I have a 78 4x4 F150, 1/2 ton..

anyways, I need to replace the rear leaf springs. I went to a junk yard today and most of the 3/4ton trucks seemed to have a slightly different style..

Just wondering what springs I can get that will be a direct bolt on. I'll probably get mounts, U-Bolts, etc. I don't care if they're a bit taller or a bit stiffer, I'm not restoring the truck to make it original (yet).. just using it to bash. In fact, I'd probably prefer something a bit stiffer and taller.

Mine have what look to be two different sections of springs sitting on top of a block that sits on the axel (a rather large one), did they seperate possibly? they're just about falling off of the truck, I wouldn't feel safe driving it over a speed bump. Is that just how the 78, 1/2 ton 4x4s are?

I'm hoping you all tell me I can pretty much go into the junkyard, find any leaf springs from this generation and direct bolt on my truck.. if not, what particular thing should I look out for?

And be easy, I'd consider myself really green to this whole thing.. Oh, I've seen this question asked before but I might as well ask again, how hard is it to change leaf springs? I've not even done an oil change on my truck, but I'm not a complete idiot and I'm good with tools, I pick up on this kind of stuff pretty quick. Just if you could tell me what to look out for. I'm not going to unhook the mounts and have the spring pop up and take my head off or anything, am I? heh

thanks for the help

 

Find another set from a 150 and build yourself a beefier set from the two sets.

 

my main question is if any set from any f150 in the series will work? Or possibly some from newer trucks?

and yeah, I could do that. I'm thinking I could probably 'restore' the springs themselves and just change the mounts.. but for $80 for a pair (decent junk yard with some good parts) I might as well replace them.

 

Just measure your springs from eye to eye and for width. Any used pack is likely to be a little worn also. That is why I make up my own packs from two sets. Mixing and matching to get the best set. If there is more than one broken spring in a pack throw the entire pack away. A spring shop can also add a leaf, inspect, re-arch, and install new bushings in your present set.