Hey guys, I've been working on getting this Bronco fixed up for some fun this summer, and I've found some issues with the rear springs.
On the passenger rear, it looks like two of the leafs in the middle, right up against each other, have broken, leaving only half of each, and it also looks like the very top spring has been twisted, but I'm thinking maybe it's just because it has uneven spring support? The drivers side rear has only one leaf that appears to be broken, at the same half way point, right at the axle, though the drivers side looks like it's still in good shape at the top. Since it looks like things are broken, I plan on replacing them, can't go new, so a junk yard will have to do for now, but should I be concerned with the axle angle since the passenger side looks twisted?, it doesn't look like anything is binding, and I know my effective cargo weight is comprimised now, but do you guys think it's still okay for some casual driving? And as far as replacements go, would you stick with half ton leafs, or maybe add a leaf for a little more rigidity? Any trucks I should be looking for to get parts from, or ones that just definitely won't work? Thanks for reading my novel here!

Scott M.

 

Well I have been cruising the suspension forum with the search button, and I've seen some "similar" situations, but none that specifically answered the question of replacements. I have been driving it like this for a few months, so it must be "okay" but I do want to get it fixed soon. I've seen a few posts about different widths and perches for the springs, so would I be safe to look for any 1/2 ton rear end for springs, or are there certain ones that will work, and others that won't? Hope I don't seem impatient, saw a lot of views, just hoping someone has a little nugget of wisdom. Thanks!

 

Time to invest in a tape measure.
Make sure the spring eye to eye measures the same, and that the center pin is in the same location. I believe the F-150 has the saqme springs as your Bronco. You will not want to install a heavier duty spring. You are limited already to what you can tow / haul. Installing anything bigger than stock will just ride rough, or give you heigth problems. 3/4 ton springs are too wide anyway, so find some that fit correctly.
The old springs broke because they are old. A spring only has a given amount of "cycles", or life before they fatigue and fail. They can entirely fail at any moment, so do not drive it. It has a greater chance of failure now that the pack has been compromised. The spring is the only thing that locates the axle, and without it, the axle will move, and you will crash.
Just because you have avoided a catastrophic failure so far by no means makes it "okay".
Keep in mind that if you find some used ones that fit, you may be buying a spring that is still really old, and it may only be a short term fix.
If you have time to fix it, fix it right the first time.

 

I'll measure those tonight when i get home as I already have the tape I will start looking into that this week. I don't like to push my luck, and I figured these have probably seen some strain in their time, so it's time. I would love to have a brand new spring pack under that thing, but I certainly don't have the money right now. Too many irons in that fire already. I have some good lines to some salvage yards so hopefully I'll find something in a newer vehicle that will suffice for a little while. Thanks for the reply!