Cracked Leaf
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,471
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From: Calgary Canada
Cracked Leaf
I've recently acquired a 77 F250 2wd for $500 CDN and I'm pretty happy with it. The engine runs fairly well and other than a bunch of minor problems, it seems pretty solid. One problem is that one of the rear springs has a broken leaf. It's one of the middle leaves and part of it is missing entirely. Would it be possible to remove just that cracked leaf and leave the rest? I realize that it would reduce my load capacity, but I doubt I'll be using this truck for anything serious, an F250 is probably overkill for me.
Is this a stupid idea? There is a good supply of these trucks at my local junkyard, so it would be pretty simple to get a used set of leaves there.
<O
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Thoughts?<O</O
Is this a stupid idea? There is a good supply of these trucks at my local junkyard, so it would be pretty simple to get a used set of leaves there.
<O
</OThoughts?<O
</O
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
Likes: 1
From: Hampstead, NC
It might be easier to replace the whole leaf pack.
When removing the broken leaf from the one side, you should remove the same leaf from the other side so the truck doesn't lean or sag to the one side(this may not even be noticeable). Soak the bolts the day before with some good penetrating oil (not WD40) and if you have acess to an impact, use it.
When removing the broken leaf from the one side, you should remove the same leaf from the other side so the truck doesn't lean or sag to the one side(this may not even be noticeable). Soak the bolts the day before with some good penetrating oil (not WD40) and if you have acess to an impact, use it.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,471
Likes: 727
From: Calgary Canada
penetrating oil
Any suggestions as to which penetrating oil to use? I can't find pb blaster in any of the local stores. I just bought a can of some kind of high-strength liquid wrench.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
More Turbo
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 544
Likes: 8
From: BC, Canada
I wouldn't even bother with the oil unless the u-bolts are almost in new condition. Cut them (angle grinder or torch) and put in new ones. Be carefull when you cut the center bolt, use two big clamps and wrap a rope loosely around the whole leaf pack. Removing one leaf on each side is ok, but check the price with a wrecking yard. ...Terry
Last edited by Overkill-F1; Jun 30, 2005 at 08:16 PM.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,471
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From: Calgary Canada
This is stupid
Well, since i"m new to all this, I expect some screw-ups, but I'm starting to get annoyed. I spent nearly three hours a the pick-n-pull working on a good set of leaves, only to find out that the aftermarket hitch was welded to the frame rail and 100% prevented the shacle bolt from being removed.
Not to mention that I managed to round over the nut on the shackle, even using the correct wrench. Those don't seem to be very high-grade hardware. I left in disgust.
I guess I'll go back and make sure the donor truck I choose this time has accessible shackle hardware.
I'm considering just buying a parts truck of newer vintage (up to '96 should fit) so that I will be able to do all this stuff at my lesuire rather than spending all my free time in the mud at the pick-n-pull.
Oh yeah, and I'm not going to de-rate my truck by removing any leaves out of the pack as I may be hauling a slide-in camper someday.
Thoughts anyone?
Not to mention that I managed to round over the nut on the shackle, even using the correct wrench. Those don't seem to be very high-grade hardware. I left in disgust.
I guess I'll go back and make sure the donor truck I choose this time has accessible shackle hardware.
I'm considering just buying a parts truck of newer vintage (up to '96 should fit) so that I will be able to do all this stuff at my lesuire rather than spending all my free time in the mud at the pick-n-pull.
Oh yeah, and I'm not going to de-rate my truck by removing any leaves out of the pack as I may be hauling a slide-in camper someday.
Thoughts anyone?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 453
Likes: 0
From: RI
Those bolts are a real pain to get off. Even if you get the nut off, usually the bolt is rusted solid with the metal sleeve in the rubber bushing. You're better off just cutting them all off and buying replacements. I'll bet your time and frustration level are worth the few dollars in grade 8 bolts.... If you can't get power equipment out there, see if they will cut them off for you.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
If you have a cutting torch, unless it's against their rules, just hack the shackles and the front mount, then you can deal with it on your own at home. The remainder of the truck will never see the road again anyway, so why be nice about it and save it like it will be reassembled?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Calgary Canada
I saved myself the hassle and I bought some springs out of an 88 F350. As a bonus, they cost about the same as they would have been from the Pick-n-pull, but without the frustration. They are missing the extra "overload" spring, but since my truck doesn't have the perches for that to bump into it isn't a big deal. The springs look to be just slightly thicker than the ones I took out, but the same measurements. I'll keep you posted on how the install goes, hopefully this weekend.
