mrslyfox

why in the repair manuals does it say to lower the truck to the ground before tightening everything down when putting new leaf springs on?

dylan_94

Probably to seat everything, does it say that for the u-bolts? Or the shackle/hanger bolts?

mrslyfox

I think so in the Haynes but doesn't really say in the Chilton if zI remember right...don't have them in front of me. just seems you would want to tighten when there is no pressure on the bolts.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

So the supension is settled at ride height so the bushings don't bind.

mrslyfox

still doesn't make sense to me, but there must be a rhyme to the reason. seems if you bolted everything when there is no reason on the bolt that would be the way to do it. Perhaps it will make sense when I get to that point. Just seems that things would want to bind if you are tightening down on them while under tension.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

The pressure is on the springs. When you tighten the bushing first you move pressure there.

mrslyfox

Frame rivets.... need I say more? woe those are fun.

southernyankey1

I tightened everything but the spring eye bolts and then let the truck sit on the ground and then tightened the eye bolts...no binding/squeaks. Used Energy Suspension Poly bushings and lube and it's a great improvement over stock f150 setup. The 250 springs make it nice and firm with the weight I routinely carry around, empty it would probably beat the hell out me! The hanger brackets were a real PITA but I managed...Acetylene is a wonderful tool to have...lol.

sylver91

When I did my shackle and hanger on the hoist, I used a tall support jack to sit under the axle and I lowered the hoist onto it to relive the pressure on the bolts, then lowering it more allowed me to align the bushing and tighten it. No squeaking for me.

But unlike you, I don't have all new suspension parts

5Rangers

You want to tighten everything up in its normal position. If you tighten while its up in the air it in the pissed off position and as Sean said it will bind.