Is my leaf spring mis-aligned?

[outdoorphotog]

Was looking under the truck, the passenger leaf spring looks normal yet the driver leaf spring seems like its misaligned?

The dealer has replaced the rear axle seal about a year ago, I wonder if this could have been done at the same time.

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[SOHK_Alumni]

Was looking under the truck, the passenger leaf spring looks normal yet the driver leaf spring seems like its misaligned?

The dealer has replaced the rear axle seal about a year ago, I wonder if this could have been done at the same time.

Yep, it's called fanning.

Guessing either the alignment pin is broken or missing.

 

[outdoorphotog]

Crap…

 

[AdamHarris]

There is nothing missing. Not a thing to worry about here at all.

 

[outdoorphotog]

There is nothing missing. Not a thing to worry about here at all.

Could I just push it straight?

 

[AdamHarris]

Could I just push it straight?

Probably have to tap it w a hammer. Sure if it will make you feel better about it.

 

[outdoorphotog]

if there is an alignment pin of some sort, you have a problem replace the broken parts
if there isnt...you still have a problem
i would check your u-bolt torques and replace them and the nuts if thats the case.
if there is no alignment pin, the torque is what keeps them tight and aligned...if they moved, its a clear sign the torque isnt there.

This is a good point. Ill try to loosen, straighten and retorque

 

[AZRanger]

Unless rangers have two dowels to align the spring on the perch, then no there’s no problem. I see this a lot on leaf springs. You can usually straighten them with a hammer, until they shift again later on. The u bolts will block it from ever shifting side ways.

 

[outdoorphotog]

Unless rangers have two dowels to align the spring on the perch, then no there’s no problem. I see this a lot on leaf springs. You can usually straighten them with a hammer, until they shift again later on. The u bolts will block it from ever shifting side ways.

I looked at the manual and i think you are right, just one alignment hole

 

[WOADKIL]

This is a good point. Ill try to loosen, straighten and retorque

A big C-clamp can help you realign the leafs after you loosen the u-bolts..

 

[SOHK_Alumni]

Unless rangers have two dowels to align the spring on the perch, then no there’s no problem. I see this a lot on leaf springs. You can usually straighten them with a hammer, until they shift again later on. The u bolts will block it from ever shifting side ways.

1 roll pin, 1 center bolt to hold the spring together and aligned.

 

[outdoorphotog]

Seems like a good time to use my warranty

 

[AZRanger]

1 roll pin, 1 center bolt to hold the spring together and aligned.

Yep then problemo.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Was looking under the truck, the passenger leaf spring looks normal yet the driver leaf spring seems like its misaligned?

The dealer has replaced the rear axle seal about a year ago, I wonder if this could have been done at the same time.

Hi Ian,

it is called spring splay. Pretty minor but as RP said...check ubolt torque. I would likely leave it alone until I pulled the left tire for some reason...JMO...

Best,
Phil

 

[outdoorphotog]

UPDATE: So i printed out the torque spec/sequence. I put the torque wrench at 98 ft/lbs, and on the driver rear, none of the nuts clicked, they seemed slightly tighter then finger tight only. The passenger side didnt click either, but seemed tighter. Loosened the driver side, used a hammer and pushed the lower spring straight again. Went through the torque sequence, 3 times per torque spec or until there was no movement. Did the same with the passenger side. I feel more confident that everything is tight now at least. I blame the dealer who fixed the axle seal leak back in early 2020 for not ensuring the torque was correct. Ill keep an eye on it.

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