PSA on squeaky rear end

So, as a lot of you my rear end was squeaking, sounding like a rust bucket for the most part. I've lubed before with some degree of success. Yesterday while trying to install my spiffy new RPG shackles, I had the truck in the air on jackstands where the suspension could fully droop. After being unsuccessful at being able to remove the upper shackle bolt (frame is in the way, can't slide bolt out) I decided now was a great time to do some rust touch up with Correseal and also, lube the shit out of things back there.

With the suspension fully drooped, I sprayed Jack of All Sprays in between the separated leafs, the upper and lower shackle bushings and the front mount bushings for the leafs. I went for a drive this morning (down Melrose to see the looting carnage in my hood) and the truck was DEAD silent.

Like I said before, I've randomly gotten under the truck with lube mostly with not great results. I guess my point is, the best way to lube under there if you are squeaking is to fully droop the rear end, then lube.

Gen 1 or 2? I have a squeak coming from driver rear on my 18. Not the end of the world and mostly ignore it. Only hear it when I launch a little.

Gen 2

How long does that Corroseal last?

“...fully droop the rear end, then lube.” Sounds like date night lol

I looked up "Jack of all Sprays" but couldn't find much information about their basic formula from the website.

In my experience the majority of lubricants attract dust and dirt resulting in more noise; this is the reason that Ford only recommends that the leafs be cleaned with high pressure water. If a noise issue persists, the tip inserts are typically damaged and must be replaced.

This is the diagnostic direction from the Workshop Manual for leaf spring squeak/creak/rattle:

NOTE: To avoid the re-occurrence of noise, make sure that all contamination and moisture trapped between the individual leaf spring components have been completely removed.

NOTE: Do not apply any lubricant or grease to the leaf springs as this will attract dirt and moisture.

PRESSURE WASH the leaf springs between the individual spring leafs and the gaps between the spring bushings, mounting brackets and shackles to remove any trapped debris. USE compressed (shop) air to remove any remaining debris and to completely dry between all of the individual spring components.Verify noise symptom is not present. If still present replace tip insert.

Keep us posted on how the lubricant you applied works; if it's more of a "dry" type lubricant, it might prove to be an effective long term solution for various leaf spring noises.

FordTechOne said:

I looked up "Jack of all Sprays" but couldn't find much information about their basic formula from the website.

In my experience the majority of lubricants attract dust and dirt resulting in more noise; this is the reason that Ford only recommends that the leafs be cleaned with high pressure water. If a noise issue persists, the tip inserts are typically damaged and must be replaced.

This is the diagnostic direction from the Workshop Manual for leaf spring squeak/creak/rattle:

NOTE: To avoid the re-occurrence of noise, make sure that all contamination and moisture trapped between the individual leaf spring components have been completely removed.

NOTE: Do not apply any lubricant or grease to the leaf springs as this will attract dirt and moisture.

PRESSURE WASH the leaf springs between the individual spring leafs and the gaps between the spring bushings, mounting brackets and shackles to remove any trapped debris. USE compressed (shop) air to remove any remaining debris and to completely dry between all of the individual spring components.Verify noise symptom is not present. If still present replace tip insert.

Keep us posted on how the lubricant you applied works; if it's more of a "dry" type lubricant, it might prove to be an effective long term solution for various leaf spring noises.

Click to expand...

What is a "tip insert"? Mine has done it almost since new. Of course, the time I took it to the dealer, it was silent. I think it was raining that day.

GCATX said:

What is a "tip insert"? Mine has done it almost since new. Of course, the time I took it to the dealer, it was silent. I think it was raining that day.

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These guys:

View media item 15071
If they've become worn or embedded with debris, they can be replaced using a PVC cable saw and installing a new insert.

Have you lifted the truck on jack stands and power washed between the leafs?

FordTechOne said:

These guys:

View media item 15071
If they've become worn or embedded with debris, they can be replaced using a PVC cable saw and installing a new insert.

Have you lifted the truck on jack stands and power washed between the leafs?

Click to expand...

I have not lifted it and power washed it. No work tomorrow, may give it a shot. We always called those spring pads. Learned something new.

Whatever you want to say, my squeaking is gone. Now all i hear are my fox 3.0 rears clicking. Here is the stuff I use

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KHH2LVC/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

I have to say my Blue Lady squeaks like hell, esp going down the cobble stones of River St here in Savannah. I think I only noticed it after playing in some fine GA sand, not beach sand. Around 8000 miles had 6800 when I bought two months ago. Got a pressure washer so will give that a go.