Rear leaf spring mount install.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis
Yes, grade 8 bolts work. I can't recall the size- 3/8" possibly but don't quote me.
Job is a PITA. I used a sawz-all to get the rivets off along with a water sprayer to keep everything cool (paranoid about the gas tank). You may have a better way.
You're going to have to pry the leaf springs down to line up with the bracket so you can bolt everything in. If you have a helper, it might make it easier to line up and bolt everything back in. Good luck.
Job is a PITA. I used a sawz-all to get the rivets off along with a water sprayer to keep everything cool (paranoid about the gas tank). You may have a better way.
You're going to have to pry the leaf springs down to line up with the bracket so you can bolt everything in. If you have a helper, it might make it easier to line up and bolt everything back in. Good luck.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
buy what you need from one of the sponsors.
use a saddle jack and jack stands to hold vehicle up and use a scissors jack to move spring into place.
do an advanced search for more tips on the subject.
use a saddle jack and jack stands to hold vehicle up and use a scissors jack to move spring into place.
do an advanced search for more tips on the subject.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 0
From: Jersey Shore
I just did a replacement on my 88 f350, drivers side rear, used a torch to burn the heads off, drift pin to drive out rivets, long pry bar to pry down spring, that was a problem, w/ 11 springs and 4 helpers, all in all it went pretty smooth, hardest part was getting the bolt out of lower shackle.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 8
From: Cook Forest and Irwin PA
yes, G8 wil lwork but so will G5 - 7/16 is the size for the rears and 1/2 for the fronts IIRC (find my F100 project page) the rivets are G0-G2 in strength. before you have ever hit the shear limit you will have wiped out the springs.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Auburn, NH
GEEZ---seems like a lot of extra work-removing the body---
but on a Dodge I can understand !!!
When I did my hangers ( 95 F-150 4x4 ) I replaced the bolts in the spring eye also----The whole job took about 3 hours out in the driveway.
Gary
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 639
Likes: 0
From: houston
I was doing a body swap,and installing a 9" lift @ the time.Good practice before I jump on my `88 F-350 4x4 
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Got it today. Not to tough of a job. Hardest part was removing the bolt that holds the spring to the actual shackle. Ground off rivits with angle grinder, and used air hammer to drive them out.
Things that did make my job easier:
I removed my rear tank last year and never put it back in.
My 7,000# Rotary Lift
And the tools in this bad boy:
Things that did make my job easier:
I removed my rear tank last year and never put it back in.
My 7,000# Rotary Lift
And the tools in this bad boy:
