Misaligned leaf spring

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 03-04-2003, 12:21 PM
WLF's Avatar
WLF
WLF is offline
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2000
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Question Misaligned leaf spring

While under my truck working on the rear, I noticed my leaf springs are misaligned. The second spring sticks out the side from the large spring about 2 inches at the end. Has anyone else had this problem? More importantly, has anyone found a creative way to fix it? I would use an aftermarket spring clamp but am worried about binding the spring.
 
  #2  
Old 03-04-2003, 12:28 PM
hapynzap's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: WISCONSIN
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Mine does that on the drivers side.

After tax season is over, heh, I'm planning on new Rancho 9000 shocks and a Roadmaster Active Suspension heavy duty system to help the springs out.

http://www.roadmasterok.com/howmain.htm

I'll admit to overloading my truck a time or two. I suppose you could realign the springs if it bothers you.
 
  #3  
Old 03-04-2003, 12:34 PM
WLF's Avatar
WLF
WLF is offline
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2000
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
hapynzap, thanks for replying.

I'm more concerned with the ability of the spring to hold lateral forces. Its not the way it looks but the way it works that concerns me. If the springs are shifting, what are they doing under stress.
 
  #4  
Old 03-04-2003, 01:48 PM
Bumpkin1's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Vermont
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The spring on the drivers side of my rig is mis-aligned. I've also got a squeek happening went I hit a dip in the road and I'm hoping they are related although I can't reproduce the squeek by bouncing the bed.

I plan on bringing the spring and squeek up to my dealer when I bring it in next but I'm waiting for the temps around here to get above zero for a day or two so I can crawl under and take a good look myself. I hope to be able to bring it in next week and I'll let you know what the dealer says about the spring.

My rig is an 02 F150 7700 with 14K that has never been overloaded or used to any where near it's capacity.
 
  #5  
Old 03-05-2003, 06:55 AM
JSCOTT's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 1969
Location: Frisco, TX, USA
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Mine too was unaligned, the dealer wanted to replace the entire springs on that side. Fortunatly, they didn't have the parts in stock.

I ended up installing the Roadmaster Active Suspension. When I had that side "loose", I simply realigned the springs before I retorqued the bolts. That was one year ago and the problem hasn't returned.
 
  #6  
Old 03-05-2003, 08:39 AM
FarmBoy's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New Hudson, MI, USA
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Guys I don't remember which year, but there was a recall to fix this problem. It was basically a clip that went on the spring pack to keep them aligned.

You can just take a hammer and pount the leaf into place and devise your own clip.

-jeff b.
 
  #7  
Old 03-05-2003, 08:25 PM
LE PEW's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Nu Joizey
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I had the shortest, thickest leaf on the driver's side turned crooked. When I put the traction bars on I loosened the U-bolts, turned it all straight, then tightened up the whole works.

The traction bar U-bolts keep them in line now so I doubt they will shift again but I do believe that they bind the springs somewhat.

BTW I think there was a recall for that condition but only on 4WD trucks.

Good luck.
 
  #8  
Old 03-05-2003, 09:39 PM
WLF's Avatar
WLF
WLF is offline
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2000
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I will try the loosening, aligning then retighten to see if it holds. It is my large, lowest spring as well. It is the same on both sides.
 



Quick Reply: Misaligned leaf spring



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:49 PM.