This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine and 4WD, requiring suspension disassembly and proper spring compression.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Spring isolator pad (upper) × 2 — Replace if damaged
• Spring isolator pad (lower) × 2 — Replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear axle center
5. Support vehicle frame with jack stands rated for truck weight on both sides
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on shock absorber bolts, control arm bolts, and U-bolt nuts if corrosion is present
8. Verify coil spring compressor tool is in good working condition before starting

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing near the side you are working on. Raise jack just enough to make contact and support the axle weight, but do not lift the axle. This allows controlled lowering to relieve spring tension later.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower shock absorber mount
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt at the rear axle bracket. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the lower shock mounting bolt and nut. Pull the shock absorber up and secure it out of the way with wire or bungee cord to prevent damage.
   ⚠Do not allow shock absorber to hang freely as this can damage the shock body or upper mount.
3. 3

   Disconnect rear sway bar link if equipped
   If your F-150 is equipped with a rear sway bar, disconnect the sway bar end link from the axle bracket. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key while removing the nut with a wrench. This provides additional clearance for axle lowering.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lower the axle to relieve spring tension
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the axle. Lower approximately 4-6 inches until the coil spring is no longer under significant load but remains captured between the upper spring seat and axle pad. Watch for any brake lines or ABS wiring that may become taut.
   ⚠️Lower the axle slowly and steadily. Do not allow the axle to drop suddenly as this can damage brake lines, ABS sensors, or cause the spring to eject violently.
   ⚠Monitor all brake hard lines and flexible hoses during lowering to ensure they are not overstretched or kinked.
5. 5

   Install spring compressor tool
   Install the coil spring compressor tool following the manufacturer's instructions. Position compressor hooks on opposite sides of the spring, ensuring they are fully engaged on the coils. Alternate tightening each side of the compressor evenly to compress the spring uniformly. Compress until spring is free from the upper and lower spring seats with visible gap.
   ⚠️Ensure compressor hooks are fully seated on the spring coils and cannot slip. Uneven compression or hook slippage can cause violent spring release resulting in severe injury.
   ⚠️Compress the spring gradually and evenly. Check that compressor threads are not cross-threaded and both sides are compressing uniformly.
6. 6

   Remove the coil spring
   With the spring fully compressed and free from the spring seats, carefully guide the compressed spring assembly out from between the frame and axle. Remove upper and lower spring isolator pads and inspect for damage. Mark spring orientation if reusing the same spring.
7. 7

   Inspect spring seats and clean mounting surfaces
   Inspect the upper frame spring seat and lower axle spring pad for rust, damage, or debris. Wire brush both surfaces clean. Check that upper spring seat is not cracked or deformed. Verify lower spring pad is securely welded to axle housing.
8. 8

   Prepare new spring assembly
   If installing a new spring, transfer the spring compressor to the new spring and compress it to the same degree as the old spring was compressed. Install new or inspected upper and lower spring isolator pads on the new spring in correct orientation. The tapered end of the spring typically faces upward toward the frame.
   ⚠Verify correct spring part number for your specific F-150 configuration. Incorrect springs will result in improper ride height and handling issues.
9. 9

   Install compressed spring assembly
   Carefully guide the compressed spring assembly into position between the frame upper spring seat and axle lower spring pad. Align the spring end with the locating tab or pocket in the lower spring pad. Ensure upper isolator pad is properly seated in the frame pocket.
10. 10

    Raise axle and seat spring
    Using the floor jack, slowly raise the rear axle. As the axle rises, the spring will begin to seat in the upper and lower spring seats. Continue raising until the axle is at normal ride height position. Verify the spring is fully seated in both upper and lower locations before proceeding.
    ⚠Guide the spring into proper alignment as the axle is raised. Ensure spring ends locate correctly in the spring seat pockets.
11. 11

    Release spring compressor
    With the axle at ride height and spring fully seated, slowly and evenly loosen the spring compressor tool. Alternate between sides to release tension uniformly. Once spring is fully expanded and carrying load, remove the compressor tool completely.
    ⚠️Ensure spring is properly seated in both upper and lower locations before releasing compressor. An improperly seated spring can shift violently when compressor is released.
12. 12

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Guide the lower shock absorber back to its mounting position on the axle bracket. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and nut. Tighten the shock bolt to specification. The shock should be at normal ride height position when tightened.
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar link if equipped
    If previously disconnected, reconnect the rear sway bar end link to the axle bracket. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and install the nut. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 13 for the opposite side rear spring. Both rear springs should be replaced as a pair to maintain even ride height and handling characteristics.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern with vehicle weight on wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been properly installed and torqued to specification
2. Confirm no tools or parts have been left in the suspension area
3. Check that brake lines and ABS wiring are not stretched, kinked, or contacting moving components
4. Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension and verify springs are properly seated

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal handling with no unusual noises
• Check rear ride height is even side-to-side and matches specifications for your vehicle configuration
• Inspect for any fluid leaks from shock absorbers after test drive
• Verify no suspension contact noises occur over bumps indicating improperly seated springs
• Have alignment checked by qualified technician if vehicle pulls to one side or steering wheel is off-center

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