Replacing the front springs on a 1971 Ford F-250 truck is not difficult and can be done in an afternoon. Some moderate preparation is needed but with the right tools, removing the springs is as simple as removing a few bolts. Because all two-wheel-drive Ford trucks manufactured from 1965 to 1986 used the same body design and construction, the process applies to all F-100, F-150, F-250 and F-350 two-wheel-drive trucks built during that period.
Tools Used: Ratchet or wrench set, Jack, Jack stands
Remove Front Springs
For safety reasons, park the truck on a level surface, engage the emergency brake and place blocks behind and in front of the rear wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on both front wheels. Place the jack under the frame, raising it high enough for the wheels to hang free. Remove the tires. Replace the jack with jack stands under the frame on both sides of the truck. Place the jack under the axle and raise it just high enough to contact the axle on the side on which you will be working.
Remove the shock absorber, loosening and removing the bolts that hold the shock to the axle and the bolt at the top of the shock. To avoid losing them, place the bolts and nuts back onto the shock absorber and set it to the side. Raise the jack under the axle to compress the spring so that the spring will not move while you remove the retaining bolts and clips. The compression releases pressure on the retaining clips and holds the spring firmly in place while you remove the bolts.
Remove the attaching bolts of the spring's upper retainer, which is a strip of metal holding the spring in place, and pull out the retainer. Find these bolts on top of the upper seat for the spring.
Remove the large nut from the spring's lower retainer located in the center of the spring on top of the axle. Use an industrial or long-handled ratchet, because you will have limited motion and the bolt is typically very tight. Remove the retainer. Lower the axle until the spring is back at full extension, and remove the spring.
Repeat the process for the spring on the other side of the F-250.
Tips & Warnings
To replace the springs, reverse the steps. But before you raise an axle with a new spring installed, replace the upper and lower retainers and the related bolts as well as the shock absorber. Once you've hand-tightened the bolts, raise the axle and tighten all bolts to 15 to 25 foot-pounds of torque. Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to 80 foot-pounds of torque.
If you replace one spring, always replace the other. The same rule of thumb applies to replacing your shock absorbers or any other part that is present on both driver and passenger sides.
Never climb under a vehicle raised on a jack stand or jack. Have a person or a phone close by in case you're injured.
If you are unsure of the process or concerned about damaging the truck or yourself, let a professional perform the spring replacements.
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