When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Long story short: I was driving 50mph pulling my 35ft travel trailer and had a dodge dually turn onto the road in front of me and STOP in the road. I put the brakes to the floor and my trailer went slightly sideways. Thankfully I didn't hit him but I heard a loud pop from the back of my truck so I pulled over to inspect everything. Only thing I noticed is that my rear axle is slightly pushed left and my drivers side spring block looks out of alignment.
just wondering if this looks correct/advice on what to look for damage wise. Thanks in advance yall and merry Christmas!
it would appear to me that it moved the block. Unsure why based upon what you said.
I would suggest a better look but I think I would try to put the block back and you may need to jack the truck up off the rear axle so you can pull it back.
I wonder if it was not torqued to spec from the factory?
the spring center bolt head between the spring and the top of the block and a center pin between the axle spring perch and the block should keep the block from moving. It looks like the spring center pin might have broke
it would appear to me that it moved the block. Unsure why based upon what you said.
I would suggest a better look but I think I would try to put the block back and you may need to jack the truck up off the rear axle so you can pull it back.
I wonder if it was not torqued to spec from the factory?
I'll get a better look when I'm back home after Christmas, and I can take it all apart. I agree, hitting the brakes hard with a trailer shouldn't cause damage like that.
I'll get a better look when I'm back home after Christmas, and I can take it all apart. I agree, hitting the brakes hard with a trailer shouldn't cause damage like that.
Take nothing apart until it has been verified that something has shifted. Look for clean paint lines that are exposed. These trucks are mass produced, and the spring pack, lift block and u bolts will not always be in perfect alignment.
Highly doubtful that the block and spring pack shifted unless the axle was forcibly moved from a wheel hitting a curb hard or similar impact.
Additionally, if you decide to to loosen, the u bolts should be replaced as they are a torque-to-yield fastener.
I second that.....block moved on spring. I had that happened to a trailer once. On your picture it is very clear that the block moved from its original position.
I would go straight to Ford and have them inspect and disassemble. There's several factors at play here that could contribute to this action.
After its repaired, wheel alignment immediately to follow.
Take nothing apart until it has been verified that something has shifted. Look for clean paint lines that are exposed. These trucks are mass produced, and the spring pack, lift block and u bolts will not always be in perfect alignment.
Highly doubtful that the block and spring pack shifted unless the axle was forcibly moved from a wheel hitting a curb hard or similar impact.
This. If you don't know what it looked like before, you have no way of knowing if the block has moved or not. Look for disturbed dirt or paint.
Personally, I'd check the torque on the u-bolts first, and if they are fine, just drive it.
the spring center bolt head between the spring and the top of the block and a center pin between the axle spring perch and the block should keep the block from moving. It looks like the spring center pin might have broke
This is what happened. The pop you heard was the alignment pin shearing off. Think about how the load is transferred from the frame to the ground in that situation. It just seems odd that you could get enough force to shear the pin in the back of the truck under heavy braking vs the tires skidding on the pavement.
Agree. Needs to be torn down and inspected. I'd let Ford do it. Looks pretty clean under there so I'm assuming your truck is still under warranty. Even if not, I think Ford would want to see this one. For the spring pack to shift this much on the block, the spring pack bolt probably sheared off.
With the braking forces and moments described with a 35 ft 5th wheel, you could have had 3-4 times more force bearing down on the rear axle which would give you 3-4 times more friction between the tires and pavement. Sound like the rear axle got a good workout. Regardless, it should have not moved.
Drop the U Bolts and inspect the center pin bolt..... If it's sheared, replace it.... Put some Kroil on the UBolts to help get them off... Put it back together with Never Seize... Many an old logging or gravel hauling truck run for a week or two with this bolt sheared off.... The axle is not going to fall off... Long tern there will be some excess tire wear...
No need to check which codes it's throwing.... LOL
Thanks for all the suggestions yall. It's driving just fine for now so ill have it looked at when I get home after the holidays.
Edit: I know its hard to tell from the picture but the block has bent the u bolt out. Something has definitely moved.
