Leaf spring install

[kaw550]

I have more or less finished installing a new set of leaf springs.

I just need to torque the bolts down.
Are the factory specs okay? I dont want the suspension to bind.
I was planning on tightening the bolts with the suspension hanging.

Also, When I took the bolts off it was just a bolt and kind of a flared nut. Should there be any flat or locked washers?

 

[chuck]

The nut should be a locking nut. If you tighten to bolts too much you will bind the shackle and spring.

 

[73azbronco]

My experience has always been to torque suspension components at ride height or with weight on wheels, however the Ford manual is sorta wishy washy and leads you to believe you do it jacked up. Anyone else?

 

[bknbronco]

Id tighten everything up when its sitting on the ground with the weight on the springs. Id think tightening it up with the axle hanging would wreck the bushings. But im using all rubber so that might not be important with urathane.

And id go get some brand new nylocks for the nuts if them ones your using arnt lock nuts. A lock washer would require too much torque to get it to lock, and you dont want to torque them bolts much at all!

 

[bigblock52]

they should be tightened on the ground where it will sit regularly. If you tighten them in the air and put it back down you risk damage to the bushings and will have annoying sqeaks soon after. chuck was right with the locking type nuts and I would think factory specs would be tight enough. I use a 1/2 impact usually.

 

[kaw550]

Ok, so I can run out and get standard nylon lock nuts at the hardware store?
Would they have grade 8?

 

[matts70]

Hey kaw, I'm about to replace my leaf springs too. Not to bogart your thread, but this looks like a good place to ask a related question.

Looking at parts for the rear leaves, I see eye bushings and shackle bushings/spring bushings. Do you use one, the other, or both? I'm a little confused on that.

 

[bknbronco]

Ok, so I can run out and get standard nylon lock nuts at the hardware store?
Would they have grade 8?

They might have them. Some of the spring bolts are a uncommon size to find at the hardware stores around me. I think there a 9/16" all i can find at my hardware store is 1/2" and 5/8". Just look around and you want the grade 8.

Looking at parts for the rear leaves, I see eye bushings and shackle bushings/spring bushings. Do you use one, the other, or both? I'm a little confused on that.

Eye bushings go in the leaf spring. Shackle bushings go in the shackle. There are 2 spring eye bushings, and 1 shackle bushing per side.

 

[javilamfd]

http://cdn.wildhorses4x4.com/downloads/1188 02-01-07.pdf

Instruction sheet from Wildhorses 6* shim kit. It has torque specs for u-bolts and center bolts based on bolt diameter.

 

[bknbronco]

Of course they would have instructions for that%)! Do they have instructions for using a tire guage too?

 

[javilamfd]

Of course they would have instructions for that%)! Do they have instructions for using a tire guage too?

Nope, nothing on the tire gauge, still cant figure it out. ;D

 

[chuck]

It doesn't matter if the springs are loaded or hanging free. The shackle must work for the springs to work. When the wheels are hanging the shackle should lay flat, at ride height the shackle should be straight up.

 

[TBS-POPS]

I use a 1/2 impact usually.

If your using an impact, your shackle bolts are too tight!! you will bind the bushings and shackle together and the spring will act alot stiffer than it is. hand tight with a 1/2" ratchet is good enough with a new lock washer.your bronco will ride better on the street and flex better on the trail.

 

[TBS-POPS]

Ok, so I can run out and get standard nylon lock nuts at the hardware store?
Would they have grade 8?

You dont need G8 nuts on the shackle or spring bolts. a standard G5 nylock will do. the shear is perpendicular on the bolt not pulling on the nut. 9/16 stuff is not standard in most hw stores. you usually have to find an industrial hw outlet. good luck.

 

[brocken]

If your using an impact, your shackle bolts are too tight!! you will bind the bushings and shackle together and the spring will act alot stiffer than it is. hand tight with a 1/2" ratchet is good enough with a new lock washer.your bronco will ride better on the street and flex better on the trail.

So you're saying I shouldn't follow the Ford manual that states 110-130 ftlbs for the bolts on the springs or the 60-80 ftlbs for the shackle to bracket?


I installed new WH leaf springs with new Prothane bushings and followed the factory torque specs. WH instructions said follow the factory torque specs for install.
My shackles do point up while the Bronco is still off the suspension...I had to push them back to get the front bolts in.

 

[stupidboy]

I have found that the best ride comes from tightening the lock nuts to snug and no more. Like Chuck says the shackle has to move accordingly and if you go beyond that then it affects articulation and ride quality. I also think that with today's urethane bushings that they cant be over tightened, its the original type rubber bushings that I'm talking about.

 

[Steve83]

All of the TSCs near me have 9/16" G5 & G8 hardware at good per-lb prices.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Home_10551_10001