Bent front spring!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Dairy, OR
Bent front spring!
Took the truck in today for an alignment... the mechanic said the front end looked real good except my right side front spring is bent er twisted and my front end was sagging about 1 1/2". I don't even want to know what the PO did to cause that bent one!
Anyhow he suggested if I wanted to save a few bucks to get a set out a wrecking yard and then put an add a leaf on it to bring the height back up.
I can see me owning this truck for at least five years. What you guys think... go the less expensive route and just get it fixed now.... or wait about 2 months and replace both front springs with new and do the complete bumper to bumper urethane bushing kit while I am at it?
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Anyhow he suggested if I wanted to save a few bucks to get a set out a wrecking yard and then put an add a leaf on it to bring the height back up.
I can see me owning this truck for at least five years. What you guys think... go the less expensive route and just get it fixed now.... or wait about 2 months and replace both front springs with new and do the complete bumper to bumper urethane bushing kit while I am at it?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Massachusetts
Go route A and grab both sides from the junkyard as long as they're cheap! Both sides should be worn out equally, so that would save your tires, and you could hold off a little longer until May or June when its nicer out to do your bushings.
You might find a good deal on new springs between now and then for your bushing job coming up.
You might find a good deal on new springs between now and then for your bushing job coming up.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,375
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From: Mi'kma'ki
what a bummer.
ah well,don't sweat it.the bone yard springs could be in great shape.
there must be a way to check they're strength and compare them with new.you could be surprised.try getting them off a rig that looks like it never saw a plow.
ah well,don't sweat it.the bone yard springs could be in great shape.
there must be a way to check they're strength and compare them with new.you could be surprised.try getting them off a rig that looks like it never saw a plow.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Dairy, OR
Problem is not a lot of wrecking yards around here... might have to drive down to Reno to find a good set.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Faibanks Ak.
Warrozz can you see a bend in it. The reason I ask is I have been down this road before. As far as the sag I would almost bet you bushings and maybe bolts and shackles are the culprit. I personally like oem springs better than aftermarket unless you are wanting a lift. I think Dave tried add a leafs and it raised it too much to line it up.
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I agree with starmilt,
Did this mechanic have the truck in the air while he was looking at the springs.
When I swapped my d50 for a d60 I put the d50 back in the other truck. I found that the spring twists and bends A LOT when its up in the air and the wheels are hanging.
I also agree with the bushings being worn. That d50 gained about 1.5 inches in height when the new bushings were installed.
Did this mechanic have the truck in the air while he was looking at the springs.
When I swapped my d50 for a d60 I put the d50 back in the other truck. I found that the spring twists and bends A LOT when its up in the air and the wheels are hanging.
I also agree with the bushings being worn. That d50 gained about 1.5 inches in height when the new bushings were installed.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,322
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From: Dairy, OR
Warrozz can you see a bend in it. The reason I ask is I have been down this road before. As far as the sag I would almost bet you bushings and maybe bolts and shackles are the culprit. I personally like oem springs better than aftermarket unless you are wanting a lift. I think Dave tried add a leafs and it raised it too much to line it up.
I don't want it lifted, so I will go stock if I have to replace.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,501
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From: Faibanks Ak.
I am just sceptical when it comes to alignment shops and ford frontends. Back in the 70's with the twin I beams I started getting my lessons very few shops actually had the equipment and know how to bend the beams.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Dairy, OR
Yea I am the same way, been round and round with more then one alignment shop! Hopefully I find something one way or the other while I am under there.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,086
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From: Malahat/Cowichan Valley
i need to replace the spring shakle bolts, bushings and the metal clips that hold the leafs together, not sure if that is possible for just the clips/retainers.
there is way too much between the leaf and bushing if it is still there! gotta pen it in the weekend or when i take a few weeks off in a month.
there is way too much between the leaf and bushing if it is still there! gotta pen it in the weekend or when i take a few weeks off in a month.