This doesn't look good... (Leaf springs)
 

Hey folks, I'm a bit new to the forum, but love it, TONS of good info for DIYers!

So I just painted my stock rims and need new tires soon. The old ones wore badly on the outside of the passenger side tires and it's pretty obvious that I'll need an alignment when I get new tires so I don't ruin them. I was just thinking that while I'm getting all this stuff done, I should probably replace the shocks cause I've put 40k on it and I'm guessing they weren't new when I got the truck.

Now to the point... while I was looking at how hard putting new shocks on the back was going to be, I noticed the leaf springs didn't really line up... on either side. They're uniform at least (bottom springs pointing in toward the front and out toward the rear), but it doesn't look right.

Pax side looking forward:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lKjuA1wSIF0/T0wn2gSJFnI/AAAAAAAAAEI/d6Knm9AT0gw/s800/IMAG0956.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"></td></tr></table>

And pax side looking back:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-65RCBHTadhg/T0wnsPKN1FI/AAAAAAAAAEA/rVXM0JvYd4w/s800/IMAG0955.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"></a></td></tr></table>

Pretty sure I'm gonna have to do a wheel bearing too, so somebody tell me this is ok!

You don't have the clips on the leaf pack to keep the ends from twisting like in the pictures. You can probably go to a parts store like Auto Zone and get them. If not, I'm sure the dealership will have them. I don't know if it's necessary to have them, but it will make you feel better for them to be lined up. They shouldn't be expensive at all

That's a little more exaggerated than some I've seen, but not completely abnormal. Mine are twisted like that. have been as long as I can remember and never had a problem. Take a look under some random trucks in parking lots and such and see how it compares.

This.

Oh this is good news for sure, thanks guys! So is there a preferred method on getting them lined back up before the clamps are installed? Perhaps cave man style with a hammer and some elbow grease?

Yes the reciprocating impact wrench works good. Might want to lay a block of wood on the side of the spring before you smack it.

Ohhh, Ohhh…this gives me an idea. My axle is shifted further towards the drivers side than the passenger side. It's only slightly apparent when you are looking for it; the wheel/tire sticks out further on the driver side than it does the passenger side. I've never worried about it because almost every truck this body style I look at has this issue. Plus, it's always been this way. But now I wonder if I get my leafs back in alignment, wonder if it has anything to with the axle position??? Interesting thought.

time to get out the BFH

Was just about to post about this

My leaf clamps keep coming loose and the rattle is driving me nuts....last 2 sets were put on by the shop that installed my lift. (kinda irritated) IMO it seems the clamps with bolts would be be better no?

Well solved my issue

Autozone/advance auto parts which ever I stopped at cant remember sells the 3 inch wide leaf spring clamp kits...17.99 each

http://i43.tinypic.com/4sjqfs.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/rtetzm.jpg

i'd cut those threads off ^^ it'll look cleaner

Yeah when I put them on this morning it was pouring rain and wanted to go inside asap :p