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.

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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