Broken Leaf Springs
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
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Broken Leaf Springs
Help! I have a 1987 f-150 stepside. The truck has a 5 leaf set up per side. The driver side 3 middle springs had cracked off at the rear leaving the top main and a gap to the bottom spring. All five layers are still present bolted to the axle and to the front so the lift is still good. My question is if it's still safe to drive this way? I plan on fixing this but tied for cash right now. I don't haul any weight in it either, just use it to get to work and back. Do I have to worry about the top main spring breaking on me if I continue to drive the truck? Any help would be great. Thanks.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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My '95 did the same thing, after one broke, the others started to break as well, which makes me think that they don't do too well unless all of them are present. I actaully drove mine for quite some time as I saved for the 600$(<-just so you know) that the dealership wanted for 2 new installed. I personally don't reccomend driving, as I'm not going to tell you do do something that will endanger you, but for some peace of mind, if you look at a 90's 2 door explorer, they come with only 1 leaf spring in the rear from the factory, so you'll probably be fine. Make sure you stay well off the gas, and easy on quick braking if possible, and definetly no loads.
Good Luck.
Good Luck.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
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Originally Posted by speedyredford
My '95 did the same thing, after one broke, the others started to break as well, which makes me think that they don't do too well unless all of them are present. I actaully drove mine for quite some time as I saved for the 600$(<-just so you know) that the dealership wanted for 2 new installed. I personally don't reccomend driving, as I'm not going to tell you do do something that will endanger you, but for some peace of mind, if you look at a 90's 2 door explorer, they come with only 1 leaf spring in the rear from the factory, so you'll probably be fine. Make sure you stay well off the gas, and easy on quick braking if possible, and definetly no loads.
Good Luck.
Good Luck.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,604
Likes: 148
From: SE Georgia
go to a junkyard and yank them...it's only 12 bolts (get left and right springs from donar vehicle) and I'm betting they will cost < $200
But make sure you replace both sides at the same time. if one side is breaking, I'll bet that the other is ready to go
But make sure you replace both sides at the same time. if one side is breaking, I'll bet that the other is ready to go
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 93
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From: Fond du Lac, WI
My '90 F-150 had the same problem. Went to the local boneyard, and got a pair for $70. I also upgraded from 4-leaf to 5-leaf off a full size Bronco.(I carry a lot of construction equipment, and the truck was an old farm truck)
Took me and a friend about 2 hours of labor to replace(plus a 12-pack)
Took me and a friend about 2 hours of labor to replace(plus a 12-pack)
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