New leaf spring problems

[Getthatmoneyvnx]

Im not sure what the lingo is for the parts, so please bear with me. I installed new leaf springs, and I was told to torque the u-bolts to 45lbs, the front bolt to 20lbs, the rear bolt also to 20lbs, and the bolt that attaches the spring to the contraption that is riveted to the frame at 65lbs.

Here are my questions..
I understand that the springs must be allowed to rotate at each end where the circle is that has the bushing in it. However, the bolt that attaches to the contraption that's attached to the frame, is it supposed to rotate and move around. Reason I ask is it moves quite freely there, and is now pushing into the body of the truck in the back, which definately isnt normal..

So, at what angle should the hanger be at in comparison to the bracket that's attached to frame. Also, what is the proper torque for each bolt, and lastly, should I use thread locker so the bolts stay in place?

 

[Dirtman]

Can you take some pics so we can get a better idea what you're describing?

 

[Getthatmoneyvnx]

Yes sir I'll do that right now

 

[Getthatmoneyvnx]

Lmk if you need more pics or from different angles

 

[Dirtman]

Yea need some pics from farther back so I can see the whole thing. I'm assuming that's the bottom of the rear shackle?

Did you replace the hangers? The pieces riveted to the frame? Or just the springs, bushings, and shackles?

 

[Getthatmoneyvnx]

Idk why its having trouble uploading pics

 

[Getthatmoneyvnx]

A buddy of mine upgraded his suspension, which had no problems, and gave me his old springs, which had good bushings, and loosly attached hangars. The length of my springs (which were completely shot) was the same exact length as the springs he gave me.

 

[Getthatmoneyvnx]

And I did not replace the hangars. In my previous msg where i said "hangars", I think I meant shackals

 

[Getthatmoneyvnx]

When I get off work, I'll take the rear tires off and take proper pics for you.

 

[Getthatmoneyvnx]

I really appreciate the help

 

[Dirtman]

They either aren't installed right, or they are arched differently or longer. You said they matched the old ones so something must be off. From the pics the bolts on the bushing don't look tightened down enough but that wouldn't cause the spring to be pushed so far back that it's hitting the body. When you get more pics ill see if I spot the problem.

 

[pjtoledo]

with stock rear springs the rubber bushings do all the "rotating" by flexing. there is no metal to metal rotating or movement.
the inner metal sleeve is firmly clamped by the bolt, it does not rotate on the bolt.

when tightening the big bolts they need to be tightened when the wheels are on the ground and the truck sitting normal.
that way the bushing is in a middle position. the bushing rotates one way when the wheel drops in a hole, then the other way when the wheel goes over a raised bump.

try to get pics from directly under or to the side of the rear of the spring so we can see what the angle of the shackle is.

 

[MikeG]

Thread locker is usually about the last thing you need on spring & spring hanger bolts. They usually rust into enough of a mess that getting them off next time is a @$%#$%^@$#......

 

[Cees Klumper]

You definitely don't want them touching the cab/body, as that will cause noises and maybe vibrations while driving.

 

[MikeG]

I can't figure out how the spring shackle could hit the body of the truck at all. All that crap hangs down below the frame rail on my truck..... HUH??????