Does this look right???

[Bearhog]

I've been thinking about adding a rear sway bar to my '94 1500 std cab short bed. Got under the truck to look around and this is what I found. To me, the rear leaf springs look to be slightly curved around the axle housing. I tried to get a good pic but this is as good as it gets. Is this the way the springs should look or has time and use taken its toll? Both side are almost exactly the same. The truck does sag pretty easily with a load and its almost completely level with no load and no mods. If this is not correct, do you think I could add the sway bar with out correcting/repairing the springs?

Thanks for your comments!

 

[charonblk07]

I would say that they're defintely warped, they should have a gradual curve through the entire spring pack, but as long as they're still holding up the body and are intact you will be fine. I would add the sway bar and plan to change them in the future

 

[leadrofthepak]

At some point that truck was overloaded. The leaf springs have been flattened out. The leaf springs are easily replaced. If you do not use the truck to haul anything, you could probably get away with driving it the way it is. I would not haul anything of any weight that will stress those leafs anymore.

What I would be more worried about is the axles. I would jack the rear of the truck up (block the front tires) and put the truck in drive to watch the rotation of the rear tires. If they wobble, your axles are bent too.

Hope its just the leaf springs man.

 

[Bearhog]

Thanks for the input. Considering this truck spent the first 19 years on a farm it is very likely it was overloaded at some point. My Dad was famous for this. Made driving the grain trucks nerve-racking.

 

[Johnn123]

Yup as said, those springs are warped from being overloaded at some point. Good idea not to load it all. I would def replace those, and be sure to check to make sure the axles arent bent either.

 

[dodge dude94]

I concur with what The Leader said.