Bent leaf spring bracket

[AC]

I was traveling up a steep and bumpy forest service road in my 98. 5 3500 4x4 in low range and kept hearing a clanking sound from the rearend every time I went over a big rock. When I got out to have a look I noticed that the C shaped keeper on the overload springs was bent.

I have not owned the truck very long but do know that the old duffer that had it originally hauled a fifth wheel trailer around with it. What would cause the inner half of this C shaped keeper to be bent down like that? And why only the front one on both sides? Is this the source of my noise or is it likely something else?



thanks,

AC



PS Is this hard to fix?

 

[catoiler]

When I bought mine the past owner had also towed a 5er and bent the straps the same way. I just got a c clamp on it and cranked it back into shape was not a problem at all. my guess is that when takeing off the front of the spring has a habit of pulling down from the axle wrap. good luck!







Mike

 

[Gizmo 007]

My spring hanger broke completely from pulling heavy trailers. Just go to the dealer and they'll give you a new one. No biggie.

 

[AC]

Thanks for the advice. I have been to the dealer and was told that because I have 70,000 miles on it I'm on my own. They did feel that it could be fixed but " would be rather expensive ".

I think I will try heating them up and trying the C clamp thing. " If force doesn't work, you're not using enough force. "



AC

 

[catoiler]

AC, don't use any heat unless really need to! it will make them softer after you heat them. just clamp away and releave the pressure with a few hits from a hammer. they should bend back pretty easy.