I have a 97 F150, and was curious as to why the top rear leafs have slipped out of alignment from the other leafs in the pack. Anybody else have anything similar let me know.

 

I have heard of several people having this problem. I believe it is caused from overloading the bed, but check other post to get a more definitive answer.

I have the same problem, but it is the bottom leaf spring that has slipped out of alignment on each side.

Would this cause any problems if left like this (only angled out ~ 3/8 inch at most), or would it be prudent to knock it back into alignment?

Would the Hellwig Add-a-Leaf help to avoid this problem in the future?

Thanks all...

' 97 F150 4x4 Offroad Pkg 4.6L
K&N FIPK
Hellwig Rear Antisway Bar
Front Steering Stabilizer
BFG All-Terrain TA k/o

 

mine has also come out of alignment

 

After another close examination, HAHA, too much beer and the fact that I was upside down myself, it is the lower leafs and not the top one, anyway what is the best cure for this. I think it also has something to do with the "clunk" I hear when riding the trails.

 

Mine are like that too. This truck has never hauled anything.

 

My was that way untill I took it in and had the recall strap put on to contain a posible leaf spring breakage that may puncture the gas tank. Now, everything is tight, and I haul a travel trailer with about 400# on the truck.

 

that had this problem. There was a TSB on it. Brought it in and they fixed it right up...

 

My y2k had the drivers side do it at a mere 5,000 miles.I took it in and they ordered me a new set of springs ( I am guessing the tsb says replace both sides).that was the good news.time for the bad news, at 20,000 miles I noticed that the drivers side is sliding out again.I have yet to take it abck to the dealer. I have never exceeded the recomended payload either ( I have came pretty close to it quite a few times)

An interesting note about our leaf springs, My originals had a big yellow sticker that said made in mexico and the replacements have a sticker that says made in Canada.I am wondering where the next set will be made?Taiwan??? who knows

 

I did take it in due to the TSB, but all the mech's did was put on a new strap. They didn't straighten them out or anything. Maybe I should have a word or two with the techs at the dealership. The only weight that I haul around is my quad, and that thing only weighs 500# or so. Doesn't seem to affect the handling at this point but will definately have to get it fixed befoer something really crazy happens. Thanks for all the info.

 

In my search for an annoying squeak I noticed my lowest leaf is about 3/8" out of align on both sides. My squeak seams to be coming from the plastic disc at the end of the leaf which is clearly worn unevenly. I see mention of banging leaf back in has anyone done this and did you loosen the fasteners first? I am considerind the add a leaf as well as a torsion crank to accomadate 33" MT/R's before the years out so I'll probably wait and correct with install.
The add a leaf Mfg. claims 1 - 1.5" lift can anyone confirm this?
Thanks!

 

I think all of these posts are correct. The fix is to make up a ubolt to fit snuggly over these leaves and tighten that up: end of problem. However have you guys ever noticed a sound like a clunk when you first take off (accelurate) almost like you had a box in the back that slid back hitting the tail gate making that sound. Possibly could be caused by the spring leave slipage.
Obviously Fords F150's rear springs maybe should of been put on their little Ford Escorts instead of our fine inneed of trucks! Jim

 

I'd bet it isn't your leaf spring slipping. I'd say it is your slip yoke working a little rough. Just pull your drive shaft off and shove some grease into the slip yoke. Lube up the spline end with some ATF so you go easy on the seal. Actually, there was a modified bulletin put out where they now recomend you lube this every 30,000 miles. Put some lock tite on the drive shaft bolts when you reassenble.