HELP 1996 Eddie Bauer Explorer LeafSpring Repair

[suave6565]

Just the other day i went to get an oil change at a local gas station when i nocticed while my truck was on the lift, when a small peace of rusted metal stuck together with some kind of plastic sheet stuck to it fell off....i didnt think nothing of since i couldnt pinpoint the problem. anway, as i looked under the rear part of the truck the braket thats connected to the rear part of the leafspring and bolts on to the chasis of the truck (Driver side), had rusted and broke off. now im a bit panicky about this since The mechanic told me i may have to take it to a body shop...which didnt seem right...this is the same guy who told me my brand new rotors were shot....im assuming this will be costly job, to change leafsprings on my truck but i want to address this problem before the same thing happens to the other side.i noticed that there are spacers in between the springs.what are those?? Sorry, i am posting this here and the 911
forum!

Thanks

 

[suave6565]

Just the other day i went to get an oil change at a local gas station when i nocticed while my truck was on the lift, when a small peace of rusted metal stuck together with some kind of plastic sheet stuck to it fell off....i didnt think nothing of since i couldnt pinpoint the problem. anway, as i looked under the rear part of the truck the braket thats connected to the rear part of the leafspring and bolts on to the chasis of the truck (Driver side), had rusted and broke off. now im a bit panicky about this since The mechanic told me i may have to take it to a body shop...which didnt seem right...this is the same guy who told me my brand new rotors were shot....im assuming this will be costly job, to change leafsprings on my truck but i want to address this problem before the same thing happens to the other side.i noticed that there are spacers in between the springs.what are those?? I'm not looking to upgrade or do any fancy things to my suspension, i just need to fix or replace it thats all. Sorry for posting this somewhere else but i could find anything on suspension untill now....

 

[vervepipes]

How to: Warrior Shackle Installation (pics)

Hey guys.. after a few of you emailed me asking how i did it and how hard it was i figured rather then sending out 20 emails i would just do a post on how to install the Shackles... i got mine from Desert Rat they were $49.99 + shipping.. there shipping was fast.. anyway lets get to the...

www.explorerforum.com

Are you talking about the shackle? this doesnt show one like you'd have since yours is stock, but it gives you an idea, and you can use the instructions there to replace it yourself if indeed thats your problem. the spacer things sound like the teflon anti-wear/anti squeek pads, they shouldnt affect driveability though. hope this helped, Cheers

Francois

 

[Diddy74]

My pads on the leaf springs are worn and cause an annoying squeak/creaking noise everytime I go over a bump, I dont think it was cause any serious problems other than annoying noises

 

[JDraper]

A picture of exactly what you're talking about would be helpful for diagnosis. If it's just the spacer between the spring, it's a noise isolation bushing and it won't cause any mechanical problems. If it's a rusted out shackle, it's gotta be replaced, but that's a simple, inexpensive job.

Pix would help a lot.....

 

[Lloyd10977]

My pads on the leaf springs are worn and cause an annoying squeak/creaking noise everytime I go over a bump, I dont think it was cause any serious problems other than annoying noises

Diddy74, As a temporary fix, jack up the back end of your Ex so that the rear axle is hanging freely, then drive a wedge or a screwdriver between the leaves so that there is a space where you can force in a little wheel bearing grease, then remove the wedge. This should eliminate the squeak for several months.

 

[performancenut]

Spray a shot of WD-40 on the leaf springs prior to each trip lasting longer than 10 minutes or going over 15 MPH. :thumbdwn:

 

[suave6565]

I wish i had pictures but someone had posted a link wich is close to what i'm talking about.....and it is indeed called the shackle. which i was i able to find at a dealer online for $13.00 and an extra 5 bucks each for the nuts and bolts to go along with it....those spacers....how can i replace them? is there a place where i can buy them??? so i can it can be replaced?


Thanks for the info guys....