When to replace leaf springs?

[rohnk]

Hello everyone,
I am new here and my name is Rohn. I have been searching the boards for advice about when to change the leaf springs on an Explorer. I have 121K on my 96 Explorer 4x4 four door. The drivers side is about 3/4" lower than the passenger side in the rear. I was told I need new leaf springs and quoted over $500. In looking at the leaf springs, they look okay to me but I don't really know what I am looking for. There isn't much bend in the things and from one side to the other they look identical. Here are my questions..

1. Could it be the shock on the drivers side causing it to be lower?
2. Should I have the springs re-arched?
3. Can I put in some type of spacer between the leaves to raise the one side of the Explorer?


Thanks to all for any replies.

 

[94Blue302GT]

eh, change the shocks anyways, a lot of times explorer's need them. Otherwise, go to the junk yard and swap it out to see what happens.

 

[rhyno]

The drivers side can tend to sag lower on a ton of explorers. You could switch the 2 springs to try and even it out. I released a little pressure from the front right tortion bar bolt to even mine out.

Also, add-a-leafs are a good option to fix saggy springs, but I would not just put one in.

 

[Lee S.]

Is it the 3/4 inch difference that has you looking for new leaf springs or is the ride quality? The ride quality could just mean you need shocks especially if yours are the original stockers. The 3/4 inch difference happens to all of us eventually. The added weight of the gas tank and the driver etc. on that side tends to make it sag in that direction over time. Nearly every 1st or 2nd generation X that I see on the road has this problem.

Many have just dropped the leafs and reinstalled them after swapping sides. I am presently thinking of doing this too. Some have had them re-arched. Not sure how long that lasts though. I understand that re-arching using heat is much better than simply having them mechanically re-bent.

Wellcome to the site.

Lee

 

[DeRocha]

I'm with Lee. The weight of the gas tank tend to cause the sag. I would keep your old springs and just swap the passenger and driver's side and see what happens from there... You can certainly have the springs re-arched, or you can order custom springs from various places $300-$500..

 

[rohnk]

After a little more research I have concluded that the springs cannot be rearched because they are rust pitted and I can see the "spidery web" lines in the steel. I found this information on the Eaton Springs website and I called them to see about a new set of springs. They have springs in stock for $327.26 a pair. The dealer wanted about $190 a piece! Needless to say, I ordered a pair and they are on the way. Thanks to all for the replies as this helped me in my decision. I plan to keep the Explorer a while and I figured the new springs were a god investment. I also want to do more track and trail type stuff so it is probably better I get new leaf springs now and avoid the headaches later.

Thanks again to all. This forum is great!

Rohn

 

[rohnk]

Just a quick update. I recieved the new springs via Fed Ex Friday and installed the drivers side spring. The X now sits even on each side and I installed new shocks all the way around. After a ride around the block I concluded that the ride quality is much better and the ride height improved. I didn't put in the new leaf spring on the passenger side because I think it is still good. The truck sits even and rides well so for now I think I'll let it be. With the money I saved doing this job myself, I am going to treat the X to a set of 31" tires and a wheel well kit from Bushwacker. Thanks again for the repiles!!

Rohn