Rear Suspension Ford Econoline I

Semi-elliptic, leaf-type rear springs are used for the rear axle suspension. The forward end of each rear spring is attached to a bracket on the frame. The rear end of each rear springs and rear shock absorbers connect the rear axle to the frame. The rear spring is shackled to the frame to allow for axle vertical travel.

Leaf Spring

Semi-elleptic, leaf-type rear springs control suspension travel and provides ride height control.

Axle Assembly

Supports the differential, axle, wheels and brake assemblies.

Shock Absorber

The hydraulic shock absorbers are of the direct, double-acting type. They provide a continuous dampening affect both on compression and rebound. These shock absorbers are of telescope design with rubber grommets at the mounting points for quiet operation. The shock absorbers are sealed, non-adjustable units and must be replaced as complete assemblies.

Stabilizer Bar

Transmits force to control vehicle roll during cornering, as well as resists lateral movement.

Rear Axle Bumpers

The rear axle bumpers are used to prevent metal-to-metal contact between the rear axle and the frame.

SPRING ANTI-SQUEAK INSERT

1. Raise the vehicle by the frame so the rear axle hangs freely.
2. Provide clearance between the leaves of the spring to allow insertion of the rear spring anti-squeak inserts. This will require either the removal of the restraining bolt on the rear spring clamp, or the bending of the wrap around clip ends, depending upon the type of clip. A pry bar may be used at time of tip liner insertion to gain additional clearance. (Scheme 1)
3. Slide the rear spring anti-squeak insert between the leaves until the liner extends approximately 0.25 inch (6.35 mm) beyond the tip of the lower leaf.
4. Position a jack, such as Rotunda Hi-Lift Jack (014-00210) or equivalent, and raise the rear axle to load the rear springs placing the leaves in contact with one another at the clip locations.
5. Install rear spring clamps or install the replacement service clip.

Scheme 1

SPRING CLAMP

Note. The spring leaves should all be in contact with one another at the intended clip location.

1. Load the rear springs with the rear of the vehicle supported, either directly by the rear axle or by the tires.
2. Remove the damaged rear spring clamp by either removing the restraining bolt or by prying back the ends of the rear spring clamp which are folded across the rear spring until the rear spring clamp can be freed from the rear spring. On some clips it will also be necessary to pry the locating pin out of the locating hole. (Locating holes are the holes punched out of the lowest leaf the clip encircles which indicated the proper spring clip location.) (Scheme 2)
3. Make sure locating hole is clean and free of debris.
4. Position the lower part of the rear spring clamp across the width of the underside of the spring, aligning hole in the rear spring clamp with the locating hole in the rear spring. The legs of the clip lower half should extend down from the bottom of the rear spring.
5. Insert the drive rivet that comes with the rear spring clamp, through the hole in the lower part of the service rear spring clamp into the hole in the rear spring. The flat face of the rivet flange should rest against the clip lower half.
6. Fully seat the rivet with a hammer. If there is not enough room to hit the rivet directly with a hammer, a punch may be used. The slotted legs of the clip lower half should extend downward, the outer surface of the legs flush with the sides of the rear spring.
7. Place the rubber service clip liner across the top of the leaf spring, directly above where the bottom half of the rear spring clamp attaches to the rear spring, with the flat surface against the leaf and the clip locating edges extending upward.
8. Place the clip upper half between the locating edges of the rubber liner.
9. Align the threaded holes in the clip upper half with the slots in the clip lower half.
10. Hand start the two screws through the clip lower half slot into the clip upper half threaded hold. The screw heads will be located under the rear spring, against the inner surface of the clip lower half.
11. Squeeze the rear spring clamp to the rear spring with one hand while tightening the screws. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension__torque-specifications).

Scheme 2

REAR LEAN

A side-to-side lean at the rear of the vehicle can be adjusted by approximately 3/8 inch (10 mm) by installing a shim between the leaf spring and axle on the low side of the vehicle. A "low at the rear" vehicle can be raised approximately 3/8 inch (10mm) by installing one shim on each side. For proper installment of the shim use the following procedures.

1. Raise the vehicle frame until the weight is off the rear springs but with the tires still touching the floor.
2. Loosen the spring U-bolts to allow the rear axle to separate from the spring approximately 1/2 inch (13 mm).
3. Position the shim between the spring and the spring seat and with the tie bolt head through the hole in the shim.
4. Make sure the spring leaves are properly aligned and the spring U-bolts contact the edges of the spring assembly or axle seat.
5. Tighten the spring U-bolt sufficiently. The spring bolt end should extend through the shim into the axle seat hole.
6. Tighten the U-bolt nuts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension__torque-specifications) .

