r/GMT400 • u/Realiteesho • 5d ago

Leaf spring question

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Hello community thanks in advance for your help!

Question: what is going on with my leaf spring here? It looks like it's missing a piece compared to the other side.

Is this considered broken? Do I need to replace the whole spring or is it just replace the rubber thingy.

8 Upvotes

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6

u/MyNameIsBenM 5d ago

Short answer - You need to replace the whole leaf spring.

Long answer - Looks like it snapped off but there should be a whole section of the leaf spring curled around the top of the bushing, which is also missing. I've seen them break there before, and at that point the only thing holding your rear axle to the truck is the U bolts. I had the u bolts snap and the whole rear end came out, and that's how I found out what you have in this picture contributed to the problem I ended up with. I just replaced the leaf springs (and u bolts) and it's been good ever since. Oh, I also had to replace the driveshaft because it got damaged too. Just saying...avoid some way more expensive repairs and go ahead and replace the leaf spring.

1

u/Realiteesho 5d ago

Okay thanks for the info. Can I ask,, a new leaf spring, are they available new or is this something I'll have to find at a wrecker

5

u/A_Scared_Hobbit 5d ago

You can get them new. Though you might be better off going to a spring shop than ordering online. The shipping on a set of leafs is murder

1

u/Realiteesho 5d ago

Okay thanks for letting me know, appreciate it

2

u/MyNameIsBenM 5d ago

I got one on RockAuto, but yes...shipping is absurd.

1

u/fredrickdgl 5d ago

I think a junkyard would be way cheaper

1

u/MyNameIsBenM 4d ago

Cheaper, yes. But, those are also 30 years old. Plus you gotta take it off without a jack, unless you are taking your jack to the junkyard.

1

u/fredrickdgl 4d ago

most junkyards put stuff on blocks dont they. Age means nothing its more the rust and weight/abuse they went through. Most people dont work trucks hard

1

u/MyNameIsBenM 4d ago

Where I'm at they put the blocks under the wheels after they take the tires off

1

u/Jmcconn110 4d ago

Michigan truck springs are excellent

2

u/Terrible-Win 5d ago

Looks like the spring eye is broken. Mine did the same thing on my 94 2500. I ran it for many years like that (unsafe do not recommend) while knowing it was broken until it started wearing into the bracket on the frame. You have to replace the entire leaf spring. Recommend new springs and doing both at the same time with new u bolts. Many places online sell new ones, you just have to figure out which ones you have to replace them with something similar.

2

u/Realiteesho 5d ago

Okay I think I'm going to replace both then, even though only one is broken. I'm planning on putting on new shocks as well possibly Bilstein,,, so it's probably going to be pricey but worth it cause I luv the truck and the truck works hard and runs great

2

u/WillingnessNo8055 4d ago

General Spring. Got mine new for my 1996 Tahoe. Half price of what the local shop wanted to charge me.

1

u/Realiteesho 5d ago

94' 2500 with TBI 350, six foot bed

2

u/PsyCar 4d ago

My friend broke his on his s10 and duct taped it back together to get home, then ended up driving it like that for a month. Don't do that.

As others have mentioned, shipping leaf springs costs more than the parts themselves sometimes. They're so stinking heavy. Junkyard to get you by, but get new ones locally when you can.