Leaf Spring ? - Diesel Forum

B Kennedy · 02-02-2003, 02:00 AM

I know this a PSD forum but can you help me with my rear leafs? I had my truck lifted about 9 months ago and had leveling springs installed in the rear and they started sqeaking about a week ago...At first it wasn't bad but now it sounds like chit!!! Is it possible to slide those plastic/nylon isolators between the springs? My stock leaf's have the isolators but not the leveling leafs...A local shop said I'd need to have the springs fitted (a hole punched through them) so the isolator would fit but I'm guessing the springs won't need to since the u-bolts keep the springs tight and in place...Hope that makes sense [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img] Anyway's this is driving me crazy and I gotta get this fixed immediately!!! Please help me, my wife is driving me crazy about this - - Almost as much as that sound is [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Thanks all

TXANGLER · 02-02-2003, 02:27 AM

I hope someone posts a permanent solution. I did the leaf in the rear and followed the directions to lube the leafs and it started squeaking about 4 months ago. It really doesn't bother me since it can't be heard inside the truck but I would rather it not squeak.

Txangler

Chaw · 02-02-2003, 10:56 AM

Your shop is right; you will need to have the teflon pads installed to the add a leaf to prevent squeaks. I had lubed mine with grease but as TX Angler said that only works for a couple of weeks at best, and a good rain seems to wash it out.

When I took out my add a leaf, only the front and rear tip of the leaf rides againsed the spring pack. In other words, they will always squeak unless you have a teflon pad installed.

For some reason the procomp leaf did not have the pad. A tuff country leaf I had on my dodge did.

Hope this helps, Mike

edunn69 · 02-02-2003, 12:49 PM

Yes, you do need to drill holes and install the teflon pads. Also install a pad where the center bolt goes thru, similar to what is there from the factory. These are put there to keep the squeeks away.

B Kennedy · 02-02-2003, 02:19 PM

Thanks for the insight everyone [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] Any guestimates on what this will run me? Better yet - - how many hours labor am I looking at with a competent mechanic? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

B Kennedy · 02-03-2003, 11:41 AM

Anyone? Any guesses?

edunn69 · 02-03-2003, 01:06 PM

Probably 2 hours, and the pads are only about $1.50 each

B Kennedy · 02-03-2003, 03:00 PM

Thanks Boss, I guess I'll find out the real deal tomorrow - -

Chaw · 02-03-2003, 05:09 PM

Yes, it took me 2 hours with a few cold one's.

B Kennedy · 02-03-2003, 10:29 PM

Right on...Hopefully that's all it'll take [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Going to place out here called National Spring and from what I hear they do really good work and are nationally known...Any of you heard of them?

finchturf · 02-03-2003, 10:39 PM

I have the ProComp add-a-leaf ready to install. New X will be here week of 2/10. Where can I get the pads? Do I just drill the spring!? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Paul

edunn69 · 02-03-2003, 11:05 PM

Go to your local spring shop and they will have them, about $1.50 each (4) needed. Just drill a hole like on the stock springs and put them in. It's also a good idea to put some silicone on them to keep them in place while installing.

B Kennedy · 02-05-2003, 10:38 PM

Well, finally got everything back to normal with no squeaks [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] Replaced all the nylon leaf pads, leafs were diamond cut and reshaped so they all sit flush, new U bolt's and bolt clips - - $350 out the door...