Replacing leaf spring only one side

[rocket22]

I have a slight lean to my explorer that occurred over the winter, drivers side of course. THis is a 2000 Explorer with 165K miles. It is my work hauler and I try to keep it on the road as safe and cheap as possible.

I am planning on getting a leaf spring from a local pick n pull. They have approx. 20 explorers in the yard and have the exact truck as mine with mich lower miles. I know rusty bolts will be an issue and no feedback needed on using springs from a wrecker, they must be better than what is on the truck now, and for $25 I will roll the dice. I am only expecting one more year out of this truck.

I am assuming I can replace the leafs and leave the shackles, provided the shackles give up the bolts. I am looking for a video or DIY on how this is done. I have the necessary stuff, including air tools. I have repalced springs before, never leaf springs.

As always, thanks for your help!

 

[TheRyan]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=212985

I followed this to do my swap

 

[BKennedy]

I strongly suggest you replace both sides. If one is sagging, the other is on its way out also. Might cause some handling problems.

 

[rocket22]

Thnaks for the replies

I am normally one for repairing with new and would do both sides. This is $500 truck that doesnt go much over 40 mph since all is local. A used spring that isnt broken has to be better than one that is broken. I am sure I will learn my lesson on not to use used leaf springs on this repair.

 

[ponkotsu]

I am normally one for repairing with new and would do both sides. This is $500 truck that doesnt go much over 40 mph since all is local. A used spring that isnt broken has to be better than one that is broken. I am sure I will learn my lesson on not to use used leaf springs on this repair.

If you don't care about keeping the truck a long time, I'd do it. As long as the used spring isn't broken or severely rusted its no problem. I'd suggest taking from the right side because they tend to be in better shape because there is more weight on the left side. As for the other going soon, that may be, but springs don't break very often.

About 4 months ago I re-arched my leafs in a hydraulic press. Everyone scoffed and I was skeptical. They are still holding strong and hasn't dropped in height at all after about 3k miles. It was the best repair I've done to the truck so far. Much softer and smoother ride. If your other spring is seriously sagging, I'd replace it also just to get a better ride.

 

[BKennedy]

I am normally one for repairing with new and would do both sides. This is $500 truck that doesnt go much over 40 mph since all is local. A used spring that isnt broken has to be better than one that is broken. I am sure I will learn my lesson on not to use used leaf springs on this repair.

I was not aware you could drive anywhere at less than 40MPH, but it should be fine for that.
I have bought several pairs of used springs from bone yards. They all served their purpose just fine. All you have to do is look at the odometer of the donor vehicle. My last set of junk yard leafs was used like this;
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=372601

You could also try switching the leafs (left to right, right to left) and see if the lean goes away. Sounds like sagging leafs versus broken.
Leaf springs are very easy especially on spring under axles like the Explorer. Just jack it up at the pumpkin so the back wheels are off the ground. Use jack stands somewhere on the frame towards the rear of the vehicle to keep it at that height. Unbolt lower shock bolts, and u-bolts and jack the diff off the springs. Use two more jack stands to hold diff off of springs. Remove the two bolts (one front, one rear) and pull the spring out. If you are only doing one side, you might be able to get away with only removing the u-bolts for that side as there is quite a bit of flex in the stock springs. Impact wrench (if available) makes this a quick, easy job. I don't have experience with rusted bolts like you might have. metal would have to sit for 50 years to rust around here.

 

[BKennedy]

Almost forgot;
It is easier to do with the spare tire removed.

 

[rocket22]

It is not sagging, it is broken

For lack of a better term, the metal band that holds the springs together is broken and no longer serving the purpose. When I say the car doesnt go over 40, it really is a local hauler and does not see the interstate or any major roads.