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Mar 5, 2008 | 05:54 PM

rmalottwtes30

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From: Cincinnati Ohio

Front Leafs

My front leafs look like there worn out. But Im not sure the truck is new to me, its a 85 f250 6.9 diesel 4x4. There is like two inches of clearence on each side before it hits the stoppers. they are not like the back as the back leafs arch, the front ones go the opposite way. Are new leaf springs the need?

Mar 5, 2008 | 06:36 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

The stock front springs do arch upward, opposite the way the rears do, that is normal. What you need to look at is the spring bushings. If the large bolt that goes through the bushing is not in the center, then the bushing is worn. There is one on the front up inside the frame that you cannot see, that is famous for wearing out. These bushings being worn can let the spring move up close to the bump stop.

Mar 5, 2008 | 06:47 PM

rmalottwtes30

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From: Cincinnati Ohio

also I forgot to ask, but we have noticed when we take it down the street the wheels kind of are arched in.

Mar 5, 2008 | 07:32 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Spring bushings again.

Mar 5, 2008 | 07:45 PM

rmalottwtes30

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From: Cincinnati Ohio

oh allright, soon as I get outside tomorrow I will check it out. BTW how hard would they be to replace?

Mar 6, 2008 | 09:06 AM

Sycostang67

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From: Kuna ID

Getting to the bushings is usually easy, getting them out can go either way. They could fall out or they could be stuck fast requiring you to drill or burn them out.

Mar 6, 2008 | 11:32 AM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

On mine, it was not fun. The u-bolts were stuck, and the old bushings where stuck in the springs. I replaced them all with plastic aftermarket bushings. What complicated the job even more was I had to replace the bushings on the frontend housings where they pivot in the center. They are not much fun either.