This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with RWD configuration, requiring spring compression and suspension disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left or right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Spring isolator pads (upper and lower) × 2 — Replace if worn or damaged

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 ground (do not remove)
4. Apply penetrating oil to rear shock bolts and spring mounting areas if corrosion is present
5. Verify spring compressor tool is in good working condition and properly rated for coil springs

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear differential or frame rail (consult owner's manual for jack points). Lift vehicle high enough to allow suspension to fully droop when wheels are removed. Place jack stands under frame rails on both sides, ensuring they are secure and evenly positioned. Lower vehicle onto jack stands. Leave floor jack under differential but not supporting weight.
2. 2

   Remove rear wheel
   Remove lug nuts completely and take off the rear wheel on the side where spring will be replaced. Store wheel clear of work area.
3. 3

   Support rear axle
   Position floor jack under the rear axle housing near the side being serviced, placing a block of wood between jack and axle to prevent damage. Raise jack just enough to make contact and provide minimal support without lifting the vehicle off jack stands. This prevents sudden dropping of axle when components are disconnected.
4. 4

   Disconnect lower shock absorber mounting
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt at the rear axle. Using appropriate socket, remove the lower shock mounting bolt. Push shock absorber up and out of the way to access spring. On some configurations, you may need to disconnect the sway bar link on this side for additional clearance.
   ⚠Support shock absorber to prevent it from hanging by brake lines or wiring harnesses.
5. 5

   Lower rear axle to release spring tension
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the rear axle. Monitor the coil spring as you lower - it will begin to extend as the suspension droops. Lower the axle just enough so the spring is loose and no longer compressed between the frame and axle mounts. Do NOT fully drop the axle as this may overextend brake lines or shock absorbers. The spring should have visible space at top and bottom mounts.
   ⚠️Lower axle slowly and watch for brake line and ABS sensor wire tension. Stop lowering if any lines become tight - you may need to disconnect additional components.
6. 6

   Install spring compressor
   With spring loose, install spring compressor tool following manufacturer's instructions. Position compressor hooks evenly on opposite sides of the spring, ensuring they engage securely on the coils. Verify hooks are not near the end coils where they could slip off. Tighten compressor gradually, alternating between sides to compress spring evenly. Compress spring enough to allow removal but not excessively - typically 3-4 inches of compression is sufficient.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor hooks are fully seated on coils before applying compression. Hooks slipping off during compression can cause violent spring release and severe injury.
7. 7

   Remove coil spring
   With spring safely compressed, carefully guide it out from between the upper spring seat on the frame and lower spring seat on the axle. It may be necessary to use a pry bar to gently maneuver the spring, but never place your hands in pinch points. Remove upper and lower spring isolator pads from the spring and inspect them for wear, cracks, or deterioration. Note the orientation of isolators and any directional markings on the spring for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting surfaces and prepare new spring
   Inspect upper and lower spring seats for rust, damage, or debris. Clean mounting surfaces with wire brush if necessary. Check that new spring matches the original in specifications. If replacing only one spring, verify it matches the opposite side. Install new or reused isolator pads onto the new spring in the same orientation as removed. If spring has directional markings or tapered ends, verify correct orientation before installation.
9. 9

   Install spring compressor on new spring
   Install spring compressor tool on the new spring following the same procedure as removal. Position hooks securely and evenly. Compress the new spring to approximately the same length as the old spring was compressed, ensuring adequate compression to fit between upper and lower mounts.
   ⚠️New springs may have different tension characteristics than worn springs. Compress carefully and ensure compressor is secure before handling.
10. 10

    Install new coil spring
    Carefully maneuver the compressed new spring into position between the upper frame mount and lower axle mount. Ensure spring isolator pads are properly seated in both upper and lower spring seats. Verify any directional orientation is correct. The spring should sit flush in both mounting pockets with isolators properly positioned.
11. 11

    Raise axle and release spring compressor
    Slowly raise the floor jack under the rear axle, watching the spring as it begins to compress naturally between the frame and axle. Continue raising until the axle reaches normal ride height position - suspension should be at approximately normal loaded geometry. Once spring is fully seated and compressed by suspension weight, carefully and slowly release the spring compressor tool. Alternate between sides when releasing to maintain even pressure. Once completely released, remove the compressor tool.
    ⚠️Release spring compressor slowly and evenly. Monitor spring position throughout release to ensure it remains properly seated in upper and lower mounts.
12. 12

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Guide lower shock absorber back into position at the lower mounting bracket on the axle. Install lower shock mounting bolt and tighten to specification. If sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it at this time and torque to specification.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the rear wheel onto the hub, threading lug nuts by hand to start. Using a torque wrench, tighten lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel.
    Torque spec

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

    Lower vehicle and final torque check
    Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to remove weight from jack stands. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle completely to ground. With vehicle weight on all wheels, perform final torque check on wheel lug nuts using star pattern. Rock vehicle side-to-side to settle suspension, then verify all fasteners are secure.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If replacing both rear springs, repeat entire procedure for opposite side
2. Verify ride height appears even side-to-side after both springs are installed
3. All suspension fasteners must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels at normal ride height for proper pre-load

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, listening for unusual noises or handling issues
• Verify vehicle tracks straight and does not pull to either side
• Check that rear ride height is appropriate and even from side to side
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts and verify all suspension components remain secure
• If replacing only one spring, monitor for uneven tire wear which may indicate ride height mismatch - professional alignment recommended
• Have vehicle alignment checked by professional service if handling seems abnormal or for optimal tire wear

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