My 97 F150 4X4's leaf springs are misaligned. I bought this truck used a couple of months ago so I don't know history of use, but since I had to put a whole new clutch in it, among other things I've noticed, I assume it was driven off-road or towed quite a bit. Anyway, the leafs and shocks in back appear OE, and I've noticed that the bottom-most leaf on both sides is not aligned with the rest of the leaves. The rear end of the bottom leaves protrude out approximately 2" from the upper leaves.

Here's a picture of my leaf springs:
https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=3000

Now my question -- are my leaf springs shot and need replaced? Or can the lower leaves be easily realigned with the rest if I raise the rear end, support the axel, and remove than replace and retorque the U bolts and plate??

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

There was a recall on the 4X4 leafs. Click the "Recalls & TSB's" link on the left of your screen ( https://www.f150online.com/resources/recall.html ). You'll find it there, 3rd recall down on the list.
Take it to your dealership to find out if the work's been done to it.

 

I recently experienced this problem on my 2WD truck. I jacked it up, removed the rear tire, loosened up the bolts (22mm, FYI), pushed the lower leaf back in line with the rest, tightened the bolts, replaced the tire, and put the truck back on the ground. Remember that you'll need to jacks; one to jack up the rear end and another to support the springs independently.

Great improvement in suspension feel. It's a lot less jumpy. Not perfect, but it's a truck. Really, though, I felt the difference immediately, especially on the highway.

I think I may also get a helper spring set, which would further stabilize the lower spring alignment because of the way it bolts on.

Anyway, good luck.

 

Thanks for the replies!

whitestx -- truck was just into the dealership a couple of weeks ago and they completed the latest, and from what they told me, the only outstanding recall on this vehicle. It didn't have to do with the leaf springs though. I've checked them and double checked them myself and can't see any fractures or sign of weakness. They're just out of line. Thanks for the tip anyway.

ucfperspicere -- I tried your tip, and was successful in getting one side straightened out. Took it for a short test drive and noticed a positive change already - rear end is definitely not as "loose" as it was. Can't wait to tackle the other side, hopefully this weekend, and see what a difference they both will make. THANKS!!!

By the way, the bolts on mine were 19 mm, and I actually had to use a block of wood, a hammer, and a lot of brute force to get my lower leaf realigned. I had a problem getting the jack to go up high enough to actually support the leafs. But that was my dumb fault. I used my higher jack to raise and support the axle, and the shorter one to try to support the leafs. Dah! So I had to improvise a bit, but in the end it worked out. I'll try it the other way round the next time. I think it also would have helped if I'd been able to loosen that little 10mm bolt that bolts the leaves together, but it was frozen solid and wouldn't budge.

I think your idea about a helper spring set for this leaf setup would be worth it. With this spring setup the way it is, I can see that bottom one working its way back out eventually.

Anyway, definitely worth it as far as ride to get these things realigned so they actually do what they are supposed to.

 

Yeah, differences probably resulted from mine being 2WD and yours 4x4 and/or model year difference. But anyway, happy to be of help.

-Jeff

 

This must not be a recent problem with the leaf springs.

My 1990 F150 4x4 has the same problem, leaves are misalligned.

I have thought of doing the same thing to fix them , just haven't gotten to it yet.

I have noticed the truck sits level when unloaded, but when I put my camper on, the truck sits noticebly lower on the drivers side..
(drivers side spring is more out of line than the pass side)
Measured between the top of tire and bottom of wheelwell, its a good 2 inches lower on the drivers side.


Scott

 

Mine are misaligned on the drivers side. It is a 2002 and I showed it to the dealer and they said it was normal. Should I take it to another dealer and have them look at it and fix it or what do you recommend?

 

Absolutely. Especially if you're covered under manufacturer's warranty. If you're normally unloaded it's mainly just a ride-feel/comfort issue, but we really shouldn't have to deal with that. Since this problem is so widespread, something should be done about it.

And doing something about it wouldn't even be very difficult; Ford could easily (and inexpensively) add another alignment bolt 6"-8" out on either side of the axle-to-spring connection. But they only have the one in the center (which specifically provides a pivoting axis).

It's disappointing, but I really doubt Chevy or Dodge is any better. Hopefully, with the Japanese moving into the market, we won't have to deal with these disappointments too much longer. Ford and the rest of the pack will be forced to produce a better truck, or at least lower the price of the current ones.