Coil Spring Replacement

[Subzero]

I bought some new coil springs and shocks to help with the rake my truck has. Shocks are pretty straightforward to replace but is there anything difficult for coil springs on these trucks? I've heard the passenger side is taller but my new ones are both the same part number. I bought the Moog Overload-type ones that become tighter coiled towards the middle.

[basketcase0302]

Subzero » Tue Nov 15, 2016 10:01 pm

I bought some new coil springs and shocks to help with the rake my truck has. Shocks are pretty straightforward to replace but is there anything difficult for coil springs on these trucks? I've heard the passenger side is taller but my new ones are both the same part number. I bought the Moog Overload-type ones that become tighter coiled towards the middle.

You do realize you have to have coil spring compressors to do this?
Other than the compressors I'd replaced four or five sets of coils on ur trucks before and never had any issues.
Be very careful too as I've had them fly out of the compressors before and it isn't pretty, (the damage they do)!

[HIO Silver]

Well that's interesting.... I have never needed to use coil spring compressors on these trucks.

'Guess I gots the technique...

[Subzero]

I thought the I-beams would drop down enough jacked up with shocks removed to slip them out? As far as the actual procedure I'm sure sure what else has to be removed. Flying coils are definitely not any fun

[Busboy]

No compressor required, these are one of the easiest springs to replace that there is.

[Subzero]

So just Jack the truck up with the shock off and slip them out? This won't throw off alignment or will it due to the longer( un sagging) spring increasing the toe-in?

[basketcase0302]

HIO Silver » Wed Nov 16, 2016 10:18 pm

Well that's interesting.... I have never needed to use coil spring compressors on these trucks.

'Guess I gots the technique...

Yep, technique-just full of talent I reckon.

[HIO Silver]

So just Jack the truck up with the shock off and slip them out? This won't throw off alignment or will it due to the longer( un sagging) spring increasing the toe-in?

Remove tire and place truck on jackstand. Disconnect the shock from the bucket and remove the upper coil spring retaining strap. Now break loose the large nut atop the lower coil retaining washer.

Jack up the truck to unload the coil...then to full droop.
Remove the lower coil spring retainer. Remove the coil. Done.

Reset the toe by doing a DIY alignment.

[Busboy]

Toe and caster are not affected by a slight increase in ride height via new springs. Camber only will change and there is nothing you can do on a twin I beam of these years. It should now be closer to correct if the springs are the correct ones.

[Subzero]

I have access to a alignment machine at work so aligning it isn't really a cost- just means I have to do it myself which shouldn't be too hard on these. I don't have my truck at home so it's hard to picture what would need to come off until I'm actually there to do it. Thanks for the info y'all

[FORDification]

The factory springs are wound with the same diameter wire, and since there's more weight on the passenger side, they made that spring slightly taller to compensate....so with factory springs, they are definitely side-specific.

Typically aftermarket springs come as the same height, but one spring uses slightly larger wire diameter, and that's the one that goes on the passenger side. You'd better check with Moog to make sure they sent the right ones. If both springs are identical, you're going to find your passenger side droops a little.

[Subzero]

I bought mine from Summit but they are Moog springs, supposed to fit these trucks and a few more. Why is the weight drastically different on the passenger side?

[HIO Silver]

The battery... plus the engine and trans is offset to the passenger side.

[Subzero]

Didn't think about that, I was guessing if the driver is there then there's more weight on the drivers side- plus the washer fluid tank and brake system is mounted on drivers side.

[basketcase0302]

Add another 30#'s for the starter being on the passenger side-another 10#'s for the heater core and fan motor and plenum.
Wow I never really thought about all the above things and how it all adds up-causing the difference.