I need help with rusted hangers and shackles on the rear of the leaf springs of a mid 90's F150 4x2. It seems this is a common problem that has probably been covered here extensively, but I'm new to this forum, usually on the 61-66 threads.

Each side is different, the left side shackle is broken off and the spring is poking through the bed. What do I need to do to bring the leaf spring down so it can be reattached? Where are the jack stands placed? I already removed the hanger with a grinder and it was no big deal.

The right side shackle is still attached, but not for long as as it is severely rusted. If I cut that side's hanger off, what will the end of the leaf spring do? Or do I try to remove the shackle first? Will it arch up toward the bed also? Jack stand locations for this side with the shackle unbroken?

I already have new shackles, hangers and grade 8 bolts. Thanks in advance!

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...le-how-to.html Have a read here.

 

Jack up the back of the truck so the tires are of the ground then put jack stands under the frame , then use a jack under the rear end so it will take the tension off the springs ....Lew

 

X2

I just did a set of shackles on a 01 F150 yesterday. I have a set of air jacks that pick up the whole end of a car / truck. I just use one of them. As said already. jack the back end up and get the tires off the ground, put stands under the frame and use a jack under the rear end to move the springs.

 

Thanks for the info, I tried to do the job today, but it did not go well. My jack stands are 6 tons and, but my floor jack will not go high enough to do the job. The leaf spring that is stuck in the bed did lower some, but not far enough. I also don't have the right socket for the shackle bolts/nuts, is it metric? I'll probably end up taking it to a suspension shop. Thanks again.

 

Yeah you have to jack it up high , some times you need blocks on the jack to get it high enough....

 

Yup, all chassis bolts on that truck should be metric

 

Metric? Really?? When did that happen

My 88 F150 was a 9/16 bolt, My 89 F250 was a 9/16 bolt. I just changed a set on a 2001 for a buddy and as I did not have to replace the bolts the head and nuts were standard if I had to guess from the hex size I would say.... 9/16.

 

9/16 is very close to 14mm.

Use a 4x4 or 6x6 on the jack, works well.