Mono Spring snapped! Didn't expect to see that happen!

[Tedybear]

All I can say is "Wow".

I started doing the rocker panel replacement and when doing the drivers side I had it jacked up on one side with stands.

I glanced over and noted the mono leaf spring at the front shackle was hanging off/down at a really odd angle. I figured the bushing went "Poof" and did a full inspection.

Bushing is still in tact. The mono spring where it curls around the front most part of the bushing has snapped in two! So I have 1/2 a "Hook" or a "Scoop/Spoon" holding the rear spring against the bushing. It's not falling all the way down and apart, when it's off the ground it looks like it's wedged.

Okay Okay... Clearly I'm not going to be driving around a great deal and going on the pot hole express. Plus with the weight on the back axle there's little to zero chance it will bounce up and out. However being the "Safety forth" kinda oddball that I am?

Need to replace it. I've planned out another day at the local yard. I'm not a fan of the mono spring.

Need suggestions on replacement.

Buyer's Guide : HUSKY SPRING 43967 Leaf Spring
FORD EXPLORER 1991-2002
MAZDA NAVAJO 1991-1994
MERCURY MOUNTAINEER 1997-2001

Reason I like Rock Auto. The guides are pretty decent.

Would either an Explorer 2001-2002 with a multi pack leaf spring, or the later year Mountaineer multi pack leaf spring be a decent idea for replacement?

Considering I have the 4.0. Rock auto shows the same spring replacement (not the mono spring oddly enough) Across all years. Except when I get to the 2002 with a V8. That only has one spring listed and is a different part number.

Would that mean I need to only use a 4.0v6 spring--And would any spring pack work? (I'd like to get the 4 door one, as they seem more popular and I would think holds more weight)

I'm still stuck driving this the way it sits for the time being. Of course being more careful and not going "Wheeling" around jumping stuff.

With the upcoming heat wave this might not happen for a few weeks. Next day off I have will be 95F for heat...and next day after that will be 85 with storms.

So I have time to work this out.

Thanks!

S-

 

[1996xlt]

Any multi leaf spring should work 4.0 or 5.0 from years 95-01 or from Sport Tracs up to 05, but it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to replace the bushings before swapping them in.

 

[Tedybear]

As I noted on the 'urgent' section. Operation complete.

Here's what came out:

The broken part has heavy crud build up on it. This had to have happened prior to it passing state inspection. Very surprised it didn't fail for a broken spring.