Stupid How-To Question

Titan-Power · 10-03-2006, 03:32 PM

Hi all,

How do i remove the helper leaf spring that came with my Fab-tec lift kit? Are any special tools needed, and does the rear need to be off the ground or on the ground? Oh my dealer installed the springs, so thats why i do not know how to remove them lol

TIA!!!

Titan-Power · 10-03-2006, 07:53 PM

Noone out there has removed these??? ARgghhh (said in a pirate tone lol)

Titan-Power · 10-04-2006, 11:44 AM

guess i gotta figure how to remove them by myself

**Carbeaux** · 10-04-2006, 12:44 PM

I'd help you bro, but I don't know how they're put on? Are they done like lift blocks would be? Just placed between the OEM spring stack and the axle? If so, just chock the front wheels, undo the big U bolts and carefully jack the rear to get the clearance you'll need to pull them out. Set the truck back down and redo the U bolts. Oh, only do one side at at time. Hope this helps?

Titan-Power · 10-04-2006, 07:44 PM

Thanks carb,

I made an attempt and didnt work out. I did like you said, jacked her up removed the u bolts, and block, but the helper spring was under serious tension it seems. Oh and the leaf spring has some type of retainer front and back. Wonder if i have to remove that? Or can i disconnect the mount bolts holding the leaf springs to the body...

A trip may be in order to schucks and steal a look at a install booklet, they sell helper springs and may be helpful to read...

Thank you

jbennett · 10-04-2006, 08:51 PM

Take some pics of what it looks like, then I'm sure someone can help you out...

I'd assume that it may be bolted to the leaf pack with the center stud/bolt and then also some u-bolts or clamps on each end of the leaf as well, you may have to remove the whole leaf pack and disassemble it. But without seeing it, I have no idea... That's the way an add-a-leaf was on my f-150, don't know if the helper spring is the same or not.

miketan · 10-05-2006, 02:31 AM

I don't know, sounds tricky to me. Maybe you should bring it to the dealer that originally installed them and have them remove it. Personally, I hate working on anything that's under a great deal of tension like springs. Make one mistake and B-O-O-M! Not a good day after that.lol!

vatitan65 · 10-05-2006, 04:25 AM

maybe a call to greg at prgproducts.com ??? I'm sure he could assist you.

Taleen The Titan · 10-05-2006, 02:50 PM

i just did my fabtech lift stage one this weekend. its not that hard, just need some c-calpms, a torque wrench,new center bolts, and new longer u-bolts(wich i found hard to find, that is why i just did the add a leaf instead of 4" blocks).you NEED to make sure you keep the holes of the all the leafs aligned, as i learned from the first side i completed.other than that you also need a grinder of some sort, to cut the acess center bolt length. and yes i can be done on the ground, with just one jack, but dont unbolt both sides at the same time, that way you wont drop the axle. i wish i had pics but that was one of the last steps that i did in the whole process, and was in no mood to take pics. if a 17 year old(me) can do it, im sure you can. hope this helps, sry for the long a$$ message.
o and im at school and very board, so i drew you a great diagram.lol

goval · 10-05-2006, 05:25 PM

The Leaf Spring Helper replaced the factory leaf that goes on the bottom of all of them, so if you remove the Fabtech one, you need to get the OEM helper, or your rear end will give you some serious wraps.

mopar · 10-05-2006, 08:34 PM

Check out these pages:
http://austinm.net/titan/

He does the the deaver spring pack(3 leaves) you'll only have the one add a leaf instead otherwise should be the same.
You will need to put the overload leaf back though

Taleen The Titan · 10-05-2006, 10:48 PM

pm me if you have any questions, ill be glad to answer any of them. if you live in nor cal i might be able to come over your house and help you!

Titan-Power · 10-08-2006, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taleen The Titan

pm me if you have any questions, ill be glad to answer any of them. if you live in nor cal i might be able to come over your house and help you!

You guys are awesome! THanks for all the input. I bought some 3 inch blocks to replace the 2 inch blocks that come with the FT kit. Sounds like i may leave the helper springs in, or take it to the dealer and let them remove what they installed.... SHould take it anyway as my parking brake needs adjusting.

Thanks everyone, and thanks Taleen for the diagram. Oh thanks for the offer to come over and help! But i live near seattle!! I would take you up on your offer before i moved up here, as i used to live in Atwater!

PrerunnerGreg · 10-08-2006, 10:10 AM

Goval, the FT kit uses am old-style add-a-leaf and you keep the overload. Titan-power, put the truck on stands and block wheels to keep it form rolling (no e-brake with the rear wheels off the ground). Remove one wheel, complete one side at a time. Remove the small bolt ont he spring alignment clamp (its a ver shallow 8mm hex bolt, watch your knuckles) remove u-bolts and be sure to make sure you dont pull any brake lines or wires. with a jack under the axle lower it slightly until you can pull the 2 "FT block. Ues 2 6" c-clamps to hole the spring pack together and unbolt the 14mm nut on the spring pack thru-bolt, you may need to hold the bottom of the bolt with a pair of vise-grips. when this bolt is loose, the spring pack can be seperated by loosening the c-clamps. Eventually all the springs will come apart, be carefull as the overload is heavy and will fall on your legs. take the FT add-a-leaf out and the pack will go back together just the opposite. It takes a bit of wrestling to manhandle springs, but it WILL go back to gether. Have fun.