Leaf Spring Questions

[kamps989]

OK I am new to the whole leaf spring game being I have always owned sedans until recently. I am kinda feeling like I may need some new ones, what are some ways to easily tell on a ranger? And is it uncommon for them to wear un-evenly? because I had my truck loaded and it seemed like one side was way lower (almost on the overload leaf) than the other though they both had similar amounts of weight over them. Any answers are appreciated.

 

[pillen140]

check to see if they are cracked or broken, make sure both have equal number of leafs. also make sure the shackle is not broken or rusted! that is very common! you can get "add-a-leafs" for around $40. if you think they need to be replaced, i would do them both at the same time, used springs will settle different and wear different, giving you one side higher than the other.

 

[pillen140]

you may have the mono leaf spring now that i think about it... its made of fiberglass, i dont really have a clue on them.

 

[kamps989]

I have the same number on each side and i guarantee that my shackles are rusted (everything down round those parts is). what effect would that have?

 

[pillen140]

the shackles hold the spring up and to the truck itself. if they rusted through, they will not do their job, the rear part of the spring would not be attached to anything!

is it only uneven when loaded?

 

[kamps989]

No it's uneven slightly all the time...

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

does it lean to the drivers side?

 

[kamps989]

Yeah it does (as I understand most rangers do) though mine has a larger lean than others, the lean I can live with. On to my next curiosity, how much of a pain in the ass is it to change out my leafs, and they are rusted SOB's (if i do i will be doing explorer springs). Thanks for all the answers guys.

 

[Bray D]

its a fairly big pain in the ass lol. most of the time the bolts are rusted terribly and have seized inside the metal sleeve that runs through the spring bushings. so you have to cut the bolts, and replace the bushings.

 

[kamps989]

OK I am thinking of doing add-a-leafs now they seem easier. Do I need to extend the brake lines for this (1"-2" of lift) and will my shocks be large enough?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I'm running 6" of lift with a stock rear brake line so there will be no problems there, the shocks should be fine aswell. If its sagging its below the normal ride height anyway, so you should be fine adding the add a leafs.

 

[kamps989]

Great, one more basic question for you guys. Can I put in an add a leaf while leaving the pack on my truck? some directions I have read say to take them off and I don't see why...

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

You can do them in the truck. Get yourself a couple of big c clamps to hold the spring pack together so you can remove the center pin. You'll have to take the u bolts off and then drop the rear axle down a bit with a floor jack. Remove the center pins, install the add a leaf and install a new longer center pin and reassemble the u bolts.