Rear leaf spring mount

[dmassey]

Anybody had a problem with the front leaf spring mount on the rear leaf spring rusting out and breaking? Mine just did. Fortunately I found replacements at the local Advance Auto - at least online -. I'll give them a call tomorrow and make sure they can actually still get them. Just wondering if anyone has had this to happen. Mine is a 94.
Thanks.
Danny

 

[chrwilkins30]

Pretty common problem. While your under there check The rear mounts and shackles because they are prob not to far behind from braking.

 

[cvar]

Yeah, both front and rear hangers were bad, but my shackles were even worse.

For photos click on this: http://imgur.com/a/WpQR8

Those parts are readily available. I got mine from ATS Springs http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/

 

[Mike W]

Recently did this job - replaced the mounts and shackles. I got the replacement parts from Parts Geek. You'll need some air tools: a die grinder, cut off wheel, and air chisel to cut off the rivets of the old mounts and to pry those babies free. It's easier if you take the bed off and remove the gas tank. I did not; so it's still doable. I used the cut off wheel to make several close straight cuts (about 4 lines) across the head of the rivet. Then I used the air chisel (flat blade) to take off the rivet head. The die grinder cleaned up any of the head that was left. Then I used the air chisel with a pointed bit to knock out the rivet. Of course, you will first need to jack up the back, block up the axle and disconnect the leaf springs. The new mounts should bolt on where the old rivets were. I bought new shackles and, while I was there, I replaced all the bushings. Rides like a champ now - nice and quiet. I finished the whole job, including painting the frame under the old mounts in two weekends.

 

[cvar]

Nice if you've got air tools. I don't. I used an angle grinder to grind away rivets, then a simple punch with a normal hammer. Works too. Yeah, I agree that it was a good time to clean off rust, too. While you're there, with everything exposed, inspect the condition of your brake lines, since they rust away too.

 

[dmassey]

Thanks folks for all the input. Extremely helpful. Thought I would have to get the parts from Ford but I went to the Advance Auto website and low and behold they had the supports and shackles. While I was into it I got the shocks replaced too with a couple of Monroe LT gas shocks. Wanted to do the job myself but I just finished a course of chemo therapy in June so I'm not qjuiet back to heavy duty wrench twisting yet so I had the job done at a local indy that I trust. They picked up the truck Friday morning and I picked it up Friday evening. Very pleased with the job and the truck rides GREAT.