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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear leaf spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Leaf spring bushings × 2 — Usually included with spring assembly
• U-bolt nuts × 4 — Replace if corroded
• Shackle bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Spray all leaf spring mounting bolts, U-bolts, and shackle hardware with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear differential. Place jack stands under the frame rails behind the cab, ensuring they are on solid frame mounting points. Lower vehicle onto jack stands. Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced.
2. 2

   Support rear axle
   Position a hydraulic jack under the rear axle housing near the leaf spring being replaced. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle and provides light support. The axle must be supported independently throughout this procedure to control its movement.
   ⚠️The axle must remain supported at all times to prevent sudden dropping which could cause injury or damage.
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting
   Locate the rear shock absorber lower mounting bolt where it attaches to the axle bracket. Remove the lower shock mounting bolt and nut. Push the shock upward out of the way and secure with wire or bungee cord to prevent it from hanging.
4. 4

   Remove U-bolt nuts
   Locate the two U-bolts that secure the leaf spring to the axle housing. Remove all four nuts from the U-bolts. Remove the U-bolt retainer plate. Carefully remove both U-bolts by pulling them down and out from around the axle housing.
   ⚠Keep track of spacer blocks or insulators between the spring and axle. These must be reinstalled in the same orientation.
5. 5

   Remove rear shackle
   At the rear of the leaf spring, locate the shackle assembly connecting the spring to the frame. Remove the bolt securing the shackle to the spring eye. Then remove the bolt securing the shackle to the frame bracket. Remove the shackle assembly.
6. 6

   Remove front spring eye bolt
   At the front of the leaf spring, remove the bolt that passes through the spring eye and frame bracket. You may need to use a pry bar to apply light pressure on the spring to align the bolt for removal. Support the spring as you remove this bolt.
   ⚠The spring will become free once this bolt is removed. Ensure you are supporting it to prevent it from falling.
7. 7

   Remove leaf spring assembly
   With all mounting points disconnected, carefully lower and remove the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle. Inspect all mounting brackets on the frame for damage or excessive wear.
8. 8

   Install new leaf spring
   Position the new leaf spring assembly into place. Insert the front spring eye bolt through the frame bracket and spring eye, but do not fully tighten yet. Install the bolt and nut finger-tight only at this stage.
9. 9

   Install rear shackle
   Install the shackle to the rear spring eye with the appropriate bolt, then connect the upper end of the shackle to the frame bracket. Install bolts and nuts finger-tight only. Ensure shackle moves freely.
10. 10

    Position axle and install U-bolts
    Using the hydraulic jack, carefully raise the axle to align with the leaf spring. Ensure any spring insulators or spacer blocks are properly positioned between the spring and axle. Install both U-bolts over the axle housing and through the spring. Place the retainer plate on top and thread all four nuts onto the U-bolts. Torque the U-bolt nuts in a criss-cross pattern to manufacturer specification (typically 100-120 lb-ft, though not in provided torque list).
11. 11

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Lower the shock absorber back into position and align with the lower mounting bracket on the axle. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and nut and tighten to specification.
12. 12

    Final torque spring mounting bolts
    With the vehicle still on jack stands, raise the hydraulic jack under the axle to simulate normal ride height (the suspension should be at approximately normal extension). Torque the front spring eye bolt and rear shackle bolts to manufacturer specification (typically 85-120 lb-ft for spring eye bolts, though not in provided torque list). Spring mounting fasteners must be torqued at ride height to prevent bushing bind.
    ⚠Failure to torque leaf spring bolts at ride height will cause premature bushing failure and binding.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to remove jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and no tools or parts are left under the vehicle
2. If replacing both springs, repeat entire procedure for opposite side
3. Apply anti-seize compound to threads of shackle bolts and spring eye bolts for future service

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or handling issues
• After 50-100 miles, re-check all U-bolt nuts and spring mounting bolts for proper torque
• Visually inspect for proper spring alignment and ensure shackles move freely through suspension travel
• Check ride height is equal side-to-side and matches factory specifications

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