TIPS: on replacing leave bracket & shackle

[Todd~Rod]

So i was on my way home from camp today and i heard a noise and my truck was riding funny and making noise when i hit bumps. I pulled over and look at my leave spring because thats what i figured it was and sure enough my front bracket and shackle had broken.

Any way does anyone have any tips or advice in replacing it. I know the old rivets have to be blown or punched out but i noticed that the fuel tank is right inside the frame where the new bolts will go. Do i have to drop the tank??

 

[Sunk]

Even if you don't need to, it'd be a good idea to drop the tank to get access to the inside of the frame. Plus, depending how you remove the hanger, you don't want sparks right there.

It's easier to remove the bed though. Just six T-50 bolts and a couple plugs by the taillights. You'll need at least one other body to lift if off though.

 

[Todd~Rod]

Yeah that is a good idea. Plus I'll get a better look at the other brackets and shackles to see if they need replaced. Or any thing else under the bed. The only down fall is that i have a cap on my bed and a bed liner i gotta rip out. I'm gonna take a look at it when i get the parts in and figure it out.

Basically just wanted to see if any one had replaced their shackle and bracket on the front drivers side of there rear suspension??

 

[colinrmitchell]

I didn't have to replace the front hangers, but both of my rear shackles and hangers were rusted out and broken. It seems to be a pretty common problem, I've noticed. Anyways, just take an angle grinder to the rivets' heads, they come out easy with a punch and hammer. If the rear shackles/hangers look pretty bad, I'd replace them, too. They're good at going at just the right (wrong) time.

I've never had to take my gas tank off, but I'd imagine it'd be necessary for replacing the front hangers. Especially with sparks from a grinder.

Good luck!

 

[metalmacguyver]

Even if you don't need to, it'd be a good idea to drop the tank to get access to the inside of the frame. Plus, depending how you remove the hanger, you don't want sparks right there.

It's easier to remove the bed though. Just six T-50 bolts and a couple plugs by the taillights. You'll need at least one other body to lift if off though.

Those are T55 bolts.

 

[Sunk]

I don't remember what I used when I replaced one of my bolts, but apparently they are T50.

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19819

 

[4x4junkie]

It'll be a T-55 for sure on your '96.

 

[Kona]

4x4Junkie, you are funny, I like the way you settle discussions.

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

Ya know... for some reason I think it's a T-55

Hats off to you 4x4Junkie,Your such a badass.

 

[AllanD]

For anyone who's ever had a 2.9 or 4.0 apart you use the same T-55 to remove the head bolts.

Replacing shackels or leaf spring brackets?

Personally I'd remove pull the bed AND drop the fuel tank.

As for bolts to mount the "new" leaf spring bracket?
Personally I'd go with 5/8" fine thread bolts in that location.

for virtually every rivet on the frame drilling the hole to accept a 1/2" bolt is
adequate, but for the front leaf spring mounts I strongly recommend 5/8"

For the REAR shackle brackets? 7/16" will work fine.

If one rotted out I'd look real close at all the others and at the condition of the frame.

AD

 

[Todd~Rod]

I used the same T-55 socket as pictured above and twisted the teeth on it trying to loosen the front bolts toward the cab, so i had to go get another one. i called the ford garage today to get a price on the bed bolts $10.16+tax a piece damn thats steep. luckily i was able to break it loose with the new socket and used the impact gun to take it the rest of the way out. I am just going to clean the used bolts up and put em back in. 5/8 bolts are what i got to replace the rivets hopefully there not a pain to grind off. just waiting for my cousin to help me lift the bed off and drop the tank. I plan on cleaning up the frame and any other rusty parts that may need some TLC. Thanks for the help and info guys

 

[jdc215]

i helped a friend do all brackets springs and shackles on the rear of his 95 f-150. we didn;t remove the bed, or gas tank. just filled tank to the top (won't explode when full, i've actually seen mounts welded on a full gas tank, but i'm not that brave/stupid) and put THICK heat shield between the gas thank and the rivets i hot wrenched off. no problems just don't overtighten and break new bracket bolts with a impact wrench. they will twist the bolts right off. good luck. and congratualtions if you already completed.