring retainer bolts loose - I ended up using
a 2 foot pipe on the breaker bar to get them loose.
Took me about 2 hours per side, taking my time and working by myself.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 44
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you should never reuse U-Bolts. When they are torqued down they stretch and if you torque them again they can stretch to much and crack once you start using the truck. They are cheap enough at a spring shop to have made or order them from the dealer if nothing else.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
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Thanks guys. How hard is it to pull the front spring bolt out. It's installed so the head is away from the frame, with no way to get behind and drive it out. I guess I'm not that worried about it anyway, but thought I'd ask. I'll let you know how I make out...
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
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Got it done yesterday afternoon. It was a piece of cake. The whole process took 3 hours - working alone the first hour. The second side actually took longer than the first.... the beer fridge kept getting in the way!
