95 F150 4WD long bed 5.0L. Anyone had experience replacing these leaf springs, are you happy/unhappy with yours, any potholes to avoid, etc? First time I've done this.

I took the bed off to replace fuel pumps (solved the dreaded cross flow) and decided its time to clean the frame, treat it (POR-15) but also replace the leaf springs and U bolts since the driver side sags about 1/2" lower than passenger side. Shackles are actually in good shape.

Anyway, original part number is F4TA LB EW5 147A stamped on the bottom of the leaf spring. I've narrowed it down to Dorman 43-689 or 43-723 which seem to match OEM measurements and 1655-1700 lbs capacity, but Dorman 43-695 also fits but has an extra leaf and supports 2450.

I'm leaning towards the 43-695 since it's not much more expensive (in for a penny, in for a pound), but I don't want to raise the back much more than it is. It rides level(ish) right now (with the original coil springs in front) and I'd like to keep it that way. Or maybe time to replace those too...

Appreciate any input from the crowd. I'm also doing the rear brakes since they are still original believe it or not. Truck only has 91k miles. This is another example of a simple job turned into a project. I've already begun questioning my life choices as I grind away on this frame...

Thanks.

 

The 43-723 has an 8 inch arc and about a 1.5 inch pack thinkness. The 43-689 has a 9.25 arc and about a 1.5 inch pack thinkness.. The 43-695 has a 8.375 arc and about a 2 inch spring pack thinkness. So depending on what you have and what you chose, you may need to add in a small block and possible new u-bolts, to keep the levels the same. Every time I've had a customer ask for higher load capacity springs they always seem to rid a bit rougher when unloaded at least, so be prepared for that.. Also, keep in mind you have an 8.8 which isnt rated for a lot of weight.. The 43-695 was ment for the much more heavy duty 10.25 axle.

 

Thanks Leeds, that's the kind of info I'm looking for. My current springs are 3" wide and 4 leafs. Can't tell the arc unless I remove them (I assume) which I need to do eventually anyway as I'm working on this frame.
I don't need the extra capacity, but my thoughts were that if it's not much more cost I might as well. But I don't want to make it ride any rougher than it already does! Or any higher in the back end either. I'll probably go with the lighter duty springs. This isn't a daily driver anymore and I only occasionally haul dirt or gravel for my wife's various yard projects.