Rear Leafs
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Rear Leafs
Anybody got some good ideas of leaf replacements for an '03 F-150 S-Crew FX4. I had the rear end looked at and was told they needed replacing. I found it hard to believe since I only haul a dirtbike in the back of my truck. Anyway, I am going to take it to a leaf spring specialist. In the mean time, if replacement is needed, what do you guys recommend for aftermarket leafs.
Thanks,
Skinner
Thanks,
Skinner
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
Welcome to the forum! 
I have a hard time believing your leafs are shot. They might need the bushings replaced but I haven't touched mine and I haul more then dirt bikes in my truck. Some have loaded their truck so that the leafs will curl down instead of up. Once unloaded everything was fine again.
I have a hard time believing your leafs are shot. They might need the bushings replaced but I haven't touched mine and I haul more then dirt bikes in my truck. Some have loaded their truck so that the leafs will curl down instead of up. Once unloaded everything was fine again.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Depends on whats wrong with the truck. I load the snot out of my truck. Still on stock springs although i did add one extra leaf about 5 years ago. I cant imagine that your springs are shot. With a screw, its seems like the bed isnt big enough to overload the truck.
Are you getting noise from the rear end when you accellerate from a stop? If thats the case the solution is as easy as pulling your driveshaft and adding a little grease to the splines of the shaft. Sometimes they bind up and pop and bang when your first accellerate from a stop.
Are you getting noise from the rear end when you accellerate from a stop? If thats the case the solution is as easy as pulling your driveshaft and adding a little grease to the splines of the shaft. Sometimes they bind up and pop and bang when your first accellerate from a stop.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 0
From: DC
One of my leafs failed at about 89k. It still "worked" OK but it had cracked in the center. It jumped out of the pack when I went around a turn one day. Bang! Maybe "shot" means cracked or badly corroded? I'm sure mine were damaged more by road salt than by anything I hauled.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,466
Likes: 0
From: N. Fort Myers,FL
I have hauled some heavy stuff in my truck, and before i had it was used as a work truck. Now with that said, im sure my springs have lost some of their "strength", and i have thought about adding a leaf, but just havent got around to it yet.
So unless your springs arent cracked or messed up bad i would leave them.
So unless your springs arent cracked or messed up bad i would leave them.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I am getting noise, but I dont think it is the slip yoke. I recently had the drive pulled and greased. Just a lot of creaking and popping, especially when I drive over uneven terrain. I can pull down on the back of the bed and hear the noise. I am going to a leaf spring specialty shop now and I will report back and tell you the outcome. Thanks for all the replies.
Skinner
Skinner
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by slowr w/o blowr
Depends on whats wrong with the truck. I load the snot out of my truck. Still on stock springs although i did add one extra leaf about 5 years ago. I cant imagine that your springs are shot. With a screw, its seems like the bed isnt big enough to overload the truck.
Are you getting noise from the rear end when you accellerate from a stop? If thats the case the solution is as easy as pulling your driveshaft and adding a little grease to the splines of the shaft. Sometimes they bind up and pop and bang when your first accellerate from a stop.
Are you getting noise from the rear end when you accellerate from a stop? If thats the case the solution is as easy as pulling your driveshaft and adding a little grease to the splines of the shaft. Sometimes they bind up and pop and bang when your first accellerate from a stop.
Skinner
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 2
From: In my House
Joe Finn, there was a bultetin out about the 97's not having a strap around the leaf pack. If the leafs do shift or break while in the pack, they can spin sideways and pierce the fuel tank.
Rich
Rich
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 0
From: DC
Originally Posted by 96f150
Joe Finn, there was a bultetin out about the 97's not having a strap around the leaf pack. If the leafs do shift or break while in the pack, they can spin sideways and pierce the fuel tank.
Rich
Rich
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Well, I bought an Energy Suspension Bushing replacement set and if anybody has some insight on how to get these bad boys installed..please let me know. Also, while I have the leafs off, should I replace the inserts between the leafs? It would give me a chance to clean them up and remove any problem debris. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Skinner
Skinner
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
skinner3233
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
1
Oct 24, 2003 01:45 PM
cheappower82
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Sep 16, 2003 02:54 PM