So it looks like I am going to have to replace my driver side leaf springs and figured I will just do both while I am at it. I have a couple questions though:

1. While I am doing this, what else should I replace?

2. I see that the ones from stengelbros.com come with bushings, is it worth it to swap those for poly ones?

3. Shackles - are these only for raising and lowering or do they have them on stock height as well? I have been trying to search here about this and think they may only be for altering the height.

4. I figure I will replace U-bolts and other hardware as well, but what other hardware is there that I should get?

I have 105K on the odometer now and want to keep this truck for a while. It was repainted last year and is in good shape other than this so I would love to get another few years on the road. That's why I am willing to do over anything that needs to be now and not have to worry about it for another 105K :-)

Any help is appreciated.

SuDZ

 

i would replace the bushing.....why not while your down there. as for the shackles, i wouldnt bother with them unless you are wanting to alter the height...

my .02

 

I thought that about the shackles but wasn't sure if it was a part that was stock or not and that gave you the option of raising or lowering by altering them. Sounds like in a stock truck though it is not needed. I will skip them then.

Any idea on other hardware that is needed or recommended? I am trying to figure out what kind of U-bolts I would need to order etc. I see they come in various sizes. From my searching I know "Grade 8" seems the way to go but is that what Ford Dealers would carry or is that more of an aftermarket type?

SuDZ

 

Any other info about what else to replace while the leaf spring is out?

SuDZ

 

Considering your location, I'd get a good supply of POR-15 or one of those rust inhibitors that convert to black primer (Rustoleum makes one), and a paint topcoat. If you are going to keep it, try to make it last and look better. Get it way up on jackstands and go to town while you're under there. Hit all the rust you see (methinks you'll be busy....)

I'd leave the leafs bushings alone. New is new. Why pay twice?

 

Thats what I figured with the bushings. I figure if the stock ones got me this far then the ones that come with the leaf spring should last me quite another while.

I have some POR-15 in my garage now so maybe I will take your advice and go ahead with applying it to as much as I can. Even if I run out of the POR and use the spray it might help things last all that much longer before breakdown of the metal starts.

Thanks for you help. I am sure I will be looking around the forums plenty more.

SuDZ

 

I am working on getting my leaf spring off. I am having a hell of a time with the bolt that goes into the end of the spring. I can't get these things to move at all. I have tried putting air on them and trying to torch them out. I still can't get them to budge.

Any tips on how to do this or if I should take the weight off with the jack more, less , anything?!?

Thank for any help.

SuDZ

 

I just took mine off this weekend and I had to break them by hand with a big breaker bar. Hope this helps

ryan

 

Thanks for the help everyone. I got the leaf spring out and replaced it. Things are riding nice now. It feels so much stiffer and is actually up and inch over the other side now. I am going to swap that one out soon and have an overall improved look and feel.

SuDZ