We finished putting on the just the Hotkis Leafs (stock hangers and shackles) and the new endlinks yesterday. But we had to muscle the driver's side spring on. The spring-to-axle alignment nub on that leaf was about 1/4 inch too far foward. Front is still stock. We ran out of light, yesterday.

Now, the L (01) pulls a little in the direction you'd expect if the axle wasn't completely perpendicular to the to the drive shaft It's not blatantly obvious but noticeable on straight, flat roads.

Is there a rear alignment available for vehicles with a solid rear axle? I couldn't figure out what the shop would adjust to square up the rear.

On the other hand, I have been bottoming out more - not axle hitting bumpstops but fat a$$ maxing out the seat springs. Looks like time for the "diet/gym" mod

 

Did you try switching the spring end to end? I am no chassis guy but I thought the eyes were same front and rear. Maybe this will make a differance.

 

The springs were labeled to show which end went towards the front. They both measured the same so I don't think there was a specific left/right side.

 

The holes for the eyes are different sizes so you can't install them backwards, so it's doubtful they are incorrect.

Regarding the alignment, loosen up the bolts on the hangers/shackles. Also, loosen up the U-bolts and relocate the spring or axle with a persuader. Then, measure the centerlines of the rear axles to a fixed point in the front (front axles, for example) so they are lined up. Repeat if necessary. Then tighten everything up.

Spike

 

To those who have had an alignment after a rear leaf spring install, will a shop do the sort of thing Spike described?

Spike - Thanks for the info. I didn't think to measure the rear axle to a fixed point. I need to try that first before looking for an alignment because it could the front end. The drift is slight enough that it could have been there before the rear leaf install and I just didn't notice.

 

Here's another link with more info:
Need alignment help...

Spike