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10forty2's avatar
10forty2
Explorer
Mar 10, 2016

Leaf Springs

Anybody undertaken the job themselves to replace leaf springs on their F53 chassis? Considering doing the job myself since I can't seem to get a truck shop to call me back. Is it a driveway job or am I looking at a death wish?

15 Replies

  • I think it's a drive doable project but start hitting all the fasteners now with something to help loosen the corrosion and start collect the needed tools. Suspect you'll need a deep well socket (8 point is best for this) for the U bolts at the axles and something that is probably bigger then what you might have for the end bolts. 12 ton jacks stands also and a jack. You'll need to more or less take the coach weight off the springs but also support the axle so there's no load on the spring.

    I would also source new hardware just in case and replace the bushings in the end roll of the springs while you have them off.
  • If you decide to do the leaf spring job yourself, make sure and clean all the exposed threads with a wire brush before you un-do things. Some times a torch is handy to loosen those old rusty nuts. A sturdy break over bar and a piece of pipe are almost necessary to break the nuts loose. Then a impact wrench to spin the nuts off.

    Richard
  • I replace mine many years ago on a dodge chassis. Jack it up and hung the axle then disconnect one side at a time and build it back up. Took it to the alignment shop. Not that hard. Cost was two match springs and alignment. Time one day, the best I remember.
  • If I needed spring repairs I would seek out a spring shop. These shops can take steel spring stock and cut springs as needed. They know springs!
  • Re-arching springs is pretty common and most major cities have a shop that will do the work of removing, re-arching and re-installing.

    It's worth looking for a shop.