Hey Guys, I've been on this site for few years but never really posted.

Quick question.

I broke the middle of 3 leafs on the back left side on my 2008 F-150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4.

The broken piece broke after the U-bolt. so half the leaf is still in and secure, and the back part of the leaf i've just secured for now to prevent loud rattling.

I am going away camping this weekend, and towing a small enclosed camper.

Would you be worried about getting the leaf spring fixed by then? Its a class 3 hitch on the camper.

What are your thoughts?

 

I wouldn't tow with a broken leaf, no way. You will be over taxing the remaining leafs which will lead to an uneven weight distribution, possible trailer sway, and may break other leafs causing loss of control. I would get it fixed before towing something.

 

Alright, thanks for your reply. much appreciated.


Would you suggest replacing just the single leaf or replace both spring backs on both rears to have even sag in the rear

 

A bandaid fix would be just the one leaf, but ideally I would do both packs so ride quality was the same on each side.

 

Yes, do both sides at a time. If you just replace one side, you'll probably have uneven ride height due to one leaf being warn and sagging.

 

guess if i have them replace both sides, this would be a good time to have the lift added.
prob thinking 2 inch lift front and back.

i called around for a few places and the quotes for each spring pack were around 350 a side, just parts. (Canadian) thoughts? seems pricey for leaf springs

 

On my old 04 I replaced both packs and had a leaf added, all new bolts and u bolts, and hangers. I got everything for under $550. I replaced everything myself, that was just parts.

 

ok ill keep looking around for better prices. thanks for all your replies.

 

Leaf Springs are not that hard to do if you are able. The job does require a firm surface for jack stands. You could get a couple of matched ones off a F-150 with front end damage and swap in the leaves below the main leaf ... maybe even add a leaf and ditch the 2" block to allow for no lift due to extra leaf.

I have even used main leafs as extra back up right under a main leaf after cutting the eyes off the ends and smoothing the ends, this supports the main leaf almost to the end. New or longer spring center bolts are easy to find. These trucks use two on each side.

You don't have to use brand new pairs of spring packs. Broken springs seem to be more common in colder climates for some reason?

 

was able to get parts and do the labour my self. took about 5 hours, some beers and swearing lol, did it all for about $700

 

Nice job! I wouldn't have thought leaf springs would be so expensive to replace.

 

yeah i was surprised too. was expecting to get both sides for 140 each or something. oh well. nice to have it fixed again