So far it's looking like there are plenty of parts that are interchangeable with newer trucks, which is mighty handy.
So far it's looking like there are plenty of parts that are interchangeable with newer trucks, which is mighty handy.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Calgary Canada
Mismatched leafs
I spoke too soon. The springs which I bought may not be exactly interchangable. The truck is a 77 2wd F250, and the "new" springs came off an 88 F350. I got them bolted into the perches (frame mounts) and now I've got an issue. The centre bolt doesn't line up with the axle mount. On the old springs, that centre bolt fit into a hole in the axle mount. One these the bolt is an inch or two behind that. It's far enough back that it doesn't interfere with the axle mount. Unless anyone has any other suggestions, I'm going to bolt those up as it sits and see how that works. It could change the trucks angle a little.
Feel free to tell me I should have bought different springs.
Anyone have any insight into this?
Feel free to tell me I should have bought different springs.
Anyone have any insight into this?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,311
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From: Quispamsis, N.B, Canada
You should get new springs. I know it might be expensive but really new spings ride better, can handle bigger tires and can even last longer than most of the parts on your truck. I need springs as well so after I get my front end done that's what i will be going for.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Calgary Canada
Finaly some closure.
I finally got my act, and my truck, together last night.
The new mismatched springs are in, and the centre bolt doesn't interfere with the axle mount. In fact, it helped me align my axle as it just touches the axle mount on both sides. Tightened the U-bolts and dropped her down. She's sitting a fair bit higher than she was with the old broken springs and she leans forward a little, but not so much as you'd notice. Or, not so much as to make me mind when you notice.
All in all I think I've learned everything there is to know about the wrong way to replace leaves on this truck. If I ever manage to destroy these ones, I'll do it right next time.
I took some great pics of the result, but I'm an idiot and they aren't with me right now. I'll try to put them in my gallery soon so that everyone can marvel at my mediocrity. Currently, I'm elated that my truck is on all four wheels for the first time in over a month. Next, new bench, rear sliding window, brake inspection, headers, paint. . . .
The new mismatched springs are in, and the centre bolt doesn't interfere with the axle mount. In fact, it helped me align my axle as it just touches the axle mount on both sides. Tightened the U-bolts and dropped her down. She's sitting a fair bit higher than she was with the old broken springs and she leans forward a little, but not so much as you'd notice. Or, not so much as to make me mind when you notice.
All in all I think I've learned everything there is to know about the wrong way to replace leaves on this truck. If I ever manage to destroy these ones, I'll do it right next time.
I took some great pics of the result, but I'm an idiot and they aren't with me right now. I'll try to put them in my gallery soon so that everyone can marvel at my mediocrity. Currently, I'm elated that my truck is on all four wheels for the first time in over a month. Next, new bench, rear sliding window, brake inspection, headers, paint. . . .
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,471
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From: Calgary Canada
And if anyone is interested, I've got a couple pics in my gallery now. It's pretty tough to see the how the centre bolt lines up, but it is just behind the axle mounting perch thingy. Actually touching it.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
I have a question for any that can answer, I have theopposite situation, I have an abundance of 73-77 springs, but have need for some to work on my 86. I was wondering if I can use springs from the 70's in an 86 pack and work out ok...my long leaf is fine, it is the middle two that are broken.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,471
Likes: 727
From: Calgary Canada
If you do a straight swap, I think you would run into the same problem as me, only your centre bolt would be too far foreword. I've heard differing opinions on how big a problem this is however.
You could be able to remove the centre bolt on the broken leaf and swap in some unbroken middle leaves. That way, your eye-to-eye distance will be exactly the same and the centre bolt will line up perfectly. That's probably the best way.
Or just throw the good ones in and see how things look and bolt it all together. It may not be the right way, but it's A way.
You could be able to remove the centre bolt on the broken leaf and swap in some unbroken middle leaves. That way, your eye-to-eye distance will be exactly the same and the centre bolt will line up perfectly. That's probably the best way.
Or just throw the good ones in and see how things look and bolt it all together. It may not be the right way, but it's A way.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: BC, Canada
Did you check the distance from the center bolt to each end of the springs. It may in fact not be in the center, and it the springs were turned end for end it may fit in the hole it's designed for. I'd be concerned with not having it installed correctly, as it locates the axle with the springs. Now your axle could move relative to the springs. Unlikely perhaps but possible.
Seems like there's never time to do a job right and always time to do it twice.
Seems like there's never time to do a job right and always time to do it twice.