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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (driver side) × 1 — Motorcraft or equivalent OEM specification
• Front coil spring (passenger side) × 1 — Motorcraft or equivalent OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing (if deteriorated) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly
• Strut tower mount nuts × 6 — Replace if corroded
• Strut-to-knuckle nuts × 4 — Replace per Ford service manual

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level concrete surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front crossmember jacking point
4. Place jack stands under frame rails at approved support locations behind front wheels
5. Remove both front wheels completely and set aside
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil (strut-to-knuckle bolts, sway bar links, strut tower nuts) and allow 15-30 minutes to penetrate
7. Open hood and locate strut tower mounts under hood - verify access is clear
8. Verify coil spring compressor is in good working condition with no damaged threads or hooks

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut (driver side)
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the strut assembly. Insert an Allen key into the shaft to prevent rotation. Using a 15mm socket, remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut. Allow the link to hang from the sway bar. Repeat for passenger side if working on that strut.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Working from the engine bay, locate the three nuts securing the strut tower mount. Using an 18mm socket, remove all three nuts completely. Support the strut from below as you remove the final nut to prevent it from dropping. Do not attempt to remove the strut from the vehicle yet.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle pinch bolts
   Locate the two large bolts securing the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These are pinch bolts that clamp the knuckle to the strut. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove both bolts completely. You may need to tap the knuckle with a rubber mallet to separate it from the strut. Support the knuckle and brake assembly as it separates - do not let it hang by the brake line.
   ⚠The steering knuckle, brake caliper, and rotor assembly are heavy. Support the assembly with a bungee cord or wire to the frame to prevent stress on brake lines and ABS sensor wiring.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   With the bottom separated from the knuckle and top nuts removed, carefully lower the strut assembly down and out through the lower control arm area. Angle the assembly as needed to clear the CV axle and brake components. Place the strut assembly on a clean workbench for disassembly.
5. 5

   Install spring compressor on coil spring
   With the strut on a stable work surface, install the coil spring compressor according to the manufacturer's instructions. For internal-style compressors, insert the tool through the center of the spring. For external-style compressors, hook the claws onto opposite sides of the spring, ensuring at least 3-4 coils are engaged on each side. Verify the compressor is centered and the hooks are fully seated in the coil valleys, not on top of the coil wire.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor hooks are fully engaged in the coil valleys and cannot slip. Compressor failure during compression is the primary cause of injury during this job.
6. 6

   Compress coil spring
   Slowly and evenly tighten the spring compressor, alternating sides every few turns to maintain even compression. Continue compressing until the spring separates from the upper strut mount and has visible clearance (approximately 1 inch). The spring should no longer be under load against the mount. Verify the compressor is stable and the spring is not cocked at an angle.
   ⚠️Compress the spring slowly and evenly. If the spring begins to cock or shift at an angle, stop immediately, release tension, and reinstall the compressor correctly.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   With the spring fully compressed and unloaded, use a strut socket or impact socket to remove the center strut shaft nut (typically 21mm). Remove the upper strut mount, bearing plate, and any dust boots or insulators. Carefully lift the compressed spring off the strut body. Keep the spring in the compressor and set aside safely. Remove the lower spring isolator from the strut body.
   ⚠️Do not remove the strut shaft nut unless you have verified the spring is compressed and no longer under load. The nut is the only component retaining the compressed spring energy.
8. 8

   Inspect strut mount and bearing
   Carefully inspect the upper strut mount for cracks, deterioration, or oil contamination. Check the bearing plate for smooth rotation - it should turn freely without binding or roughness. Inspect the strut shaft for damage, scoring, or oil leakage. Replace any worn components. This is an ideal time to replace the strut if it shows signs of leakage or wear.
9. 9

   Install new spring onto strut with compressor
   Place the lower spring isolator onto the strut body in the correct orientation (match the old position). Install the new coil spring (still in the compressor) onto the strut shaft, ensuring the end of the spring seats properly in the lower isolator pocket. Install upper mount components in reverse order: dust boot, bearing plate, and upper strut mount. Verify the spring end is properly aligned with the pocket in the upper mount.
10. 10

    Install and torque strut shaft nut
    Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft by hand, ensuring it threads smoothly. Once seated, torque the nut to manufacturer specification (typically 50-60 Nm, though not specified in provided data - consult service manual for exact value). Verify all components are properly seated and aligned before releasing spring tension.
    ℹ️The strut shaft nut torque specification was not provided in the database. Consult a Ford service manual or the strut manufacturer specification, typically 50-60 Nm for this application.
11. 11

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tension, alternating sides to maintain even pressure. The spring should seat fully into both the upper mount and lower isolator pockets. Once the spring is fully seated and supporting the strut assembly naturally, completely remove the spring compressor and store safely.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Carefully maneuver the assembled strut back into the vehicle, threading the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes. Install the three strut tower nuts finger-tight. Align the lower end of the strut with the steering knuckle opening.
13. 13

    Connect strut to steering knuckle
    Release the support holding the steering knuckle and align it with the strut. You may need to use a pry bar or jack to align the holes. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and install nuts. Torque both bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque strut tower mounting nuts
    Working from the engine bay, torque all three strut tower mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the mount.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Align the sway bar end link stud with the mounting point on the strut. Install the nut and use an Allen key to hold the shaft while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Repeat for opposite side
    Complete steps 1-15 for the opposite side front strut and spring assembly. Work methodically and use the same safety precautions with the spring compressor.
17. 17

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been properly torqued using the specifications provided
2. Check that no tools or parts have been left in the engine bay or wheel wells
3. Verify brake lines and ABS sensor wiring are properly routed and secured with no signs of stress or contact with suspension components
4. Bounce each front corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension and verify no unusual noises or binding

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary - listen for any unusual noises from the strut mounts or sway bar links
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or steering feel
• Visually inspect the strut tower area for any movement or separation of the mount
• Schedule a professional front-end alignment within 48 hours - new springs will change ride height and suspension geometry
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all suspension fasteners to verify they have remained properly torqued

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