Replacement of rear leaf springs on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD, including U-bolt removal and spring pack installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear leaf spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Leaf spring U-bolts × 2 — Replace in sets of 2 per side
• U-bolt nuts × 4 — Typically included with U-bolts
• Front spring eye bushing × 1 — If worn or damaged
• Rear shackle bushings × 2 — If worn or damaged
• Shackle bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Front spring mounting bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely in both directions
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame with jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove rear wheels
6. Spray all leaf spring mounting bolts, U-bolt nuts, and shackle bolts with penetrating oil
7. Position hydraulic jack under rear axle differential to support axle weight

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Place a hydraulic jack under the center of the rear axle differential. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle housing and supports the weight, but does not lift the vehicle. The axle must be supported before removing U-bolts to prevent it from dropping when the spring is disconnected.
2. 2

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt on the side being serviced. Use a 18mm socket to remove the lower shock bolt. Push the shock absorber up and out of the way to provide clearance for spring removal.
3. 3

   Remove U-bolt nuts
   Using a 19mm socket, remove the four nuts securing the U-bolts to the spring mounting plate on top of the axle. Remove the U-bolts, retaining plate, and any spacer blocks. Note the orientation of all components for reassembly.
   ⚠As the last U-bolt nut is removed, the spring may shift. Maintain control of components and keep hands clear of pinch points.
4. 4

   Remove rear shackle bolts
   Locate the rear shackle assembly connecting the rear of the leaf spring to the frame bracket. Use a 21mm socket to remove both the upper and lower shackle bolts. Support the spring by hand as the second bolt is removed to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Remove front spring eye bolt
   At the front spring mounting point, use a 21mm socket to remove the bolt securing the front spring eye to the frame bracket. The spring assembly should now be free. Carefully lower and remove the spring from the vehicle, noting the position of any spacers or insulators.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and hardware
   Clean all mounting surfaces on the axle and frame brackets with a wire brush. Inspect frame brackets for cracks or damage. Check all bushings in the new spring assembly for proper installation. Inspect the axle spring perch for damage or excessive wear.
7. 7

   Install new leaf spring front mount
   Position the new leaf spring assembly with the front eye aligned with the frame bracket. Insert the front spring eye bolt and thread the nut on finger-tight. Do not fully torque at this time - final torque will be applied with vehicle weight on suspension.
8. 8

   Install rear shackle assembly
   Align the rear of the spring with the shackle and frame bracket. Install both shackle bolts and thread nuts on finger-tight. Ensure the shackle can move freely and is not binding. Do not fully torque at this time.
9. 9

   Position spring on axle
   Use the hydraulic jack to carefully raise the axle until the spring seats properly on the axle spring perch. Verify the spring center bolt aligns with the locating hole in the axle perch. Install any spacer blocks between the spring and axle if originally equipped.
10. 10

    Install U-bolts and retaining plate
    Place the retaining plate over the spring center on top of the axle. Install new U-bolts through the plate and around the axle housing. Thread all four nuts on finger-tight, then tighten in a cross pattern to ensure even clamping. Torque nuts to 85-95 ft-lbs in multiple passes using a cross pattern.
11. 11

    Reinstall shock absorber
    Position the shock absorber lower mount to the frame bracket and install the mounting bolt. Torque the lower shock bolt to specification per service manual (typically 80-100 ft-lbs for this model).
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Install the rear wheel and torque lug nuts in a star pattern. Carefully lower the vehicle until full weight is on the suspension but the jack stands are still in contact. Torque the front spring eye bolt to 147 ft-lbs and the shackle bolts to 98 ft-lbs with vehicle weight on suspension. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side if replacing both springs
2. All spring mounting bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on the suspension to prevent bushing bind
3. U-bolt nuts should be rechecked after 50-100 miles of driving and retorqued if necessary
4. New U-bolts should always be used when removing and reinstalling leaf springs

Verification

• Verify all fasteners are properly torqued, especially U-bolt nuts and spring eye bolts
• Check that vehicle sits level side-to-side with no visible sagging
• Test drive vehicle and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension
• Inspect for any interference between spring and frame or body components during suspension travel
• Recheck U-bolt torque after 50-100 miles of normal driving

More procedures for this vehicle