jacking up for leaf spring work
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 323
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From: NJ
jacking up for leaf spring work
Hi. While under the truck (1996 f150 4.9L xl long bed) for fuel pump change, I saw that leaf spring holder and shackles have a lot of rust. They don't look thin enough to break, but that water proofing stuff is just about all gone and until I wire brush the part, I wouldn't know if they need replacing.
1. Are the new holder and shackle about 1/8" steel? That seems to be about how much I have left, including the rust. No big delaminating rust.
2. If I am going to do this, do I put the jack stands under the axle as usual, and leaf springs will not have tension?
3. So far I did the work under the truck with just the parking brake on and without using jack stands. If I lift the rear end, what keeps the truck from rolling forward?
Use chucks and put gear in first?
Thank you in advance
1. Are the new holder and shackle about 1/8" steel? That seems to be about how much I have left, including the rust. No big delaminating rust.
2. If I am going to do this, do I put the jack stands under the axle as usual, and leaf springs will not have tension?
3. So far I did the work under the truck with just the parking brake on and without using jack stands. If I lift the rear end, what keeps the truck from rolling forward?
Use chucks and put gear in first?
Thank you in advance
Jordan
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 7,867
Likes: 30
From: Chico, California
1) i dont know
2) Dont put the jackstands under the axle, it wouldnt be any different than the tires holding up the axle. put them under the frame instead. if they dont reach,
<strike> use sturdy blocks of wood underneath them. or cinderblocks underneath . idk... </strike>
3) parking brake, put it in Park/or First if manual, and chock a wheel. its different if you are changing a tire or whatever, but whenever you are under the truck its best to play it safe.
all at your own risk of course, thats all just what i do
2) Dont put the jackstands under the axle, it wouldnt be any different than the tires holding up the axle. put them under the frame instead. if they dont reach,
<strike> use sturdy blocks of wood underneath them. or cinderblocks underneath . idk... </strike>
3) parking brake, put it in Park/or First if manual, and chock a wheel. its different if you are changing a tire or whatever, but whenever you are under the truck its best to play it safe.
all at your own risk of course, thats all just what i do
Last edited by mr7confused; Aug 16, 2011 at 09:14 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: NJ
jacking
Thank you for the reply. The photos of new parts look like they are about 1/8" stamped metal. I don't think mine are on the edge of breaking apart. I will wire brush them and see. I guess I will be able to figure out if leaf springs are under the tension once the car is off the ground. Again, thanks for the advice.
Old Bastard
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 587
Likes: 2
From: Macomb, IL
STOP!!!!! Mr7Confused is trying to kill you.
Yes, put your Jack Stands under the frame. DO NOT PUT ANYTHING UNDER YOUR JACK STANDS!!!! If they don't fit, go purchase ones that do.
Safety First!!!
On to your question... Look for holes or deep pits. If there are none you probably are OK. When they break, or you disassemble them the spring will come loose with allot of force and travel upward until it contacts the bed. When you replace the part, you will have to pry the spring back down to the bracket. I'd say the material is a little thicker than 1/8 ". You'll need to check if you have 3" wide springs or 2.5" wide.
Here is a great site for the parts you may need and where I bought mine:
http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/
Yes, put your Jack Stands under the frame. DO NOT PUT ANYTHING UNDER YOUR JACK STANDS!!!! If they don't fit, go purchase ones that do.
Safety First!!!
On to your question... Look for holes or deep pits. If there are none you probably are OK. When they break, or you disassemble them the spring will come loose with allot of force and travel upward until it contacts the bed. When you replace the part, you will have to pry the spring back down to the bracket. I'd say the material is a little thicker than 1/8 ". You'll need to check if you have 3" wide springs or 2.5" wide.
Here is a great site for the parts you may need and where I bought mine:
http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/
Jordan
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 7,867
Likes: 30
From: Chico, California
STOP!!!!! Mr7Confused is trying to kill you.
Yes, put your Jack Stands under the frame. DO NOT PUT ANYTHING UNDER YOUR JACK STANDS!!!! If they don't fit, go purchase ones that do.
Safety First!!!
On to your question... Look for holes or deep pits. If there are none you probably are OK. When they break, or you disassemble them the spring will come loose with allot of force and travel upward until it contacts the bed. When you replace the part, you will have to pry the spring back down to the bracket. I'd say the material is a little thicker than 1/8 ". You'll need to check if you have 3" wide springs or 2.5" wide.
Here is a great site for the parts you may need and where I bought mine:
http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/
Yes, put your Jack Stands under the frame. DO NOT PUT ANYTHING UNDER YOUR JACK STANDS!!!! If they don't fit, go purchase ones that do.
Safety First!!!
On to your question... Look for holes or deep pits. If there are none you probably are OK. When they break, or you disassemble them the spring will come loose with allot of force and travel upward until it contacts the bed. When you replace the part, you will have to pry the spring back down to the bracket. I'd say the material is a little thicker than 1/8 ". You'll need to check if you have 3" wide springs or 2.5" wide.
Here is a great site for the parts you may need and where I bought mine:
http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/
My Apologies, please do not put anything under them.
(How do people cross out words in thier posts? I tried using HTML codes or whatever and it doesnt work...)
Last edited by mr7confused; Aug 16, 2011 at 09:15 PM.
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