Coil Springs - Rear Pair

This procedure replaces both rear coil springs on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, requiring suspension disassembly and use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Spring isolator pads (upper and lower) × 4 — Replace if worn or cracked

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely on both sides
3. Apply penetrating oil to all rear suspension fasteners including shock bolts, sway bar links, and axle mounting points
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame rails with jack stands rated for vehicle weight, leaving rear axle unsupported
6. Remove both rear wheels completely
7. Inspect spring compressor tool to ensure all threads are clean and mechanism operates smoothly

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle differential housing. Raise jack just enough to make light contact and support the axle weight, but do not lift the vehicle. This keeps the suspension at ride height while you work.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear sway bar links
   On both sides, locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the axle. Use an Allen key to hold the link shaft stationary while removing the lower nut with a wrench. Disconnect the link from the axle bracket. This provides clearance for axle movement.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect rear shock absorbers
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt on each side where the shock connects to the axle bracket. Remove both lower shock mounting bolts and allow shocks to hang freely. Do not disconnect the upper mounts.
   ⚠Support the shock body to prevent it from falling when the lower bolt is removed.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lower axle to release spring tension (first side)
   Working on one side at a time, slowly lower the floor jack to allow the rear axle to drop. Lower it just enough that the coil spring becomes loose and tension is released. The spring should have visible gap between the upper and lower seats. Keep the jack positioned to prevent the axle from dropping too far.
   ⚠️Lower the axle slowly and in a controlled manner. The axle is heavy and can drop suddenly if not controlled.
5. 5

   Remove spring and isolators (first side)
   Remove the coil spring from between the upper frame pocket and lower axle seat. Note the orientation of the spring and any directional indicators. Remove the upper and lower rubber isolator pads from the spring seats. Inspect isolators for damage; replace if cracked, torn, or compressed.
6. 6

   Install new spring isolators (first side)
   Clean the upper frame spring pocket and lower axle spring seat with a wire brush. Install new upper isolator into the frame pocket and new lower isolator onto the axle seat, ensuring they are properly seated and aligned.
7. 7

   Install new coil spring (first side)
   If the spring has directional markings or a specific top/bottom orientation, verify correct positioning. Place the new coil spring between the upper and lower seats, ensuring the spring ends are properly located in the isolator pockets. The spring tail must align with the reference marks on the seats.
   ⚠Coil springs often have a specific orientation with the tightly wound coils at one end. Verify the installation direction matches the original spring before proceeding.
8. 8

   Raise axle to seat spring (first side)
   Carefully raise the floor jack to lift the axle assembly. As you raise it, guide the coil spring to ensure it seats properly in both the upper frame pocket and lower axle seat. Continue raising until the axle reaches normal ride height and the spring is fully compressed and seated.
9. 9

   Repeat spring replacement on opposite side
   Repeat steps 4 through 8 for the opposite side rear spring. Lower the axle on the second side, remove the old spring and isolators, install new isolators, install the new spring with correct orientation, and raise the axle to seat the spring.
10. 10

    Reconnect rear shock absorbers
    With the axle at ride height, align the lower shock mounting holes with the axle brackets on both sides. Install the lower shock bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure washers are in place if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar links
    Connect the sway bar end links to the axle brackets on both sides. Install the lower nuts and tighten to specification while holding the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Remove the floor jack from under the axle. Raise the vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then lower the vehicle completely to the ground.
13. 13

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle on the ground, torque all rear wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Perform a final torque check to ensure all lug nuts are properly tightened.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to specification with the vehicle at normal ride height
2. Verify both coil springs are fully seated in their upper and lower pockets with no gaps
3. Check that shock absorbers are properly attached at both upper and lower mounts
4. Ensure sway bar links move freely without binding

Verification

• Measure rear ride height on both sides from ground to fender arch; measurements should be equal within 10mm
• Bounce the rear of the vehicle several times and listen for any unusual noises indicating improperly seated springs
• Perform a test drive at low speed and verify the vehicle tracks straight with no pulling to either side
• Verify no rattling or clunking noises from the rear suspension over bumps
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after driving 50-100 miles
• Have alignment checked by a professional if vehicle pulls or steering wheel is off-center

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