This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear leaf spring bushings on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear leaf spring front bushing × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Rear leaf spring rear shackle bushing kit × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Leaf spring center bolt (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• U-bolt nuts (replace if corroded) × 8 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
4. Apply penetrating oil to all leaf spring mounting bolts, U-bolts, and shackle hardware
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame rails with jack stands rated for vehicle weight
6. Remove rear wheel on the side being serviced
7. Position floor jack under rear axle to support its weight independently

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove U-bolts and spring plate
   Remove the four U-bolt nuts securing the leaf spring to the rear axle. Remove the U-bolts and the lower spring plate. Keep hardware organized as it may be reused if in good condition.
2. 2

   Lower axle and separate from leaf spring
   Carefully lower the floor jack to allow the rear axle to drop away from the leaf spring. Lower only enough to create clearance between the spring and axle housing. The spring will remain attached at the front and rear mounting points.
   ⚠Do not allow the axle to drop suddenly. Control descent with the floor jack and watch for brake lines and ABS wiring.
3. 3

   Remove rear shackle bolts
   Remove the upper and lower shackle bolts at the rear of the leaf spring. The shackle connects the rear of the spring to the frame bracket. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove front spring hanger bolt
   Remove the bolt securing the front eye of the leaf spring to the front hanger bracket on the frame. This bolt passes through the front bushing that will be replaced.
5. 5

   Remove leaf spring assembly
   Carefully remove the entire leaf spring assembly from the vehicle. The spring may be heavy, so control its descent. Place the spring on a workbench or stable surface for bushing replacement.
6. 6

   Press out front eye bushing
   Using a hydraulic press or leaf spring bushing tool, press the old bushing out of the front eye of the leaf spring. Apply pressure evenly to avoid damaging the spring eye. Clean the inside of the eye thoroughly with a wire brush, removing all rust and old bushing material.
   ⚠Ensure the spring is properly supported in the press to prevent it from shifting during bushing removal.
7. 7

   Install new front eye bushing
   Apply a light coating of silicone grease to the new bushing outer surface. Using the hydraulic press or bushing tool, press the new bushing into the front eye of the leaf spring. Ensure the bushing is centered and seated fully, with equal protrusion on both sides of the spring eye.
8. 8

   Replace rear shackle bushings
   Remove the old bushings from the shackle links using the press or bushing tool. Clean the shackle bores thoroughly. Press new bushings into both ends of each shackle link, ensuring they are fully seated and centered.
9. 9

   Reinstall leaf spring assembly
   Position the leaf spring assembly back into its mounting location. Insert the front hanger bolt through the frame bracket and new front bushing, but do not fully tighten yet. Install the rear shackle to the spring and frame bracket with new or cleaned bolts, but do not fully tighten.
10. 10

    Raise axle to leaf spring
    Use the floor jack to carefully raise the rear axle until it contacts the leaf spring in its normal position. Ensure the spring center bolt aligns with the hole in the axle spring pad.
11. 11

    Install U-bolts and spring plate
    Position the lower spring plate over the axle and align the U-bolt holes. Install the U-bolts through the spring plate and thread on the nuts. Tighten the U-bolt nuts in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque. If torque specification is not available in the database, tighten to manufacturer specification found in the service manual.
12. 12

    Torque all spring mounting hardware
    With the vehicle weight supported by the jack stands and the axle at ride height (supported by floor jack), torque the front hanger bolt and rear shackle bolts to manufacturer specifications. These fasteners must be torqued with the suspension at normal ride height to prevent bushing bind.
    ℹ️Leaf spring mounting bolts must be torqued at ride height. Consult factory service manual for specific torque values not listed in the database.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel
    Install the rear wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the full weight is not on the suspension.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final torque and lower vehicle
    Torque the wheel lug nuts to 169 Nm (125 ft-lb) in a star pattern. Remove the jack stands and fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Remove wheel chocks.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If replacing bushings on both sides, repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side
2. After the first 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all U-bolt and mounting bolt torque values
3. Inspect for any signs of oil leakage from the rear differential that may have been disturbed during the work

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check that the vehicle tracks straight and there is no pulling to either side
• Visually inspect all mounting points for proper alignment and secure hardware
• Verify there is no excessive play or movement in the leaf spring mounts
• Confirm the rear axle sits level and at the correct ride height

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