Rear uneven height after adjusting shackles?

[JoshT]

That's sad, but glad that you found it.

As for spring source, haven't worked on anything where I needed to buy them yet, so I'm no help there.

I'd probably go with the 1200lb spring if I were buying. The 1100 would probably be adequate for anything you are doing, but the 1200 will help keep it more level under load. I probably wouldn't go 1750 for fear of it being too stiff, but I have no experience with them.

 

[DRanger024]

The 1200 lb springs would be fine with that trailer/sled combo. The only exception is if it’s a short track sled and you wanted to throw it in the bed of the truck instead. I put my old Vmax 700 triple in the bed of my ‘02 a couple times and it was too much. Trailer it was just fine.

 

[JJMaine]

I'm thinking the same to be honest. If 1200lb are close to stock then I think I'll start there and can always upgrade if I ever find the need. Thats good to hear D Ranger thanks!

On the bright side, that will save me from having to chisel the old bushings out of leaf springs!

It is a short track sled but my skis wont fit between the wheel wells anyway. Cant wait for winter!

 

[DRanger024]

My wheel wells were dented to hell from sleds. Take the bed off to change the springs. You’ll thank yourself for it later.

 

[JoshT]

If 1200lb are close to stock then I think I'll start there and can always upgrade if I ever find the need.

That's when add-a-leafs come in handy.

If it becomes necessary I'd probably look into helper springs over stronger leafs or add-a-leafs. The right ones will help keep level, but only come into play when loaded. When the extra capacity isn't needed (IE: unloaded or lite load), the truck behaves just like the stock springs.

 

[JJMaine]

I ordered the 1200lbs from General Spring. Hopefully they arrive by Saturday because I dont want to drive too long with a broken spring. Supposedly its okay to drive short distances if you still have 2 leaves left but not sure how much I like the idea lol. Im going to duct tape the remainder of the spring in place so it cant spin. I wish I had the broken piece because Id jam that back in there as well lol

 

[JJMaine]

The second I put these new leaf springs in Ill bet you anything the ball joints (or something else) will implode. Now I know why the title of the sellers ad was “Danger Ranger” (it really was)

 

[Uncle Gump]

My truck comes in a bit heavy. Fiberglass topper... spare tire and carrier hanging off the rear bumper. I think the 1750's are right where I like it. I bought my spring packs locally. Met face to face with the fella and bought up his offerings. Pretty much the same price from who knows where delivered.

I also only wanted to do this once...

 

[don4331]

Its only dangerous if it is the top leaf that is damaged - then things get real bad in a hurry.

The remnants of the leaf are locked in place by the bolt in middle of spring pack and the U-bolts. Duct tape is useful, but out of its league in this case.

Remember: The rating for the springs is each aka 2 x 1,200lbs = 2,400lbs on rear axle (which is very close the 2,700lb max GAWR for either 7.5 or 8.8 axle) 1,750lbs springs sort of keep you from seeing just how badly you are overloading the truck.

I wouldn't worry about single 'baby' sled in trailer. (More used to the big long track sleds around here).

 

[JoshT]

The second I put these new leaf springs in Ill bet you anything the ball joints (or something else) will implode.

Possibly, anything can happen. I can say that if it does, you'll be in good (or bad?) company here. It's likely happened to every one of us that turns a wrench, on more tyan one occassion.

 

[JJMaine]

Oh yeah I dont sweat it too much. It comes with buying a used vehicle. Every thing that breaks is a chance for me to learn how to do something else. Be much more stressful and expensive if I had to take it to a shop every time.

My u bolts look in fine shape but do you guys think I should change them anyway? They really do look good minus a bit of surface rust but wouldnt mind replacing them if it were a safety concern. The autoparts stores must stock these because I wont have time to get them shipped here before the weekend?

 

[JoshT]

According to the Internet at large, u-bolts are one time use. Repair manuals likely say the same.

That said, I and most people I know only replace if damaged or a different size is needed.

 

[superj]

yup, i have never replaced u-bolts unless they were the wrong size after changing springs or adding leafs

 

[SenorNoob]

I don't think I've ever seen them not so rusty as to make removal impossible.

 

[Shran]

I reuse factory u-bolts all the time. No problem there.

The only ones I do not reuse are the aftermarket ones that AutoZone and other parts stores sell... I am very careful to torque those too. I tried reusing them a couple times and they broke while tightening the nuts on the second go-round.