Several years back I replaced the rear leaf springs. I have some questions. The rear suspension has a squeaks that I feel ties into the leafs. Should of the springs, bolts, or bushings of been lubed? What are the torque specifications for the U bolts? It seems like I just kept tightening and tightening them, I'm sure they are now stretched. I have sinced ordered new U bolts. If I jack up the rear end, which should take the pressure off the springs. Then change one U bolt at a time. Will this work? Or is there a better procedure?

Thanks Lowell

 

I think to replace the u-bolts, you don't need to jack the car up. If you need to for access, put it on jack stands, then jack up the rear axle to take the pressure off of the u-bolts. Then remove them.

 

Squeaks from the rear springs usually come from the shackles. Put the rear in the air and loosen the shackle bolts then put the car back on the ground and tighten the shackle bolts back up.

 

To go al ittle further with Soaring's resposne:
or dirt, crud, rust, from between the leaves. or from bad pads or no pads

 

The torque for the U bolt nuts is 35-50 ft. lbs.

 

The Ford recomended torque on the u-bolts is 30 to 45 ft-lbs.
Jim

 

Ok, let's flip a coin. Do we go with the Haynes Ford V8 Mustang manual, or do we go with the un-mentioned Ford recommended torque specs Jim mentions? It doesn't really matter. It is only a ballpark figure.

 

Tighten the nut until is starts to spin free, then back off 3/4 turn.
My reference is the '1966 Comet, Falcon, Fairlane and Mustang Shop Manual' Group 3, page 3-50, Fig. 2, Ref. No. 4. Is that sufficient to find the info?
Jim

 

At least the information is from a manual and not your memory.

 

Burgundy induced memory right now. I'm all done bead blasting hardware for the day so it's 'Happy Hour'.
Jim