How to know if leaf springs are worn?

[Forlenza]

How do you know if the leaf springs are worn?



I recently bought the truck and brought it to get a bed liner and the TDR memeber asked if I lowered it. Nope, so I thought.



I bought a two car open trailer yesterday and also a set of Timbren helpers just be safe. I went to install the Timbrens and the instructions indicate to use the spacer if necessary but the idea spacing from the axle to the rubber spring is 1 inch. Going to install my Timbren and couldn't even get the rubber spring in the space between the rail and the axle. I'm need about 2. 5 inches to get the Timbren in the area and have the 1 inch space required.



All that, so are my leaf springs worn? Buy new or get them rearched? Any recommendations in the Atlanta area?

 

[steved]

Check to make sure they haven't removed the "zero-rate" spacer (about 1. 5" spacer) from under the axle... a lot of us have done this to lower the rear to tow a 5vr better.

 

[Forlenza]

Couldn't find that spacer in the parts diagram.



http://oskin.ru/pub/chrysler-dodge/manuals/Chrysler_Service_Parts_Catalog/CD4/02-05/04dr.PDF



It's a crappy cell picture but is the spacer there?



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[steved]

2wd or 4wd?

 

[Forlenza]

It's a 2004. 5 2500 2wd.

 

[Hoefler]

Looks like the spacer has been removed. Look at the U-bolts, looks like 2"+ is above the nuts.

 

[fkovalski]

Some good before/ after photos and information HERE as documented on a 3500 by a fellow member.







.

 

[steved]

I couldn't remember if the 2wd version had these spacers??

 

[Forlenza]

This is great stuff guys. Thank you.



So I don't have that spacer. So just in general, do the leaf springs ever really go bad?

 

[Forlenza]

Oh, also, anyone know the part number of the spacer? I can't see to locate it on the parts diagram I linked.

 

[steved]

This is great stuff guys. Thank you.



So I don't have that spacer. So just in general, do the leaf springs ever really go bad?

If they are abused (i. e. grossly overloaded or flexed past their intended working range) they can be damaged.



If you can't locate the spacer, you can simply buy a "zero-rate" spring (used in lift kits) or spacer in a 3" wide variety. Probably cheaper than sourcing a new one from Dodge... may even look at the local wrecking yards.

 

[LBARTLETT]

find a shop that does lifts, they probably have the blocks you need in their junk pile that they took off a truck they were lifting, they'll probably give them to you

 

[Forlenza]

find a shop that does lifts, they probably have the blocks you need in their junk pile that they took off a truck they were lifting, they'll probably give them to you

Good idea! Although, I'm not sure of anyplace in Atlanta that is reputable.



I still don't see any type of spacer in the parts diagrams. I'm thining they didn't come on the 2500.



Can anyone with a stock 2004 take a picture of the rear suspension so that I can compare?

 

[Bob4x4]

The spacers are bolted to and part of the springs,not available through the dealer parts system. I would install the Carli mini packs to cure your dilema. They will get your truck to the ride height you are looking for and still ride well.

 

[Forlenza]

The spacers are bolted to and part of the springs,not available through the dealer parts system. I would install the Carli mini packs to cure your dilema. They will get your truck to the ride height you are looking for and still ride well.

Are these good for towing heavy loads? Can they be installed DIY?

 

[Bob4x4]

They are a DIY project. when I had them itowed a bumper pull with 750 lb tw no problem they should be somewhere around

1. 5 inch lift. they are a 5 leaf progressive pack

That bolts on to your existing springs