How many leafs do you guys have on your rear springs? I have noticed that most have 4 or 5. Mine only has 3. Why?

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1997 F150XL 4x4 SC 4.6L Oxford White, A.R.E Cab High FB Topper, Performance Exaust system, Head light, tail light and SC window covers,Ventshade bug shield, Cooper 265/75/16 tires and Pilot driving lights mounted inside the grill.

 

four leafs, 2000 4x4 with the off road package.

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2000 Lariat SC 4x4, 5.4, LS 3:55, ORP, class III tow, captains chairs, cab steps, CD changer, electronic shift, SRW, remote keyless entry w/alarm, title, all stripes,stickers and decals removed

Mods: Line-X, Stull billet grill, Jardine cat back, Hellwig rear sway bar

 

I'll have to look at mine to see how many I have I think its 3 or 4 as far as why I think it has to do with the payload of your truck I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong on this.

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2000 F150 XLT Reg. cab
4.6 Triton Engine
4x2 3.55 rear end gear
sliding rear window
automatic keyless entry
white styleside short box

 

4x2= 3 leafs
4x4= 4 leafs
lightning= 5 leafs

i believe this is how it be.
if this is not how it be
then i is sorry.

 

sierra99,
I also noticed that newer 4x4s come with 4 leaf springs.
My 97 4x4 came with 3 leafs. I also noticed that Ford seems to be having some problems with those springs breaking, and they even issued a recall about 2 years ago. Back then, they said the springs were fine and installed clips to hold them in place in case they broke.
Four weeks ago, the third leaf on the driver's side of my truck broke. When I had it replaced, I insisted on the 4 leaf set. It did cost me a little extra, but in my mind, it was well worth the extra cost.

 

HERE IS THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL THAT YOU ALL MAY BE LOOKING FOR. I HAVE A 1999 MODEL 2X4 AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE ONE OF MY SPRING ASSEMBLIES. GOOD LUCK

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 98V161000


Component: SUSPENSION:SINGLE AXLE:REAR:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Mfg. Campaign #: 98S18
Year: 1997
Make: FORD TRUCK
Model: F150
Potential Number of Units Affected: 202000
Manufactured From: NOV 1995 To: FEB 1998
Year of Recall: '98
Type of Report: Vehicle
Summary:


Vehicle Description: Light duty 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. If the vehicle is overloaded, the rear leaf springs can be overstressed. A fatigue fracture of the spring can occur. The center leaf of the spring can fracture at the forward edge of the spring seat and, in some cases, contact the fuel tank.

Fuel tank contact can damage the tank and result in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

Dealers will inspect the rear springs and install an additional clip on the forward end of the rear springs to prevent fuel tank contact in the event of a leaf fracture. Any fractured springs will be replaced. Owner notification is expected to begin August 10, 1998. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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