F 150 4WD Pickup V8-281 4.6L VIN W EFI (1997)
Suspension Spring ( Coil / Leaf ): Service and Repair
REMOVAL
1. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts.
(1) Remove the rear wheel center caps.
(2) With the weight of the vehicle on the wheels, loosen but do not remove the lug nuts.
CAUTION: Do not use heat to loosen a seized lug nut. Heat can damage the wheel and the wheel bearings.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(1) Remove the lug nuts
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assemblies.
4. Use (A) Hi Lift Jack to support the rear axle.
5. Separate the rear spring from the rear axle.
(1) Remove the nuts.
(2) Remove the U-bolts.
(3) Remove the rear spring plates.
(4) Carefully lower the rear axle.
(5) Remove the rear spring spacer.
WARNING: LOWER THE REAR AXLE ONLY ENOUGH TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE REAR SPRING.
6. Remove the rear spring.
(1) Remove the spring to front frame bracket bolt and nut.
(2) Remove the spring to shackle upper bolt and nut.
