Front Leaf Spring Swap - Step by Step?

[ToMang07]

Wondering if anyone has a link to a write up or post with a Step by step for swapping leaf springs. Thx to Buffalo444 I found some X-code springs, and now I just want to make sure when I go to instal them that I don't frig anything up.

From what I have gathered so far:

Jack up truck and place on stands. (Frame, not axle)
Remove wheel.
Support axle w/jack.
remove U-bolt nuts.
Disconnect Shock/remove.
Remove Leaf springs.

Reverse.

I'm sure I'm missing something or have something out of order.... thats why I'm here.

Hopefully I can get some Good instructions and then get a Mod to add it to the 7.3L Tech files...

Thanks All!

[SS4Matt]

I just replaced my front leaf springs. I had the luxury of using a lift although I only used it to lift the truck up a couple inches to get the weight off the suspension.

once the truck is supported (I left my tires on and rather than lowering my axle, i just raised the truck a few inches)

removed front bumper.

Unbolted leaf spring from the shackel, then the hanger. and lifted the truck up enough to free the springs from the hanger and shackel.

removed the nuts and backing plate for the U-bolts. and then moved the shock mount out of the way.

pulled the leaf springs out and did the opposite to put it back together




edit:
Did you get an adjustable track bar? your axle will be shifted when going from the regular springs to the x-codes. I had to adjust my track bar and I just swapped old worn out springs for new ones and it was enough that I had to adjust for it.

[belz]

Its pretty easy to do and straight forward, I would love to find a cheap set of x-springs myslef

[ToMang07]

Originally Posted by belz

Its pretty easy to do and straight forward, I would love to find a cheap set of x-springs myslef

I found 'em on an '01 w/ 6X,XXX miles.... for $75 each.

Something else I didn't think of... what size were the bolts removed? I wonder if I have wrenches big enough, lol!

[SS4Matt]

Originally Posted by ToMang07

I found 'em on an '01 w/ 6X,XXX miles.... for $75 each.

Something else I didn't think of... what size were the bolts removed? I wonder if I have wrenches big enough, lol!

The largest ones are the ones on the shackel and hangers. I want to say it was a 21mm and 22 or 23mm for the nut and bolt

[ToMang07]

Originally Posted by SS4Matt

The largest ones are the ones on the shackel and hangers. I want to say it was a 21mm and 22 or 23mm for the nut and bolt

Sweet, I think I have up to 24mm. Did you use Torque speck, or just hand-torque the S#!T out of it?

[CT Performance, Inc.]

Tq the spring eye's and shackle bolts..not till the truck is 100% on the ground. U blots Tq in the air is fine. Ust blue loctight.

Adj track bar..leave off the frame end till you drive the truck 20' back-forward then install and Tq to 400lbs + recheck centering.