How do I go about checking to see if my front leaf springs are worn out. I have a somewhat rough ride and it seems to make a bang noise when I hit a bump. 2002 f250

 

im not an expert but i would think if they are flat or lower they are worn out.

 

I'm no expert either, but I have seen other f250's and f350's with semi flat looking springs and they drove fine. Mine are semi flat as well. Not sure what they should like like when new.

 

Check the shocks, but also check the springs themselves to see if the bump-stops left marks on them. Sounds like they are hitting the bump stops to me. Be sure to check ball joints/tie rods/front end out thoroughly.

 

As suggested, check out everything that is a wear item. I have seen early ('99-'04) Super Duties with 300k on stock leafs, and still not 'worn out'.

Leaf spring eye bushings, however, do give up, along with sway bar end links, shock bushings, panhard bar bushings, etc.

The stock leaves look like they are de-arched from the factory, and sometimes this is mistaken for 'worn out'.

 

Does the banging noise sound like someone thumping the underside of the cab with a rubber mallet? Usually when you hit a bump that rocks the truck a little? 99% of the time its your sway bar bushings. If they're as bad as mine are, you can rock the truck and see the play in the bushings. At this age, most of the factory rubber is worn out/shot anyway and worth replacing.