Jack points under front end
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: B'more
Jack points under front end
I got my new front coil springs to install. Been soaking the big spring retaining bolts in the bottom with penetrating oil for a few days, and hitting them with a wire brush... Scoping out the job to see how its gonna go...
Looks like I need to jack the front end up probably at the frame rail just in front of the I beam? I guess that beam has to be able to drop enough to let me remove the spring, but not so low that it pulls on the brake hose?
Anyone done this before that can clue me in if theres anything else to know or watch out for... Appreciate any tips or info!
Looks like I need to jack the front end up probably at the frame rail just in front of the I beam? I guess that beam has to be able to drop enough to let me remove the spring, but not so low that it pulls on the brake hose?
Anyone done this before that can clue me in if theres anything else to know or watch out for... Appreciate any tips or info!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: SE Michigan
You may need to let the I-beam drop a bit more to release more spring tension so they can be removed easier. This can be done by taking the shock loose at the radius arm, but leave the top end of the shock still attached. As you said, watch the brake hose, that it is not stretched or damaged while working in the area. It may be the one thing that will limit how low the axle will drop. Taking the wheel off will give you a lot more room to work as well. You could jack up the whole front end and support it with jack stands so you could do the whole job easier than jacking one side, doing the spring, letting it down and then doing the other side. Having both sides supportd this way will give you better stability and safety once you get it up in the air. Jacking the truck from just in front of the I-beam should be good. Make sure the jack stands seat good on the frame. Puting a block of some kind in front and in back of both the rear wheels so they won't roll would be good too. Have fun!
Last edited by Rangerman Stan; Sep 12, 2006 at 11:15 PM.
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From: B'more
Originally Posted by Rangerman Stan
Taking the wheel off will give you a lot more room to work as well.
Shocks are being replaced too... KYB Gas-a-Justs... so will be taking them off also...
The Ford CD suggests using a prybar to lift the spring over the bolt...
A buddy of mine got _really_ screwed up when a car shifted and smashed his leg up. So I always set extra jack stands and wheel chocks in place... maybe a little paranoid, but I like to give myself as many chances as possible... Usally leave the floor jack under as well if there is room... not as a support, just an extra backup... I always shake the vehical to check stability before climbing underneath...
But appreciate the safety tips just the same...
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
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From: Eastern WA
I would suggest/encourage placing your jackstands behind the front axle and on the frame. Safer that way. When you remove the tires/wheels, you can slide those under the vehicle. Good to see that you are thinking ahead on safety; one slip can have devestating consequences.
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