This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front coil springs on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, requiring strut disassembly and the use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left and/or right as needed) × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent rated for F-150 weight
• Strut mount bearing assembly (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Bump stop (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Lift front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails behind front suspension
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Inspect spring compressor tool for damage or wear before use - do not use defective equipment
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and sway bar link nuts, allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the strut assembly. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut. Swing the link away from the strut or support with wire to prevent strain on the lower connection.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Support lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm, close to the ball joint area. Raise the jack just enough to take slight load off the suspension. This prevents the control arm from dropping suddenly when the strut is disconnected and maintains proper geometry for reassembly.
   ⚠The jack must remain in position throughout strut removal to control suspension movement. Do not over-compress - just light contact is needed.
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle. These are large bolts that pass through the knuckle and strut assembly. Remove both bolts completely. You may need to use a strut spreader tool or pry bar to separate the knuckle from the strut once bolts are removed.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts in the engine compartment. These are accessed from above, typically through an access hole or visible at the top of the strut tower. Remove all three nuts while supporting the strut assembly from below. Do not allow the strut to drop.
   ⚠Have an assistant support the strut from below or ensure it cannot fall when the last nut is removed.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully lower the floor jack supporting the control arm slightly to create clearance. Guide the strut assembly down and out from the wheel well. You may need to rotate or angle the assembly to clear brake lines, ABS sensors, and other components. Place the strut on a clean work surface.
6. 6

   Install spring compressor on coil spring
   With the strut assembly on a stable work surface, install the spring compressor according to the manufacturer's instructions. Position the compressor hooks evenly on opposite sides of the spring, ensuring they engage properly in the coils. The compressor must be balanced and secure before proceeding.
   ⚠️Verify the spring compressor is properly engaged and centered before applying any compression. Uneven compression or slippage can cause the spring to violently release.
7. 7

   Compress coil spring
   Gradually compress the coil spring by alternating between sides of the compressor (if using a two-piece design). Compress evenly and slowly until you can see the spring is no longer putting pressure on the strut mount. You should observe a gap between the spring and the upper mount seat. Continue compressing until the strut shaft can rotate freely.
   ⚠️Compress slowly and evenly. Never stand directly over or in line with the spring during compression. Watch for any signs of compressor slippage or uneven compression.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   Hold the strut shaft with an appropriate tool (some shafts have flats, others may require a special holding tool) and remove the center strut shaft nut using a strut mount socket or deep socket. Once the nut is removed, carefully lift off the upper mount assembly, bearing plate, and upper spring seat. Note the orientation and order of all components.
   ⚠Keep all mounting components in order as removed. The bearing and mount have specific orientations that must be maintained during reassembly.
9. 9

   Remove compressed spring from strut
   With the strut shaft nut removed, carefully remove the compressed spring with the spring compressor still attached. Inspect the spring isolators (rubber pads at top and bottom of spring) and bump stop. If the bump stop is torn, compressed, or damaged, replace it now.
   ⚠️Keep the spring compressor engaged and do not release spring tension yet. The spring is still under high tension.
10. 10

    Install new spring on compressor and compress
    Install the spring compressor on the new coil spring in the same manner as the original. Compress the new spring until it is the same compressed length as the old spring was, allowing clearance for installation on the strut shaft. Ensure compression is even and the compressor is secure.
11. 11

    Assemble strut with new spring
    Position the compressed new spring onto the strut body, ensuring the lower spring isolator is properly seated and the spring end sits correctly in the lower perch. Install the upper spring seat, bearing plate, and upper mount assembly in the correct order and orientation. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft by hand.
12. 12

    Torque strut shaft nut
    Hold the strut shaft to prevent rotation and torque the center nut to specification. Verify that the upper mount is properly seated and aligned before final tightening. The mount typically has alignment features or bolt holes that should face forward on the vehicle.
    ℹ️While no torque spec is provided in the database for the strut shaft nut, this is a critical fastener. Consult a Ford service manual or torque to manufacturer specification, typically 60-80 Nm for this application.
13. 13

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tension, allowing the spring to expand and seat fully against the upper and lower spring seats. Watch to ensure the spring seats properly in both perches as tension is released. Once fully released, remove the spring compressor from the spring.
    ⚠Release tension slowly and evenly. Verify the spring is seating correctly as you release. If the spring appears to be seating incorrectly, recompress and adjust.
14. 14

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the assembled strut into the wheel well, guiding the shaft through the strut tower opening. Align the upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. Thread the three strut tower nuts onto the studs by hand. Do not fully tighten yet.
15. 15

    Connect strut to steering knuckle
    Raise the floor jack under the lower control arm to bring the steering knuckle into alignment with the strut bracket. You may need to use a strut spreader or pry bar to open the knuckle clamp slightly. Align the bolt holes and install both strut-to-knuckle bolts. Hand-tighten initially.
16. 16

    Torque strut mounting fasteners
    Torque the three strut tower nuts to specification from inside the engine compartment. Then torque the two strut-to-knuckle bolts to specification. Follow proper tightening sequence if specified in service manual (typically tighten evenly in a cross pattern).
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Reconnect sway bar link to strut
    Swing the sway bar link back into position and align with the strut mounting point. Install the nut and hold the link shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
18. 18

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and thread all lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Then lower the vehicle completely to the ground and remove the jack.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
19. 19

    Final torque control arm bolts with vehicle loaded
    With the vehicle on the ground and suspension at normal ride height, verify that control arm bolts are torqued to specification. The torque specification notes indicate these must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels. Check your service manual to confirm which control arm bolts require this procedure.
    ℹ️Some suspension bushings must be torqued at ride height to prevent premature wear. Verify all applicable fasteners are properly torqued.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side to replace both front springs
2. Even if only one spring is damaged, Ford recommends replacing springs in pairs to maintain balanced handling
3. Inspect all removed fasteners for damage or corrosion and replace as needed
4. Clean all mounting surfaces and threads before reassembly

Verification

• Bounce each front corner of the vehicle several times and verify the suspension returns smoothly without noise
• Verify no rattling or clunking from the front suspension when bouncing the vehicle
• Check that the vehicle sits level from side to side - uneven height may indicate improper spring installation
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal handling with no pulling or unusual noises
• After 50-100 miles, re-check all torqued fasteners for proper torque retention
• Have a professional alignment performed immediately after completion - spring replacement affects wheel alignment

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