This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with the 5.0L V8 Coyote engine, requiring safe suspension disassembly and spring compressor use.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent for vehicle load rating
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent for vehicle load rating
• Spring isolator pads (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame rails with jack stands rated for vehicle weight - do not place stands under axle
5. Remove rear wheels
6. Spray all shock absorber mounting bolts and lower control arm bolts with penetrating oil

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle differential housing with a block of wood to distribute load. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle but does not lift it. The axle should be free to move but supported to prevent sudden drops.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower shock absorber mount
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt on the axle bracket. Remove the bolt and nut, supporting the shock absorber to prevent it from dropping. You may need to use a breaker bar if the bolt is corroded. Allow the shock to hang freely from its upper mount.
   ⚠Shock absorber may be under slight tension. Control its movement when removing the bolt.
3. 3

   Lower the rear axle
   Slowly lower the floor jack to allow the rear axle to drop down. Continue lowering until the coil spring is loose and no longer compressed between the frame spring seat and the axle spring perch. Monitor brake lines and ABS wiring to ensure they are not being stretched or damaged. Stop lowering when the spring is fully unloaded.
   ⚠Lower axle slowly and monitor all brake lines, ABS wiring, and vent hoses for tension. Do not exceed their maximum extension.
4. 4

   Remove coil spring and isolators
   Once the spring is fully unloaded, tilt and rotate the spring to remove it from between the frame spring seat and the axle spring perch. The spring may need to be angled to clear the shock absorber and other components. Remove the upper and lower spring isolator pads from the spring. Inspect isolators for damage, cracking, or excessive wear and replace if necessary.
5. 5

   Inspect spring seats
   With the spring removed, inspect both the upper frame spring seat and the lower axle spring perch for rust, damage, or debris. Wire brush both surfaces clean. Check for any cracks or structural damage to the mounting points. Ensure the spring seat locating features are intact.
6. 6

   Install spring isolators on new spring
   Position the upper and lower spring isolator pads on the new coil spring. The isolators have specific orientations - ensure the locating tabs align with the spring coil ends. The upper isolator typically has a different shape than the lower isolator.
7. 7

   Install new coil spring
   Position the new coil spring between the frame spring seat and the axle spring perch. Ensure the spring ends are properly seated in the isolators and the isolators are correctly positioned in the frame and axle spring seats. The spring orientation matters - verify the tapered end is positioned correctly per factory specification (typically smaller diameter at top).
   ⚠Verify spring orientation before raising axle. Incorrect installation can cause handling problems and premature wear.
8. 8

   Raise axle to compress spring
   Slowly raise the floor jack to compress the spring and lift the axle back to its normal ride height position. The spring should compress evenly and seat fully in both the upper and lower spring seats. Continue raising until the lower shock mounting holes align between the shock and the axle bracket.
9. 9

   Reconnect lower shock absorber mount
   Insert the lower shock absorber mounting bolt through the axle bracket and shock eye. Install the nut and tighten to secure the shock. Do not torque to final specification yet - this will be done during final reassembly with the vehicle at ride height.
10. 10

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 9 for the opposite side rear coil spring. Both springs should be replaced as a pair to maintain balanced ride height and handling characteristics.
11. 11

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands until the full weight is on the wheels but the vehicle is still slightly elevated. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Then fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the floor jack.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torque verification
    With the vehicle at normal ride height and weight on the suspension, verify all shock absorber mounting bolts are properly tightened. Bounce the rear of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension, then perform a final visual inspection of spring seating and component alignment.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both coil springs are properly seated in their upper and lower spring seats with isolators in place
2. Verify all shock absorber mounting bolts are secure
3. Confirm no brake lines, ABS wiring, or vent hoses are stretched, kinked, or damaged
4. Remove wheel chocks from front wheels

Verification

• Visually inspect that both rear coil springs are fully seated with no gaps between isolators and spring seats
• Measure rear ride height on both sides - should be equal within 10mm
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal ride quality with no unusual noises, clunking, or handling issues
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect spring seating and re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification
• Have wheel alignment checked by a professional - replacing springs can affect rear axle alignment

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