This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear leaf spring shackle on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150, including proper support and torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear leaf spring shackle kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shackle bushings × 2 — Included in shackle kit or separate OEM bushings
• Shackle bolts and nuts × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and apply 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. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at approved lift points on frame
5. Support vehicle with jack stands under frame rails rated for vehicle weight
6. Remove rear wheel on side where shackle is being replaced
7. Position hydraulic jack under rear axle near leaf spring to support axle weight
8. Apply penetrating oil to shackle bolt threads and allow 15-30 minutes to penetrate

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position a hydraulic jack under the rear axle near the leaf spring being serviced. Raise the jack until it just contacts the axle but does not lift it. This will support the axle weight and prevent sudden movement when the shackle is removed. Ensure the jack is stable and on a solid portion of the axle housing.
2. 2

   Remove upper shackle bolt
   Locate the upper shackle bolt that connects the shackle to the frame bracket. Use a socket and ratchet on the bolt head while holding the nut with a wrench. Remove the nut completely, then drive out the bolt. If the bolt is seized, apply additional penetrating oil and use a hammer to tap the bolt while rotating. The shackle will still be held by the lower bolt.
3. 3

   Remove lower shackle bolt
   Locate the lower shackle bolt that connects the shackle to the rear eye of the leaf spring. Use a socket and ratchet on the bolt head while holding the nut with a wrench. Remove the nut completely. The leaf spring may shift slightly as tension is released - the hydraulic jack under the axle will control this movement. Drive out the bolt to free the shackle.
4. 4

   Remove old shackle and bushings
   With both bolts removed, pull the shackle away from the vehicle. Inspect the shackle for cracks, bending, or excessive wear. Remove the old bushings from the shackle eyes using a pry bar or press if they did not come out with the bolts. Clean the mounting areas on both the frame bracket and leaf spring eye with a wire brush to remove rust and debris.
5. 5

   Install new bushings
   Press or tap the new bushings into both eyes of the new shackle. Ensure bushings are fully seated and oriented correctly according to manufacturer instructions. Some bushings may have a specific inner sleeve orientation. Apply a light coating of lithium grease to the bushing outer surfaces to ease installation of the bolts.
6. 6

   Position new shackle
   Position the new shackle between the frame bracket and the rear leaf spring eye. Align the shackle so the bolt holes line up with both mounting points. You may need to use the hydraulic jack under the axle to raise or lower the axle slightly to align the holes. A pry bar can help align stubborn holes.
7. 7

   Install lower shackle bolt
   Insert the new lower shackle bolt through the leaf spring eye and shackle. Start the nut on the bolt threads and hand-tighten. Do not fully torque at this time - the suspension should be at ride height before final torquing. Ensure the bolt passes through both the spring eye and shackle bushings cleanly.
8. 8

   Install upper shackle bolt
   Insert the new upper shackle bolt through the frame bracket and shackle. Start the nut on the bolt threads and hand-tighten. Do not fully torque at this time. Verify that the shackle moves freely and is not binding. The shackle should pivot slightly on both bolts.
9. 9

   Load suspension to ride height
   Use the hydraulic jack under the axle to carefully raise the axle until the suspension is at approximately normal ride height. This simulates the vehicle weight on the suspension. The leaf spring should be relatively flat, not sagging or over-extended. This position is critical for proper torquing of suspension bolts.
10. 10

    Torque shackle bolts
    With the suspension loaded to ride height, torque both the upper and lower shackle bolts to the vehicle manufacturer's specification (typically 80-120 lb-ft for F-150 leaf spring shackles - consult service manual for exact specification as this value is not provided in the torque database). Hold the bolt head with one wrench while torquing the nut with a torque wrench. Torque both bolts to the same specification.
11. 11

    Lower axle and reinstall wheel
    Carefully lower the hydraulic jack from under the axle. Reinstall the rear wheel, threading the lug nuts by hand to start. Lower the vehicle so the tire just contacts the ground but the vehicle weight is still on the jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torque and lower vehicle
    Torque the wheel lug nuts to 156 Nm (115 lb-ft) in a star pattern while the vehicle is still supported by jack stands. Remove the jack stands and fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure proper seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all shackle hardware is torqued to specification with suspension at ride height
2. Verify shackle moves freely without binding or excessive play
3. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern
4. Remove all tools and equipment from under vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and listen for unusual noises from rear suspension
• Verify no clunking or rattling from shackle area during bumps or turns
• Perform visual inspection after 50-100 miles to ensure no hardware has loosened
• Check that vehicle sits level and ride height appears normal
• Inspect for any fluid leaks if brake lines or other components were disturbed during repair

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