I can't figure this out and the dealer is starting to pi$$ me off. Exactly what do the 'Rear spring clips' that were to be installed as a recall look like? There's clips around the top two springs behind the axle on mine, but none on the front near the tank. I've got the recall notice, but the service department tells me to throw it away my truck doesn't need it? I'm gonna be hauling a lot of hay and firewood this weekend and sure as heck don't want to set myself on fire with a busted gas tank if I get too big of a load
PS: I searched several times without finding my answer.

Dangit forgot my sig- It's a '97 4x4 4.6L Auto. SC SB

[This message has been edited by Flatlander (edited 11-30-2000).]

 

FLAT,
I DONT KNOW WHAT THE SPRING CLIPS LOOK LIKE BUT MY TRUCK HAD A SQUEEK IN THE REAR END OF THE TRUCK AND I THOUGHT THE SHOCKS WERE BAD (THEY WEREN'T) IT WAS THE SPRINGS NOT BEING LINED UP CORRECTLY AND MAKING THE NOISE. IF YOU LOOK AT THE SPRINGS ON THE REAR SIDE OF THE AXLE AND THEY ARE NOT EXACTLY ON TOP OF EACH OTHER THEN YOU HAVE A PROBLEM THAT WILL NEED TO BE FIXED. THEIR IS A TSB FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR SPRING ASSEMBLIES AND ALSO DO A SEARCH FOR TREADS HERE. I HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM HERE BEFORE. PUT MY TRUCK IN THE SHOP 11/28/00 FOR VARIOUS PROBLEMS AND THE SPRINGS WAS ONE OF THEM AND THEY CHANGED THE ASSEMBLY ON AT LEAST ONE SIDE. I WILL TRY TO FIND THE TSB FOR YOU.
GOOD LUCK

 

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).

 

Ok, Thanks! So I guess they looked at it and decided it didn't need them? They're not perfectly in line by any means though. I'm thinking about an add-a-leaf soon anyway.

 

FLAT,
THAT IS A RECALL AND FORD MUST CHANGE THE LEAF OR ADD THE RETAINER CLIP. THAT ORDER COMES FROM THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD!!!!!

 

Ok 36 thanks! So basically my local Ford dealer is trying to screw me w/out lube? I noticed on the ticket they also charged it up to Ford for replacing my lugnuts/washers, but I've got aftermarket wheels and chrome lugnuts. Should I stack all of this up on to seeing the mechanics drinking margaritas and red beers at lunchtime awhile back?