Leaf spring removal

[19Ram150098]

I have a 98 1500 5.9L ram, it has a 13 inch lift. the problem is the back sits a little higher than the front. my question is would I be able to pull a single leaf from the rear end? if so how much of a drop would a single leaf do? any help would be appreciated, also, could anyone point out which spring to remove? I will try to post a few pictures of the setup. thanks!

 

[Gr8bawana]

It would be a lot easier to just put a thinner spacer under the spring pack.

 

[dudeman2009]

Re-leafing the pack is a time consuming process that should only be undertaken by someone comfortable with loaded springs and the proper clamping tools, C-clamps dont cut it.

Yeah you can remove a leaf or get a pack with one less spring, but as Banana (sic) said, just get another spacer or shave that one.

 

[crazzywolfie]

i really don't see an issue with the back sitting a bit higher than the front. that is how real trucks are suppose to sit so when you put weight in the back it sits level.

i would agree with the others tho. likely easier to change the spacer on the back to get the height wanted. also how old are the leafs that are in it. if they are fairly new they still may be settling.

 

[19Ram150098]

the leafs are about 2 years old, I pulled it on level ground and the back was 2 inches higher, so i removed the 2 inch block in the first picture. now it sits even but my driveshaft is at an angle, i'll attach a picture to get your guys opinion. not sure if its to much at an angle. I did drive it up the street and back at around 45 and it seemed smooth.

 

[crazzywolfie]

i think i could be wrong but i think someone may have the angled shims in backwards for your axle or maybe the wrong angled shims

 

[19Ram150098]

thats exactly what i was thinking, there is a thin triangle shaped shim between the leaf spring and the axle, it looks like if i switch it around it would raise the front up a little. I didnt spin the shim around because the bolt going through the leafs was rusted solid and i wasnt 100% sure it would help. would this angle be ok to drive around town at no more than 40 mph if i take it easy? I know its not ideal, but it didnt seem to make a difference when i test drove it

 

[Gr8bawana]

Any off-road shop should have the shims to restore the proper angle.

http://www.ramforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=92299&stc=1&d=1505923045

 

[19Ram150098]

ok thanks. Do they come in different sizes? if so would you have a guess on what size I need by looking at the picture?

 

[crazzywolfie]

to tell the truth it is extremely hard to say what shims you would need from the pictures. it would also not help if the shims that are on it are already backwards. plus i would also wonder if the springs were installed backwards if the shims were installed backwards since 1 side to that center bolt is generally longer than the other which can effect where the axle sits by a tiny bit.

 

[19Ram150098]

ok, I bought the truck as it is so i wouldnt doubt it. how would i tell if the springs are backwards?

 

[02ramboi]

Really nice truck the springs don't seem to be backwards I thing with the right shims you will be ok but that's way to much angle


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[DodgeTx]

You do not want that much angle, at best youll eventually throw the u joint. Worst the pinion gear in rear end or mess up tranny when it shears off.

I have a 99 2500 4x4 that had a bad angle. My rear end is still blown.
Best of luck.

 

[19Ram150098]

Do you guys know if the angled shims are attached to the same bolt that runs through the leaf springs, i tapped it with a hammer and it didnt budge, the bolt that runs through didnt budge either when i tried to loosen it, i didnt want to break the bolt not knowing for sure

 

[Gr8bawana]

They are probably just rusted on. The shims sit under the spring pack just like the block spacer. Just remember when you install your new shims or spacer block to put the thicker end towards the front of the truck.

 

[crazzywolfie]

the bolt goes through everything including the shim

 

[19Ram150098]

i just figured it out, lol. the bolt broke off so i have to put a new one in, do i need a specific bolt or could i go to home depot and get a grade 8 type of bolt as long as the head fits in the hole on the axle? and the angled shim had the fat part facing the rear of the truck.. so hopefully spinning it around will put my driveshaft at a good enough angle.

 

[crazzywolfie]

you may want to hit the auto parts store and get a leaf spring bolt. you can use a regular bolt in a pinch but you have to take a grinder to the head and round it off so that if fits in the hole on the axle nicely. most parts stores usually have those bolts sitting in the back tho. you just might need someone that knows what you need to find it.

 

[19Ram150098]

well since i live 1 block away from Home Depot i just used one of their bolts, i did have to grind the head of the bolt just a tad to fit, but i got it all in and bolted down and it looks a whole lot better! You guys are awesome!! thanks alot for all the help. it was greatly appreciated!!

 

[kyle watson]

I had to make a double take on the pinion angle!