This procedure replaces the front coil springs on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8, requiring suspension disassembly and use of a spring compressor to safely remove and install coil springs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty aftermarket
• Front coil spring - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty aftermarket
• Ball joint cotter pin × 2 — Standard size for F-150
• Strut mount bearing assembly (if worn) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and chock rear wheels securely
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
3. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands positioned on frame rails behind the front suspension crossmember
4. Remove both front wheels completely
5. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes
6. Take photos of sway bar link orientation and suspension alignment for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar links from struts
   Locate the sway bar end links connecting the sway bar to the strut assemblies. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft inside the link while loosening the upper nut with a wrench. Remove the upper nut completely and disconnect the link from the strut. Repeat for both sides.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts and carefully hang the caliper from the frame using wire or a bungee cord - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Slide the brake rotor off the hub. This provides clearance to access the lower ball joint and prevents damage to brake components.
   ⚠Never let the brake caliper hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.
3. 3

   Disconnect lower ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut. Loosen but do not fully remove the castle nut (leave it threaded a few turns to protect threads). Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to break the taper between the ball joint stud and steering knuckle. Once separated, remove the nut completely and lower the control arm away from the knuckle.
   ⚠The control arm will drop suddenly when the ball joint separates. Keep hands and feet clear and support the knuckle assembly.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. Support the knuckle and hub assembly with one hand or have a helper hold it. Remove both bolts completely. The knuckle assembly is now free and can be moved aside - secure it with wire to prevent strain on brake hoses and ABS wiring.
   ⚠The knuckle assembly is heavy. Support it to prevent damage to CV axle, brake lines, and ABS wiring.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower in the engine bay. Remove any plastic covers or components blocking access to the three strut tower mounting nuts. On the passenger side, you may need to remove the battery or air intake components for better access.
   ℹ️The passenger side may require battery removal for adequate access depending on your F-150 configuration.
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   While supporting the strut assembly from below (use a transmission jack or have a helper hold it), remove the three strut tower mounting nuts. Carefully lower the entire strut and spring assembly out through the bottom of the wheel well. Repeat the entire process for the second side.
   ⚠️The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Use proper lifting technique or mechanical assistance to avoid injury.
   Torque spec

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

   Compress coil spring safely
   Place the strut assembly on a stable work surface. Install the coil spring compressor following the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring the compressor hooks engage at least 3 coils and are positioned opposite each other (180 degrees apart). Tighten the compressor evenly and alternately on both sides until the spring is compressed enough that the upper strut mount is no longer under tension. Verify the spring is secure before proceeding.
   ⚠️This is the most dangerous step. Ensure the spring compressor is properly installed and the spring is evenly compressed. Never place your face or body directly over the compressed spring.
8. 8

   Disassemble strut assembly
   Hold the strut shaft with a wrench or impact socket while removing the top center nut. Carefully remove the upper strut mount, bearing plate, and insulator. Keep all components in order. Remove the compressed spring from the strut - keep the spring compressor installed and secure.
   ⚠️Keep the spring compressor fully engaged throughout this step. The spring is still under significant tension.
9. 9

   Transfer spring compressor to new spring
   Inspect the old spring for the correct orientation markings or paint marks indicating top/bottom. Note the position of any rubber isolators or spring seats. Carefully transfer the spring compressor to the new spring, compressing it to approximately the same length as the old spring. Install any rubber isolators or seats in the same orientation as the original.
   ⚠New springs may have different free length than worn springs. Compress the new spring until it matches the compressed length of the old spring before installation.
10. 10

    Reassemble strut with new spring
    Slide the compressed new spring onto the strut body in the correct orientation. Install the upper insulator, bearing plate, and strut mount in the reverse order of removal. Thread the top center nut onto the strut shaft and tighten securely while holding the shaft. Once the mount is secure, carefully and evenly release the spring compressor tension, verifying the spring seats properly in the upper and lower perches.
    ⚠️Release spring compressor tension slowly and evenly. If the spring does not seat properly, re-compress and adjust positioning.
11. 11

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the completed strut assembly into position through the wheel well, aligning the studs with the strut tower holes. Install the three strut tower nuts and tighten to specification. Support the bottom of the strut and align it with the steering knuckle mounting location. Repeat for the second side.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect strut to knuckle
    Position the steering knuckle assembly back onto the strut mounting ears. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure the knuckle is properly seated before final torquing.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect lower ball joint
    Raise the lower control arm to align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud, bending the ends to secure. Repeat for both sides.
    ⚠Always use a new cotter pin. Never reuse the old cotter pin or substitute with wire.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall brake components and sway bar links
    Reinstall the brake rotor onto the hub. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and install the caliper mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect the sway bar end links to the struts, holding the shaft with an Allen key while tightening the nuts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheels and perform final torque
    Install both front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Fully lower the vehicle and perform a final torque check on all lug nuts.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All torque specifications must be verified with a calibrated torque wrench
2. Control arm bolts, if loosened, must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels - drive vehicle forward and backward 10 feet before final torquing
3. Inspect brake hose and ABS wiring routing to ensure nothing is pinched or stretched
4. Verify all fasteners are installed and properly tightened before test drive

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection of all reinstalled components, verifying nothing was left disconnected
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for unusual noises from the suspension
• Check for proper steering return to center and no pulling to one side
• Have a professional alignment performed immediately - new springs will change ride height and suspension geometry
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50 miles of driving
• Inspect strut tower area from engine bay for any signs of movement or looseness

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