This procedure replaces the front coil springs on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 4WD, requiring strut disassembly and use of a spring compressor tool.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (pair) × 2 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent rated for F-150
• Strut mount bearing assembly × 2 — Recommended replacement during service
• Strut mount nuts × 6 — Recommended replacement
• Ball joint cotter pin × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed on frame rails
4. Remove both front wheels completely
5. Apply penetrating lubricant to ball joint nuts, sway bar link nuts, and strut bolts
6. Take photos of component orientation for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar end link connected to the lower control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft while removing the lower nut with a wrench. Disconnect the sway bar link from the lower control arm. If ball joint spins, use vice grips on the shaft.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper bolts and hang the caliper from the frame using wire or a bungee cord - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the brake rotor by pulling it off the hub. If stuck, use penetrating lubricant and tap with a rubber mallet.
   ⚠Do not allow brake caliper to hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS sensor wire
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wire attached to the strut and upper control arm. Carefully unclip the wire from all mounting points to prevent damage during strut removal. Note routing for reinstallation.
   ℹ️ABS sensor wire is fragile. Do not pull or bend excessively.
4. 4

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball joint castle nut. Remove the ball joint nut completely. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle. Tap the separator tool with a hammer to break the taper loose. Save the knuckle from dropping by supporting it with a jack or wire.
   ⚠Use caution when using pickle fork as it can damage the ball joint boot. Use a proper ball joint separator if reusing ball joints.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Support the steering knuckle and lower control arm with a floor jack positioned under the lower control arm. Remove the two large bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle. These bolts pass through the strut mounting bracket on the knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar to separate the knuckle from the strut once bolts are removed.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove strut tower nuts
   Open the hood and locate the three nuts on top of the strut tower in the engine bay. Remove all three nuts while supporting the strut assembly from below. Carefully lower the strut assembly out of the wheel well.
   ⚠Strut assembly is heavy. Ensure it is properly supported before removing final nut.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Compress coil spring
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vice or on a stable work surface. Install the coil spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the spring, ensuring the compressor hooks are properly seated in the coils. Gradually compress the spring evenly by alternating between compressors, tightening each a few turns at a time. Continue until the spring is fully compressed and no longer contacts the upper or lower spring seats.
   ⚠️Compress spring gradually and evenly. Uneven compression can cause compressor to slip and spring to violently release. Ensure compressor hooks are fully engaged in coils.
   ⚠️Stand to the side of the compressed spring, never directly in line with it during compression or disassembly.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut
   With spring fully compressed, use a strut rod socket or vice grips to hold the strut shaft from rotating. Remove the strut shaft nut on top of the strut mount. Carefully remove the upper strut mount, bearing plate, upper spring seat, and dust boot. Note the orientation of all components for reassembly.
   ⚠Verify spring is fully compressed before removing strut shaft nut. Spring should have no tension on upper mount.
9. 9

   Remove old coil spring
   Carefully remove the compressed coil spring from the strut shaft. Keep the spring compressors installed and maintain compression. Inspect the strut for leaks or damage. If strut is being reused, verify it operates smoothly through full stroke.
   ⚠️Keep spring compressors installed and spring compressed until ready to install new spring. Never release a compressed spring not installed on a strut.
10. 10

    Install new coil spring
    Install spring compressors on the new coil spring and compress it to the same length as the old spring. Verify the new spring matches the original spring specifications. Slide the compressed new spring onto the strut shaft, ensuring the spring end seats properly in the lower spring seat pocket. The spring end must align with the locating tab on the lower seat.
    ⚠Verify new spring is correct part number for your vehicle and matches original spring dimensions and characteristics.
11. 11

    Reassemble strut mount
    Install the dust boot, upper spring seat, bearing plate, and upper strut mount in the correct order and orientation as noted during disassembly. The upper spring seat must align with the spring end. Install a new strut shaft nut and tighten while holding the strut shaft. Refer to torque specifications.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Release spring compression
    Gradually and evenly release the spring compressors by alternating between them, loosening each a few turns at a time. Verify the spring seats properly in both upper and lower spring seats as compression is released. Once spring is fully seated and carrying load, completely remove the spring compressor tools.
    ⚠️Release spring compression slowly and evenly. Monitor spring seating as you release compression to ensure it does not shift or bind.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly
    Position the strut assembly up into the wheel well, aligning the upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install new strut tower nuts finger-tight. Raise the lower end of the strut to align with the steering knuckle mounting holes.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Align the strut with the steering knuckle bracket. Install the two strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten to specification. You may need to use a pry bar or jack to align the holes. Ensure bolts are fully seated before torquing.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect ball joint
    Raise the steering knuckle to align with the upper ball joint. Install the ball joint nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure.
    ⚠Ball joint nut must be torqued to specification. If cotter pin hole does not align, tighten nut further to next slot - never loosen to align.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Connect the sway bar end link to the lower control arm. Install the nut while holding the shaft with an Allen key. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Reinstall brake components
    Reinstall the brake rotor onto the hub. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and install the caliper bolts, torquing to vehicle specifications. Reattach the ABS sensor wire to all mounting clips following the original routing.
    ℹ️Ensure ABS sensor wire has adequate clearance from moving suspension components and is properly secured.
18. 18

    Final torque strut tower nuts
    From the engine bay, torque the three strut tower nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
19. 19

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification, paying special attention to safety-critical components
2. Confirm ABS sensor wires are properly routed and secured away from moving components
3. Check that brake calipers are properly mounted and brake pedal is firm before driving
4. Verify no tools or parts were left in wheel wells or engine bay

Verification

• Bounce each corner of the vehicle to verify springs are functioning properly and no unusual noises are present
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Check for proper ABS function by verifying ABS warning light is off
• Inspect all work areas for fluid leaks or loose components
• Have wheel alignment performed immediately - suspension work will affect alignment settings
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all lug nuts and verify strut tower nuts are still tight

More procedures for this vehicle