Replace worn or damaged rear leaf spring shackles and bushings to restore proper suspension function and eliminate clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear leaf spring shackle kit (left or right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shackle bushings (if not included in kit) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Shackle bolts and nuts × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Spray penetrating oil on all shackle bolt threads and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes if bolts show corrosion
4. Gather all tools and new parts within reach of work area

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear axle differential. Place jack stands under the frame rails behind the cab, then lower the vehicle onto the stands. The rear axle should hang freely with slight tension on the leaf springs. Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced.
2. 2

   Support the rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing near the side being serviced. Raise the jack just enough to make light contact and support the axle weight, but do not lift it. This prevents the axle from dropping excessively when the shackle is removed and makes reinstallation easier.
3. 3

   Remove lower shackle bolt
   Locate the lower shackle bolt that connects the shackle to the rear of the leaf spring. Using an 18mm socket and breaker bar, remove the nut from the bolt while holding the bolt head with another wrench. Remove the bolt completely. The shackle may now pivot freely at the upper mount point.
   ⚠If bolt is severely corroded and breaks, you may need to drill out the remaining portion and use a thread repair kit on the frame mount.
4. 4

   Remove upper shackle bolt
   Locate the upper shackle bolt that connects the shackle to the frame bracket. Remove the nut using an 18mm socket and remove the bolt. The shackle assembly can now be removed from the vehicle. Note the orientation of the shackle and any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean mounting points
   Inspect the frame bracket and leaf spring eye for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. Use a wire brush to clean the bolt holes in both the frame bracket and leaf spring eye. Remove any rust, dirt, or old bushing material. Check that the new shackle bushings fit properly in the shackle plates.
6. 6

   Install new shackle to frame bracket
   Position the new shackle assembly at the frame bracket with bushings installed. Insert the upper shackle bolt through the frame bracket and shackle. Install the nut hand-tight only at this stage. Ensure the shackle can pivot freely and is oriented correctly to align with the leaf spring eye.
7. 7

   Connect shackle to leaf spring
   Align the lower portion of the shackle with the rear eye of the leaf spring. You may need to use the floor jack to slightly raise or lower the axle to align the holes. Insert the lower shackle bolt through the shackle and leaf spring eye. Install the nut hand-tight. Verify both upper and lower bolts move freely.
8. 8

   Torque shackle bolts
   With both shackle bolts installed and the vehicle weight still on jack stands, torque both the upper and lower shackle bolt nuts to 96-118 lb-ft (130-160 Nm) per Ford specification. Hold the bolt head with a wrench while torquing the nut. The shackle should still be able to pivot with moderate resistance from the new bushings.
   ℹ️Leaf spring suspension fasteners on F-150 are typically torqued with suspension at ride height, but shackle bolts are torqued with weight off wheels per Ford procedure.
9. 9

   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 the jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Remove the floor jack from under the axle.
10. 10

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle on the ground, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If replacing shackles on both sides, repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side
2. Do not exceed the specified torque values as this can damage the new bushings
3. Verify that no tools or parts were left under the vehicle before test driving

Verification

• Bounce the rear of the truck and listen for any clunking or rattling from the shackle area
• Perform a test drive over bumps at low speed to verify the shackle is functioning quietly
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check shackle bolt torque to ensure nuts have not loosened
• Visually inspect for proper shackle movement and alignment with no binding

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