This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear leaf springs on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 RWD with 5.0L V8 engine, including disconnection of shackles, u-bolts, and spring mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear leaf spring assembly (driver or passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• U-bolt kit with nuts and washers × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Leaf spring bushings (front and rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shackle bolts and nuts × 1 — Use OEM specification or reuse if in good condition

Preparation

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

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle and remove u-bolts
   Raise the hydraulic jack until it just contacts the rear axle housing near the leaf spring being replaced. The axle should be slightly supported but not lifting the frame off the jack stands. Remove the four u-bolt nuts (two u-bolts with two nuts each) securing the leaf spring to the axle housing. Remove the u-bolts and lower spring plate.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear shackle
   Locate the rear shackle assembly connecting the back of the leaf spring to the frame bracket. Remove the nut and bolt securing the shackle to the leaf spring eye. You may need to support the spring with your hand or a second jack to prevent binding. The shackle will remain attached to the frame.
3. 3

   Remove front spring mounting bolt
   Move to the front of the leaf spring where it mounts to the front spring hanger bracket on the frame. Remove the nut and bolt securing the front eye of the leaf spring to the hanger. This is typically an 18mm or 21mm bolt. The spring may drop slightly when this bolt is removed.
4. 4

   Remove leaf spring assembly
   With both ends disconnected from the frame and the u-bolts removed, carefully lower and remove the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle. The spring is heavy and awkward, so support it properly during removal. If the spring binds, slightly adjust the position of the rear axle jack to relieve pressure.
5. 5

   Inspect and replace bushings
   Inspect the spring eye bushings (front and rear) and the shackle bushings. If worn, cracked, or deteriorated, press out old bushings and press in new ones using a hydraulic press or appropriate bushing tool. Clean all mounting surfaces on the frame brackets with a wire brush.
6. 6

   Install new leaf spring assembly
   Position the new or serviced leaf spring assembly into place. Align the front eye with the front hanger bracket and insert the front mounting bolt. Do not fully tighten yet - install the nut finger-tight to allow for movement during alignment.
7. 7

   Connect rear shackle
   Align the rear eye of the leaf spring with the shackle assembly. You may need to use a pry bar or adjust the axle jack height to align the holes. Insert the shackle bolt and install the nut finger-tight. Ensure the shackle moves freely.
8. 8

   Install u-bolts and spring plate
   Raise the rear axle with the hydraulic jack until the spring seats properly against the axle spring pad. Position the spring plate over the axle housing and install new u-bolts. Thread nuts onto u-bolts and tighten in a criss-cross pattern gradually to ensure even seating. Torque u-bolt nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 120-140 Nm / 89-103 lb-ft for F-150, though this specific torque is not in the provided list - tighten securely in criss-cross pattern).
9. 9

   Torque spring mounting bolts with weight on suspension
   With the axle properly seated against the leaf spring, remove jack stands and lower the vehicle until full weight is on the suspension but wheels are still off the ground. This simulates ride height. Now torque the front spring eye bolt and rear shackle bolt to manufacturer specifications (typically 140-170 Nm / 103-125 lb-ft, though this specific torque is not in the provided list - tighten securely).
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Always torque suspension fasteners with vehicle weight on the suspension to prevent premature bushing failure
2. If replacing both rear leaf springs, repeat the entire procedure on the opposite side
3. Inspect all brake lines and ABS sensor wiring for damage during reassembly

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and listen for unusual noises or clunking from rear suspension
• Verify vehicle sits level side-to-side when parked on flat surface
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after driving 50-100 miles
• Inspect all leaf spring mounting hardware for proper torque and no looseness after initial test drive
• Check for proper rear axle alignment - have alignment checked if vehicle pulls to one side

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