Leaf Spring Fatigue - opinions
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Senior User
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From: PA
Leaf Spring Fatigue - opinions
1997 F150 4x4, 88K miles, 6cyl engine, single cab, 8' bed, with G2 Backflip cover (installed one year now)
I replaced shocks at about 55k miles, Monroe's cheapest. The ride improved. After three years, about 30K miles, they were tired, not unexpected.
The other observation is getting into and out of the bed, from the tailgate, the bed got squishy, wobbled around and dropped about 1-2" under my weight.
I replaced shocks recently with Monroe's Reflex, much improved ride.
The bed firmed up, above symptoms gone.
Opinions welcome - are the leaf springs sufficiently fatigued that the shocks are now load bearing, at least a little, thus increasing their workload and wear rate? The truck has had very light duty hauling and no trailer towing. Leaf springs are 2+1 OEM.
Thanks Forum.
I replaced shocks at about 55k miles, Monroe's cheapest. The ride improved. After three years, about 30K miles, they were tired, not unexpected.
The other observation is getting into and out of the bed, from the tailgate, the bed got squishy, wobbled around and dropped about 1-2" under my weight.
I replaced shocks recently with Monroe's Reflex, much improved ride.
The bed firmed up, above symptoms gone.
Opinions welcome - are the leaf springs sufficiently fatigued that the shocks are now load bearing, at least a little, thus increasing their workload and wear rate? The truck has had very light duty hauling and no trailer towing. Leaf springs are 2+1 OEM.
Thanks Forum.
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Joined: Apr 2014
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Could very well be the issue. I've noticed the same thing. I'll be changing the shocks. Age does also play a role even though you have relatively low mileage and "little towing". I bought a set of rear airbags to help firm up the rear end and help with heavier loads. Not bad for the money and seem to tighten everything up nicely. Might be worth a shot.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 149
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From: PA
update, big difference
1997 F150 4x4, 88K miles, 6cyl engine, single cab, 8' bed, with G2 Backflip cover (installed one year now)
I replaced shocks at about 55k miles, Monroe's cheapest. The ride improved. After three years, about 30K miles, they were tired, not unexpected.
The other observation is getting into and out of the bed, from the tailgate, the bed got squishy, wobbled around and dropped about 1-2" under my weight.
I replaced shocks recently with Monroe's Reflex, much improved ride.
The bed firmed up, above symptoms gone.
Opinions welcome - are the leaf springs sufficiently fatigued that the shocks are now load bearing, at least a little, thus increasing their workload and wear rate? The truck has had very light duty hauling and no trailer towing. Leaf springs are 2+1 OEM.
Thanks Forum.
I replaced shocks at about 55k miles, Monroe's cheapest. The ride improved. After three years, about 30K miles, they were tired, not unexpected.
The other observation is getting into and out of the bed, from the tailgate, the bed got squishy, wobbled around and dropped about 1-2" under my weight.
I replaced shocks recently with Monroe's Reflex, much improved ride.
The bed firmed up, above symptoms gone.
Opinions welcome - are the leaf springs sufficiently fatigued that the shocks are now load bearing, at least a little, thus increasing their workload and wear rate? The truck has had very light duty hauling and no trailer towing. Leaf springs are 2+1 OEM.
Thanks Forum.
Truck reference shown above.
Leaf springs replaced with 2+1 config (SDTruckSprings.com).
New shackles too (RockAuto.com).
Huge difference.
New Monroe Reflex shocks coming this week (RockAuto.com).
Back in business with a solid, stable ride. Haven't hauled anything yet but certain it will be a safer experience.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 149
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From: PA
Final thoughts
May 11, 2015 update
1997 F150 XLT 4x4, 4.2L V6, std cab, long bed
Replaced rear shocks with new Monroe Reflex.
Replaced stabilizer/sway bar links with new, MOOG, with polyurethane bushings.
End of story. Money well spent.
Truck rides really well and is stable in corners.
1997 F150 XLT 4x4, 4.2L V6, std cab, long bed
Replaced rear shocks with new Monroe Reflex.
Replaced stabilizer/sway bar links with new, MOOG, with polyurethane bushings.
End of story. Money well spent.
Truck rides really well and is stable in corners.
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