Leaf springs alignment

[jmoz]

The bottom leaf on the left rear leaf spring is out of alignment by about 3/4 of an inch. I've seen competing views on if this is even worth fixing, what do yall think?

 

[55trucker]

The only way I can see a leaf go out of alignment with the rest is by the center bolt failing. The u-bolts still are holding the assembly together, if one raises the truck and supports the chassis, back off the U-bolts & check to see if the center bolt has *taken a holiday*.

 

[4x4junkie]

I've seen this happen often with Skyjacker (aftermarket) springs. The factory springs have a retaining plate between the overload leaf and the leaf above it. If one of the tabs on it bent, this also could allow the overload leaf to go askew.

What I've always done in these cases is thread a couple nuts (with a hardened washer or two between them if needed) down the threads of the u-bolts and then tighten them together alongside the bottom leaf. The leaf will then rest up against the nuts/washers, keeping it inline with the others (there's a little bit of space between the leaves and the u-bolts, the nuts take up this space).

 

[Dirtman]

U bolts arent perfect alignment guides. Wack the offending leaf straight with a hammer and re-torque the u-bolts. It happens with older or aftermarket springs. Yes it is worth fixing though.

 

[55trucker]

The U-bolts are not intended to be alignment guides, they just keep the assembly in place on the axle perch, the strap at the rear (and sometimes the front as well) of the leafs keeps the leafs in line.

 

[Dirtman]

Some spring packs don't use them though, and almost none attach to the bottom leaf.