Coil Springs - Rear Pair

This procedure replaces both rear coil springs on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, requiring suspension disassembly and use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring - left × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent heavy-duty aftermarket
• Rear coil spring - right × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent heavy-duty aftermarket

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Spray all rear suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at rear differential housing
6. Support frame rails with jack stands rated for vehicle weight - position stands under frame just forward of rear axle mounting points
7. Remove rear wheels completely
8. Support rear axle housing with a second floor jack positioned under the differential - maintain slight upward pressure to control axle movement

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar links
   Locate the rear sway bar links connecting the sway bar to the axle. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation and remove the lower nut on both sides. Swing the sway bar links up and out of the way or disconnect completely from the axle.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove lower shock mounting bolts
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt on each side where the shock connects to the axle mounting bracket. Using a breaker bar if necessary, remove both lower shock mounting bolts completely. Allow shocks to hang from upper mounts.
   ⚠Shock absorbers may be under tension. Control the shock as you remove the last threads of the bolt.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Lower axle to release spring tension
   Very slowly lower the floor jack supporting the rear axle differential. Monitor both coil springs as the axle descends. Lower the axle until the coil springs are completely unloaded and can be moved by hand. The axle will need to drop approximately 4-6 inches.
   ⚠️Lower the axle very slowly and maintain control at all times. The springs will suddenly decompress as weight is removed.
   ⚠Watch brake lines and ABS sensor wires to ensure they are not stretched or damaged as the axle drops.
4. 4

   Remove rear coil springs
   With the axle fully lowered and springs unloaded, remove the coil springs from their upper and lower seats. Note the orientation of the spring isolator pads (rubber cushions) on top and bottom. On this F-150 model, springs sit between upper frame perches and lower axle brackets. Remove both springs and set aside.
   ⚠Coil springs are heavy - approximately 15-20 lbs each. Use proper lifting technique.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean spring seats
   Inspect the upper frame spring seats and lower axle spring seats for damage, rust, or debris. Wire brush both upper and lower spring seats clean. Check that the spring isolator pads (rubber cushions) are in good condition on both top and bottom positions. Replace isolators if cracked, torn, or compressed.
   ℹ️Damaged or missing spring isolators can cause squeaking and premature spring wear.
6. 6

   Transfer isolators to new springs
   Remove the spring isolator pads from the old springs and install them on the new springs in the exact same orientation. Ensure the isolators seat properly in the spring end coils. If new isolators are included with the springs, use the new ones.
   ℹ️Spring isolators must be oriented correctly - the shaped side matches the contour of the spring seat.
7. 7

   Install new coil springs
   Position the new coil springs into the lower axle spring seats first, ensuring the bottom isolator is properly seated. Align the spring so it will seat correctly in the upper frame perch when the axle is raised. The spring end with the closer-wound coils typically faces the bottom on this vehicle. Verify correct orientation by comparing to the removed springs.
   ⚠Spring orientation is critical. Installing springs backward can cause handling problems and premature wear.
8. 8

   Raise axle to compress springs
   Using the floor jack under the differential, slowly and carefully raise the rear axle. Guide the coil springs into their upper frame perches as the axle rises. Continue raising until the springs are properly seated top and bottom and the axle is at normal ride height. The shock mounting holes should align at this point.
   ⚠️Raise the axle slowly and watch the springs carefully. Ensure springs remain properly seated and do not slip out of position.
   ⚠Have an assistant guide the springs if possible to prevent them from shifting during installation.
9. 9

   Reinstall lower shock bolts
   Align the lower shock mounting eyes with the axle mounting brackets. Install the lower shock bolts and tighten to specification. You may need to raise or lower the axle slightly with the jack to align the holes perfectly.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar links
    Reconnect the sway bar links to the axle mounting points. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and install the lower nuts. Tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground so the full weight rests on the wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torque verification
    With the vehicle on the ground at normal ride height, torque the wheel lug nuts to final specification in a star pattern. Verify all suspension fasteners are tight. Remove jack stands and lower equipment.
    ℹ️Torquing with vehicle weight on suspension ensures proper load distribution and prevents component stress.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All components are reassembled during the main procedure
2. Double-check that all fasteners are tightened to specification
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells or under the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for any unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper ride height - rear should sit level or slightly higher than before if old springs were sagged
• Verify no rattles, clunks, or squeaks from rear suspension over bumps
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Have alignment checked by a professional within one week - improper spring installation can affect alignment angles

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