Just had my Red Head Steering Box installed and seems to be quite an improvement Had the truck aligned as well but the thing still pulls to the right. The shop discovered a broken leaf on the driver side rear and claims that will definitely cause a pull I trust the guy so I assume this is accurate?

I know I should replace both sides when doing it, but hate the thought of dropping another ~$500 on the truck right now. How long have you all driven on a broken spring....just truck or with a trailer? Is it even remotely safe to consider it or do I just need to bite the bullet? Looking to tow a 'Stang to The Tail of The Dragon in two weeks.

My truck as Spring Code VA, so 4/1 springs in the back. My truck also has a "helper spring" so I'm told, which looks like a 5th leaf but it is on the very top and no strapped in with the others. Looks like it is designed to hit a couple of "load stoppers"? Anyway, I'm pretty much clueless. I'm not looking to beef up the suspension and hurt the ride. Will only tow a ~5,000 lbs trailer a few times each year.

Anyone have a recommendation besides this place:
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/99-04-...4-1-leaf-stack

Pretty good price or are their better deals out there?

Thanks,

 

Look for a local spring shop and see what they can do for you in terms of repairing the existing spring or building you some replacements.

Depending on where the leaf broke, you run the risk of part of the leaf falling out (or both parts) and losing the integrity of the spring pack. If that happens, you won't want to be towing any ponies.

 

We know plenty of guys who continue to drive with a broken leaf. You do run of the chance of the broken part falling off while driving which could be hazardous to others on the road. These guys don't tow though, just heir vehicle they use to go back and forth from work.


If you are towing and hauling I would get it fixed as soon as you can. That could get dangerous.

Where are you located?

 

I have seen those rear springs with a helper on top more than once but I have not seen that as an option on the aftermarket. I figure that's a Ford spring.

 

I found a local shop that has the stock replacements in stock for $159 each. Is that a good deal or can you do better ATS? I'm assuming shipping would be involved...I'm in Indianapolis.

The helper spring appears to be an added leaf on top of the actual leaf spring during install...so it appears it will come off, and go back on top of the new spring. I'm looking to pull the trigger in the next few hours at the local shop unless anyone has a better option? Going to try to tackle this on Saturday morning....the underside of my truck looks pretty clean, including the eye bolts and U bolts.

 

OK...new leafs are in, truck rides noticeably better and she drives straight as an arrow. Now the steering wheel is off centered to the right by about 15 degrees. Enough that I'd like to correct it. Is this an easy fix? Do I need some sort of puller tool? Can I simply pull the center horn pad off like my '94 or does the airbag make it a whole new ball game?

 

You're speaking of the steering wheel, which springs did you replace, front or rear?

 

Why not readjust the drive-line linkage? You will have to readjust two of them accordingly, this will not corrupt your alignment.

 

Yes...its the steering wheel I would like to fix. Front Steering Box was replaced and truck was aligned. Even after being in check, it pulled to the right. Then it was discovered a rear leaf was broke in half. Had new rear leafs installed now everything is great except the steering wheel is pointed to the right enough that I would like to correct.

What is the easiest fix is what I am after. What are the two drive line linkages you speak of? Is that easier then pulling the wheel and reinstalling, or pulling the pitment arm and reinstalling after straightening out the wheel?

 

Got er done...all is good :-). Adjusted the coupler just off the pitman arm.