Ok here's the deal - my rear driver's side leaf spring suspension has a problem. The bottom most leaf has come out of alignment with the reast of them. It has turned clockwise approx. an inch. I tried pounding it back with a hammer but it would not budge. It has made no noticable difference in the ride, but it is still catching, and I don't want it to turn completely so it totally sits wrong. Anybody got any ideas on how to get it back into alignment?

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97 F-150 XLT 4.6L, Black, S/C, 4x4, ORP, K&N, Flowmaster 40 with dual rear pipes, Chrome Westin nerfs, Omniguard SE bug deflector, Extang snapless tonno, VentVisors, Kenwood CD, Kenwood 6x8's, Kenwood tweeters, Kenwood 300 watt amp, MTX thunderform dual 8's.

 

Get the weight off it before you try pounding into place. The best way would be to support the truck with jackstands under the frame, then use a floor jack under the differential. Get all the truck's 'sprung' weight supported by the front wheels and jackstands, and the rear 'unsprung weight' is supported by the floor jack.

At that point there shouldn't be any weight on the spring, but there will still be some friction, so you might have to pound pretty hard. BE CAREFUL and make sure the truck is securely supported before you go pounding around down there.

 

There is a recall for this. Check with your dealer to see if your truck qualifies.

 

I also noticed the exact same on mine. I almost tried to fix in on my own, untill I read this post.
I checked other recall/TSB sites, but couldn't find anything. I have a freind checking the VIN for TSB/Recall info. I'll let y'all know what I find, as well as the TSB/Recall numbe.

Tony

 

my 98 had this and I got rid of it( the truck).Well guess what my y2k also got this after a mere 6,500 miles or so my new leafs(courtesy of ford) are on order still.I would definately take those trucks in.

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JET air filter
delta tool box
pumpin' stereo
class III reciever hitch
spray in bedliner
headlight covers
custom painted taillight covers
cranked torsion bars 2000 black F150 4x4 sport v-6
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lightningcrashz@hotmail.com

 

Well I might check with my local Ford dealer, but I'm not even close to being in warranty. I did, however, purchase an aftermarket bumper to bumper warranty, but I read the fine print later and it showed you needed to reciepts to prove you've been having the oil changed, to make a claim. I always change it myself, and I never saved any reciepts, so that warranty might be bad. It's worth a try, I guess. Keep me posted if anybody gets anywhere with Ford, especially if you are in or out of warranty.


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97 F-150 XLT 4.6L, Black, S/C, 4x4, ORP, K&N, Flowmaster 40 with dual rear pipes, Chrome Westin nerfs, Omniguard SE bug deflector, Extang snapless tonno, VentVisors, Kenwood CD, Kenwood 6x8's, Kenwood tweeters, Kenwood 300 watt amp, MTX thunderform dual 8's.

 

One question about the extended warranty-How is changing the oil gonna affect the leaf springs?If I were you I would take it in and see if you're covered.If not they will be able to tell how much new ones cost.

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JET air filter
delta tool box
pumpin' stereo
class III reciever hitch
spray in bedliner
headlight covers
custom painted taillight covers
cranked torsion bars 2000 black F150 4x4 sport v-6
-----------------------

lightningcrashz@hotmail.com

 

I noticed this on my truck when I went to go add a leaf onto each side. I went to an alignment shop to get the leafs all cut up and things, and they suggested that I put metal clips on each leaf. I put 2 on each of the spring packs, about 14 inches away from the center bolts. I havn't had any more problems with the set up now. Adding that extra leaf also seemed to help stabilize the truck a lot. I seemed very sloopy before I added them. Not a bad mod for a little under $100 and 1.5 hours of your free time.

 

I got my new leafs put on today.They used the 4 leaf set instead of the three that it came with.No more squeek.The truck also feels more stable.

------------------
JET air filter
delta tool box
pumpin' stereo
class III reciever hitch
spray in bedliner
headlight covers
custom painted taillight covers
cranked torsion bars 2000 black F150 4x4 sport v-6
-----------------------

lightningcrashz@hotmail.com

 

My rear springs sag and creek, also the bottom ones are out of alignment. I asked a Ford dealer, they said thats normal, I said B.S.. I have overloaded them of course, any recalls to fix this? Warranty is expired.

 

go to another dealer.Out of warranty-might have to pay for new ones.Bottom line these misaligned leaf springs are not normal.My dealer didn't even ask me if I overloaded mine or not-just said we'll order ya new ones.

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JET air filter
delta tool box
pumpin' stereo
class III reciever hitch
spray in bedliner
headlight covers
custom painted taillight covers
cranked torsion bars 2000 black F150 4x4 sport v-6
-----------------------

lightningcrashz@hotmail.com

 

Well, I finally got the reply from my friend. Friends are great, though sometime a little slow.
Anyway, I still don't have the TSB number (didn't think of it while we were talking), however, the TSB reads, (paraphrased from memory), ...Support the rear of the truck, loosen the u-bolts, re-align the lower leaf, apply weight of the vehicle, and re-torque to 98 ft-lb.
A TSB is exactly what the acronym means: Technical Service Bulletin. Not a recall. So, if I want this repaired, I can either pay the dealer, or do it myself. Go figure?!?
Guess what I'm doing tomorrow?

If I get the TSB number, I'll post it.

(Legal) Anyone does this work at their own risk. I cannot advocate anyone repairing their own vehicle. If you are unsure about your skill level, or how to do this, take your vehicle to a shop or the dealer.
Sorry about that legal blurb. It's my corporate background coming out. I just hate to see anyone get hurt for doing something that they read about that sounds easy, but they may not have the tools or experience to do it right or safely.

Tony

 

I just noticed this on my truck as well. The driver side bottom leaf has lost it's rubber pad and is now sitting about 2 inches lower than the rest. The passenger side does not show a gap like the driver side.

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2000 F-150 4X4 7700
5.4 Class 3 Tow

 

When i brought my truck to the dealership about the leaf springs they told me its normal and to deal with it. However i decided to fix it myself and I find the truck is more stable.