SUSPENSION FASTENERS

These fasteners are important parts that can affect the performance of vital components and systems and result in major vehicle damage. New fasteners must be installed if the old fasteners are loosened or removed. They must be replaced with the same part number or an equivalent art if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. The specified torque value must be used during assembly to ensure proper part retention.

Check for leaks on the shock absorbers. Make sure the shock absorbers operate properly (see weather operation is stiff, rough and/or spongy). Check the condition of the rear suspension bushings and springs. If evidence of excessive wear, deterioration and/or improper operation, replace damaged components.

VEHICLE LEAN

Side-to-side vehicle lean should be verified by measuring the fender lip-to-ground dimension before beginning diagnosis and service actions. Normal acceptable limits are as follows: Maximum of 5/8 inch (16 mm) variance between left and right front wheel lips to ground. Maximum of 3/4 inch (19 mm) variance between left and right rear wheel lips to ground.

Codes identifying the front and rear spring options and springs are printed on the Certification Label. Replace springs in pairs of one is found to be damaged, worn or due to a leaning condition, replace only with the same part as specified on the label. In rare instances, the spring codes will not reflect the springs as installed due to a DSO option or assembly plant substitution. If a DSO option number is shown on the certification label, the District Office can establish whether springs are affected. If the factory-installed springs do not agree with the code printed on the Certification Label (right and left spring part number should match), replace the damaged or worn spring with a new spring of the same part number as the damaged or worn spring. It will not be necessary to replace the matching, non-worn or undamaged spring.

1. Place the vehicle on a flat, smooth surface.
2. Inspect the vehicle for any heavy add-ons that may cause excessive weight on any corner of the vehicle. In case's where the excess weight is a rear tailgate, etc., the vehicle must be diagnosed with the equipment in place. Measure the corner weights if necessary. Vehicle should be empty, fuel tanks full, no cargo such as tools, equipment or debris in the rear body section. Vehicle must be sitting with all four wheels touching the ground, not on a hoist, jack or jack stands.
3. Check all wheels and tires. Wheels must be same size and design, right and left side on each axle. Wheel size and design, tire size and tire design should be as indicated on the Certification Label. Check air pressure of all tires; inflate to specifications as indicated on the Certification Label.
4. Check front and rear suspension. Make sure the same spring is on the left/right rear. The rear springs have the part number stamped on the bottom just behind the U-bolt attachment.
5. Jounce the vehicle's front and rear suspension to normalize the vehicle static ride height.
6. Measure the height of the right and left fender lip openings for both the front and rear.
7. Calculate the side-to-side differences for each dimension. If these differences are greater than 5/8 inch (16 mm) between left or right front and/or 3/4 inch (19 mm) between left and right rear, see «REAR LEAN»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension__rear-lean) under ADJUSTMENT.

Possible Causes

1. Worn or deteriorated shock/springs.
2. Damaged or unbalanced wheel(s).

Actions To Repair

1. Replace shock/springs. See «SPRING»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) and «SHOCK ABSORBER»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
2. Check wheel balance. Balance if necessary.

1. Incorrect tire pressure.
2. Improper tire/wheel usage.
3. Vehicle overloaded or unevenly loaded.
4. Loose, worn or damaged front or rear suspension components.
5. Improper spring usage or improperly installed and seated springs.
6. Incorrect front axle ride height; lateral tilt out of specification.
7. Incorrect rear axle ride height; lateral tilt out of specification.

1. Ensure specified tire pressure for all tires.
2. Install correct tire and wheels.
3. Correct as required.
4. Visually inspect suspension systems. Repair or replace as required. See «SPRING»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) and/or «SHOCK ABSORBER»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
5. Correct as required. See «SPRING»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
6. Adjust to specification. See «VEHICLE LEAN»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension__vehicle-lean) under INSPECTION.

1. Loose or damaged front or rear suspension components.
2. Loose rear spring U-bolts.
3. Rear spring improperly installed on axle.
4. Rear spring center bolt bent.
5. Rear axle out of specification or damaged.

1. Inspect, repair and/or replace components as required. See «SPRING»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
2. Tighten rear spring U-bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension__torque-specifications) .
3. Properly install spring as required. See «SPRING»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
4. Replace the center bolt.
5. Repair rear axle to proper specification as necessary.

