This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front coil springs on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8. The job requires compressing and safely handling loaded suspension springs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (per side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty aftermarket
• Ball joint cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing/isolator (inspect and replace if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar link (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking point
5. Support vehicle on jack stands placed under frame rails behind lower control arms
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15 minutes
8. Photograph spring orientation and position for reference during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from lower control arm
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the lower control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft while loosening the lower nut with a socket. Remove the nut completely and separate the link from the control arm. This allows additional suspension droop.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt that passes through the lower control arm. Support the lower control arm with a floor jack positioned just inboard of the ball joint. Remove the lower shock mounting bolt completely. The shock will remain attached at the top.
   ⚠Support the lower control arm before removing the shock bolt to prevent sudden dropping of the suspension.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate ball joint from steering knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut. Loosen but do not fully remove the ball joint nut (leave it threaded on 2-3 turns for safety). Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to break the taper between the ball joint stud and knuckle. Once separated, remove the nut completely.
   ⚠️Leave the nut partially threaded until the taper is broken to prevent the control arm from dropping suddenly when the joint separates.
   Torque spec

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

   Lower control arm and access spring
   Slowly lower the floor jack supporting the lower control arm. The control arm will pivot downward as the ball joint is now disconnected. Lower it until the coil spring is fully extended and loose. The spring will still be captured between the upper spring seat and lower control arm spring pocket.
   ⚠Lower the control arm slowly and maintain control. Ensure brake hose and ABS sensor wire have sufficient slack and are not being pulled tight.
5. 5

   Install spring compressor
   Install the coil spring compressor according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring the hooks are properly seated in the coils. Install compressor assemblies on opposite sides (180 degrees apart) of the spring. Verify that compressor hooks are fully engaged with the coil windings and cannot slip off.
   ⚠️Use only heavy-duty coil spring compressors rated for truck springs. Automotive spring compressors may not be adequate for F-150 springs. Ensure hooks are fully seated in coils before applying any compression force.
6. 6

   Compress coil spring
   Alternately tighten both spring compressor assemblies gradually, compressing the spring evenly. Continue compressing until the spring is loose in its mounting position and can be removed. The spring should compress approximately 3-4 inches. Check frequently that compressor hooks remain properly seated.
   ⚠️Compress the spring gradually and evenly. Never fully compress one side before the other. Keep your body and face away from the line of force if the compressor were to slip.
7. 7

   Remove compressed spring assembly
   With the spring fully compressed and loose, carefully maneuver it out from between the upper spring seat and lower control arm spring pocket. The upper spring isolator may come out with the spring or remain in the upper pocket. Keep the spring compressors installed and maintain compression.
   ⚠The compressed spring is heavy (approximately 30-40 lbs). Use proper lifting technique and have an assistant help if needed.
8. 8

   Transfer spring compressors to new spring
   Place the compressed old spring in a safe location. Inspect the upper spring isolator for damage and replace if cracked or compressed. Install spring compressors on the new spring in the same orientation as the old spring. Compress the new spring to the same length as the old spring was when removed.
   ⚠️Do not release compression on the old spring until the new spring is installed in the vehicle. Keep the old compressed spring in a safe area away from the work zone.
9. 9

   Install new spring assembly
   Ensure the upper spring isolator is properly positioned in the upper spring seat pocket. Carefully position the compressed new spring between the upper seat and lower control arm spring pocket. Verify the spring end is properly seated in the lower control arm spring pocket and aligned with the orientation marks from disassembly.
   ⚠Verify spring orientation matches the original installation. The spring end must seat properly in the formed pocket of the lower control arm.
10. 10

    Raise control arm and reconnect ball joint
    Use the floor jack to raise the lower control arm, compressing the new spring. Align the ball joint stud with the steering knuckle hole. Insert the stud through the knuckle and install the ball joint nut. Tighten to specification and install a new cotter pin through the castle nut.
    ⚠Ensure the ball joint stud threads are clean and undamaged. The stud must fully seat in the knuckle taper before torquing the nut.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Release spring compressors
    With the control arm raised and ball joint connected, gradually and evenly release tension on both spring compressor assemblies. Alternate between compressors, loosening each a few turns at a time. Once all tension is released and the spring is fully supporting the suspension, remove the compressor tools completely.
    ⚠️Release spring compressors slowly and evenly. If the spring shifts or binds, stop and verify proper seating before continuing.
12. 12

    Reinstall shock absorber lower bolt
    With the suspension at normal ride height (control arm raised by jack), align the shock absorber lower mounting eye with the hole in the lower control arm. Insert the mounting bolt and tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Align the sway bar link with the lower control arm mounting point. Insert the stud through the control arm and install the nut. Hold the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final torque check with vehicle weight on suspension
    With the vehicle on the ground at normal ride height, re-verify all torque specifications. Bounce the front suspension several times to settle the components. Check that the ball joint cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent removal.
    ℹ️Control arm bolts specifically require torquing at ride height. This step verifies all fasteners after suspension has settled.

Reassembly

1. Repeat all steps for the opposite side if replacing both springs
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Ensure new cotter pin is properly installed and bent on ball joint
4. Check that brake hoses and ABS sensor wires are not pulled tight or kinked
5. Remove all tools and spring compressors from work area

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises from front suspension
• Check that vehicle sits level side-to-side with new springs installed
• Verify steering operates normally and returns to center properly
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Schedule a professional alignment within one week, as spring replacement affects camber and ride height
• Inspect all fasteners for proper torque after first 100 miles

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