changing leaf springs

[FX4Boat]

changing the leaf springs and mounting brackets.

the mounting brackets seem to be riveted on. my first thought for getting it off was to just grind them down then use the ol persuasion stick. wondering if theres a better/cleaner way to get them off?

 

[Jazzer]

No, you got it, grind the rivet down to the frame, then use a heavy punch and hammer to knock the remaining bit through.

 

[FX4Boat]

No, you got it, grind the rivet down to the frame, then use a heavy punch and hammer to knock the remaining bit through.

okay sick, thanks.

 

[bobbywalter]

Google Search

 

[bobbywalter]

with a big air chisel and grinder its cake.....filthy cake....but its not bad.

 

[pjtoledo]

I hope you're talking about the rear spring hangers because the front ones also fasten the 2 frame sections and cross member together.

the rears aren't that bad, they can be done with the bed on. you'll need face, head, and ear protection.

 

[FX4Boat]

I hope you're talking about the rear spring hangers because the front ones also fasten the 2 frame sections and cross member together.

the rears aren't that bad, they can be done with the bed on. you'll need face, head, and ear protection.

yeah its the rear

 

[sgtsandman]

The others pretty much covered it. As far as the springs and shackels, expect to be needing to cut the bolts in order to get the parts separated and removed. The front bolts usually come out pretty easily but the rears get all the wheel splash and tend to rust lock in the spring bushings. The passenger side is more "entertaining" that the driver side because of the exhaust being right there.

 

[Jazzer]

Use Grade 8 nuts and bolts to mount the new hangers.

 

[SenorNoob]

I gave up taking things apart normally and changed all 4 brackets and shackles when I changed springs the 1st time on my truck.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I’ve drilled rivets out, ground them out, burned them out with a torch… even beat them off with a cold chisel and 4# sledge. I prefer the chisel and sledge or the torch these days. Use 7/16” grade 8 hardware, or I often ream out and go to 1/2” grade 8 hardware. On a 2010, there is a two piece frame joined at the front leaf spring hanger, but there are 4 rivets for the hanger and frame plus 4 rivets just for the frame, so changing the hanger doesn’t affect the frame.