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Broken Front Leaf Spring?

Old Nov 23, 2007 | 06:26 PM
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Broken Front Leaf Spring?

Has anyone else ever had a front leaf spring suddenly break on their truck? I searched all the forums and couldn't find a single instance.

I was just driving down the road and suddenly there was a very loud BANG, scared the sh** out of me! Pulled over and sure enough the front left top spring completely broke, several inches behind the axle. Can these springs be welded or should both springs be replaced? The truck is a completely stock '03 F-250 crew cab, 6.0, FX4.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2007 | 07:36 PM
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Front Spring

I've never heard of a front spring breaking--rear yes, but not the front. You can't weld them--won't hold. You can replace only one, but your truck might come out lop sided--If it does, then you will have to replace the opposite side also. It's not the worst job in the world, unless you have a plow on the front--then all the brackets have to come off in order to get the front spring bolts out. Don't ask me how I know !!!


GOOD LUCK


RON
 
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Old Nov 23, 2007 | 07:36 PM
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its better to replace them with new ones!
 
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Old Nov 23, 2007 | 07:52 PM
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Replace both at the same time - like shock absorbers. If you don't, ride quality can suffer significantly.

It is a rare thing, but it can occur.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2007 | 09:50 PM
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its your butt riding on top of thoughs springs,go both springs and maybe both shocks hard to tell from here
 
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Old Nov 24, 2007 | 07:05 AM
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Put a new pair on , make sure you get the same spring rate that you had ,as that makes a difference in ride and load handling ability ,and ride height ,
plus plow or accessories affect this.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2007 | 01:43 PM
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Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I've since searched the web and couldn't find anyone who has broken a front spring, looks like it's probably due to a flaw during the manufacturing process. Having dealt with Ford in the past regarding out of warranty repairs, it's pretty much pointless to ask if they would replace it.

As for the spring rate where would I find it? Is it stamped on the spring itself?
 
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Old Nov 24, 2007 | 02:45 PM
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Spring Code

Originally Posted by slorider
As for the spring rate where would I find it? Is it stamped on the spring itself?
=================================
Look on the drivers door, or the door lock post. There will be a sticker there with all of the pertinant info for your truck. There will be a spring code there. Being that your's is a diesel, the code will probably be something like VA or VB. The first letter is the code of the front springs, and the second letter is the rear. If you have a plow setup on the truck, you might want to use the code "X" spring, as that is the plow package spring. That's what I have on mine. The springs are only available through a Ford dealer, and they're not cheap. If I remember correctly, they're about $125 each.


RON
 
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Old Nov 25, 2007 | 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Rongold
=================================
The springs are only available through a Ford dealer, and they're not cheap. If I remember correctly, they're about $125 each.


RON
Thanks Ron for the info. Just my luck that the springs can only be replaced with OEM, that is if I don't want to lift it. I can't believe no one makes a stock replacement?
 
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Old Nov 25, 2007 | 03:23 PM
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Originally Posted by slorider
Thanks Ron for the info. Just my luck that the springs can only be replaced with OEM, that is if I don't want to lift it. I can't believe no one makes a stock replacement?
if you have a spring shop near by you can buy just the leaves you need,some good parts stores can get them
 
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Old Nov 25, 2007 | 03:32 PM
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There are plenty of spring shops out there that are willing to make you whatever rate/stiffness/rebound you desire.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2007 | 09:07 PM
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Once again thanks to everyone for their suggestions and help. After calling every 4x4 shop and junk yard in the county without any luck, I finally found a spring shop that will bend up a spring for only $80.

After removing the spring from the truck I noticed that there was a yellow circle with an "X" stamped on the end. Does this indicate that the spring code is an "X"? I ask because the spring code on the door jam lists a "V", just don't want the shop to bend up the wrong spring tomorrow morning.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2007 | 09:48 PM
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Sounds like the perfect time for a lift to me, no better excuse than that to convert the other half that it is needed.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2007 | 12:17 AM
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Ohhh I wish, if only I had the extra $$$.

Originally Posted by truckeemtnfords
Sounds like the perfect time for a lift to me, no better excuse than that to convert the other half that it is needed.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2007 | 07:41 PM
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Yes Slorider, Left front, one leaf had been broken for an unknown length of time.
Bottom spring broke during a turn making me think I hit a pothole. Didn't know anything was wrong except the truck sat a little low. Talked to Ford told them I considered it a softy concern. No reply. As that is all that holds the front end in place.
I don't want to think of what gyrations a 7000 lb truck does running over its own front wheels. Dealer replaced both L @ R springs. early 99, 7.3, 4/4 sc
 
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