1. Unequal load distribution (side-to-side). Excessive load or body height.
2. Broken or sagging spring.
3. Broken toe bolts on rear spring.

1. Correct as necessary.
2. Replace spring as required. See «SPRING»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
3. Replace broken toe bolts as required.

1. Loose mounting bolts
2. Loose shackle bushing
3. Loose rear spring

1. Tighten mounting bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension__torque-specifications) .
2. Replace shackle bushing.
3. Install rear spring anti-squeak inserts (if none currently installed). See «SPRING ANTI-SQUEAK INSERT»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension__spring-anti-squeak-insert) under ADJUSTMENTS.

1. Service worn or damaged rear spring clamp.

1. Install a new rear spring clamp. See «SPRING CLAMP»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension__spring-clamp) under ADJUSTMENT.

1. Clip rivet.

1. Remove burrs.

1. Worn or deteriorated shock/springs.

1. Replace shock/springs. See «SPRING»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) and «SHOCK ABSORBER»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

1. Worn or deteriorated shock/springs.

1. Replace shock/springs. See «SPRING»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) and «SHOCK ABSORBER»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

1. Weak rear spring.

1. Replace rear spring. See «SPRING»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

1. Looseness of peripheral connections.
2. Worn or deteriorated shock/springs.

1. Tighten the peripheral connections.
2. Replace shock/springs. See «SPRING»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) and «SHOCK ABSORBER»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

Removal & Installation

1. Raise the rear end of the vehicle and support the chassis with safety stands. Support the rear axle using a Rotunda Hi-Lift Jack. (Scheme 3)
2. Disconnect the lower end of the rear shock absorber from the bracket on the rear axle. See «SHOCK ABSORBER»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension).
3. Remove the two spring U-bolts nuts, U-bolts and U-bolt rear spring cap and plate. (Scheme 4)
4. Lower the rear axle.
5. Remove the spring-to-front frame bracket bolt from the rear spring shackle. Remove the spring-to-shackle upper bolt and nut to frame. Remove rear spring and rear spring shackle from vehicle. (Scheme 5)
6. For installation, follow removal procedures in reverse order. Tighten the spring front mounting bolt and nut and the rear shackle nuts and spring U-bolt nuts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension__torque-specifications).

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist and support rear axle with Hi-Lift Jack (014-00210) or equivalent.
2. Remove the shock absorber lower attaching nut and bolt, and swing the lower end free of the mounting bracket on the rear axle. (Scheme 6)
3. Remove the attaching nut from the upper end of mounting stud. (Scheme 6)
4. Remove the rear shock absorber. Use a backup wrench on the upper shock stud to prevent rotation. For installation, follow removal procedures in reverse order. Tighten upper nut and washer and lower nut and washer to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension__torque-specifications).

Scheme 6

1. Remove the lower nut, washer and insulator. Remove the upper bolt and washer. (Scheme 7)
2. Remove the rear stabilizer bar.
3. Remove the bolts from the stabilizer bar retainer. Remove the stabilizer bar. (Scheme 8)
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all fasteners to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension__torque-specifications).

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Removal

1. Raise and support the vehicle onto safety stands.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. If the vehicle has drum brakes, go to the next step. Remove the rear disc brake caliper, rear disc support bracket and rear brake disc, if equipped. See appropriate article in BRAKES. Support the rear disc brake caliper with safety wire.
4. Remove the rear drum brake, if equipped
5. Using C-Frame and Clamp Assembly Tool, press the wheel stud from its seat and discard.

Installation

1. Insert a new wheel stud in the hole in the axle flange or hub flange, making sure serrations are aligned with those made by the original wheel stud.
2. Seat new wheel stud in axle flange or hub flange. Place four flat washers over the outside end of the wheel stud. Thread a standard lug nut with the flat side against the washers. Tighten the lug nut until the wheel stud head seats against the back side of the flange.
3. Remove the lug nut and flat washers.
4. If the vehicle has drum brakes, go to the next step. Install the rear disc brake caliper, rear disc support bracket and rear brake disc if so equipped. See appropriate article in BRAKES.
5. Install the rear drum brake.
6. Install the wheel and tire assembly.
7. Lower the vehicle.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
• REAR LEAN
• SPRING
• VEHICLE LEAN
• SPRING ANTI-SQUEAK INSERT
• SPRING CLAMP