replacing leaf springs

[SunlitComet]

Need to replace leaf springs soon. I remember that the 4dr 4*4 had an issue with a bolt that was blocked by the fuel tank. Could some please elaborate on it and is there a way to do it without removal. If the tank needs to come out then I will have to send it off for someone else to do and then won't have enough money to get firestone airbags. I think each spring pack has a broken leaf. Or is it possible to use the airbag as a temporary spring relief until I get enough for the packs and use the bags later only for loads? right now the airbag set is $100 cheaper than two leaf packs.

 

[retorq]

Find out which leaf is broke. If it's the main there really is no choice, it has to be replaced. If it's one of the others and the main is OK an airbag will help with loads ...

I would imagine that the issue is the bolt comes out of the spring towards the inside of the truck ... you may be able to get it out using some creativity.

 

[bowtiefreak]

couldn't tell you off the top of my head. But I think I may know what they mean. I think the way that the bolt needs to be backed out of the mount is blocked by the tank, just not enough clearance. If possible, check to see. A fix miht be to check if you can cut the bolt out, replace it and put it in from the other side.

 

[retorq]

couldn't tell you off the top of my head. But I think I may know what they mean. I think the way that the bolt needs to be backed out of the mount is blocked by the tank, just not enough clearance. If possible, check to see. A fix miht be to check if you can cut the bolt out, replace it and put it in from the other side.

That's pretty creative.

Just be careful with sparks near the gastank. LOL

 

[SunlitComet]

Pic of left side. The right side has a leaf broken just aft of the center anchor.
It is raining for a few days and can't get a better picture right now. But the eyed leaf is intact on both side just one of the other leafs on each.

 

[SunlitComet]

BTW I ended up getting Edelbrock shocks to put on the truck.

---------- Post added at 02:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:56 PM ----------

couldn't tell you off the top of my head. But I think I may know what they mean. I think the way that the bolt needs to be backed out of the mount is blocked by the tank, just not enough clearance. If possible, check to see. A fix miht be to check if you can cut the bolt out, replace it and put it in from the other side.

Heard of that just can't verify right now in this weather.

 

[99Yuk]

Pic of left side. The right side has a leaf broken just aft of the center anchor.
It is raining for a few days and can't get a better picture right now. But the eyed leaf is intact on both side just one of the other leafs on each.

When I had my leaf packs replaced, the apprentice was swearing because he did in fact have to lower the gas tank enough for the new eyebolt to clear.

You still may be able to do it yourself if you have a hoist and a tranny jack. He just raised the truck and then lowered the tank on the tranny jack. Didn't have to lower it much, about 6" ASAIK.

There is another fella on here that did it himself I think. We should ask him how he did it.

But the point is, if your running low on $$$ and both of your mains(with eyebolts) are ok, then just replace the broken leafs, and keep the rest. Just bring in the broken peices into any spring shop and they can replace them.

Remember to buy new u-bolts and nuts. They stretch on install and really shouldn't be reused.



EDIT: hey,if you plan on lifting, then now is the time to install a new 2" or 3" block while your buying new u-bolts!!!

 

[TigerEyz3]

The tank has to be dropped as stated above... It's a 4dr thing, not a 4x4 thing - same holds true for the 2x4. Even though you're replacing the bolts and can cut the original, the problem will still exist on install of the new ones - best to put the bolt in from the inside rather than the outside anyway (safety first).

 

[dsump]

I just changed out my leaf springs and my shackles. I ended up just cutting the old bolts out and then using new ones. That is the best way in my opinion. The local hardware store has good replacement bolts. This decision was made because my bolts were rusted inside the eyes of the leafs. Would have taken all day to salvage those bolts.

 

[SunlitComet]

Let me ask this. How much weight do you think I can carry with those air bag over a stock empty vehicle with the existing springs as I described. My tools, tech books and stuff (cargo area)to the job site will be about 600 pounds plus one big driver. I am really short on borrowed money so I if I can't drive it with reasonable safety I have no transportation the the airfields to make money. Sorry to have to pester but the spring damage was caught at the last moment. The closest aviation job I can get now is 500 miles away. I need the emotion security flowing my way if you all have any on this situation.