Leaf spring leaves not centered

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billytuffnuts

billytuffnuts

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While I had my rear end jacked up and off the ground so I could try and find out if my axles are bent, I noticed that one of the leaves on my p/s leaf spring was not centered with the rest of them.

I checked the other side and they weren't exactly straight, but not as severe as the other side. What could cause this? U bolts too loose?

And while checking the wheel bearings (checking for movement in the tire with hands at 12 and 6) I could see some movement between the spring leaves. I have it jacked up on the frame so the rear end is hanging loose...I was thinking this might be why?

Any ideas?
 

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Just by the pic,it looks like your rear leaf bushings are either missing on the pass. side or severely worn.This could be part of your problem?
 
Yeah that could be part of the problem. Also, is the rear original to the car or has it been swapped out?
 
When the rear was put in were new perches welded on? or did they just pry the leaves apart? I have heard of a couple of people doing this, though it isn't the greatest way to do it.
If you look from the back do they springs bow out in the middle?
 
bjkadron said:
When the rear was put in were new perches welded on? or did they just pry the leaves apart? I have heard of a couple of people doing this, though it isn't the greatest way to do it.
If you look from the back do they springs bow out in the middle?
Click to expand...

Do you mean like center of the springs stick out a bit farther than the ends as if they were stretched to fit? Not really...the pictured spring is a little hard to tell because of that leaf thats sticking out. The other side looks okay. The car came with the rear end and springs in stalled.

I just removed the whole assembly to paint the rear axle housing. When putting the rear back in, I vaguely remember having a little trouble getting the spring mounts into the center hole on the springs at the same time. I'm not 100% but I think what I did was get one side seated, start the u bolts and then get the other side in.
 
That is probably your problem then, Can you measure the width from center to center of the perches?
 
Well it was kinda hard to measure with the rear installed but it looked to be about ~44"

Seeing as how I'm probably going to have to do a little work back there I might take it out and get a better measurement
 
it should be right at 43" if the springs haven't been relocated. You can measure at the back of the perches. and it should go around the pumpkin.
 
Then that is probably your problem. If you want to make sure measure from the center to the center of the front and rear spring mounts and compare the measurements.
 
So yeah I'd guess youre right and that is my problem...

Now lets talk solution. Obviously I need to move in the perches, but what do to about the leaves sticking out? I tried giving it a few taps but it looks pretty secure and not moving.

Can I disassemble the springs without doing any damage? Or at least maybe loosen up the center bolt some and see if I can get them to line up again?
 
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