2001 leaf springs

My 'single word response' wasn't due to the flat-looking leaf pack, but because -

1. Like shocks, a leaf pack is also a long-term maintenance item. They wear out too and need to be replaced.

2. His leaf pack may not be as badly arced as others, but the age alone should warrant replacing.

3. First picture actually shows that the leaf pack is frowning slightly.

4. Did you miss all the rust? That's definitely not normal.

5. Last but not least, yes it's hard to tell from pics alone but the OP stated that they're original to the truck.

 

This isn't aimed at anyone in particular, but there are members (and non-members) that truly believe that shocks do last a long time (+10 years or over 100k miles).

Non-serviceable shocks, especially store brand type (or factory) should be replaced every 50-60k. They're not expensive really. People just assume because they aren't physically broken, that they're still good. At that mileage, surely those shocks have lost their ability to dampen like they used to and most likely leaked out all their oil.

A leaf pack (or coil) can last quite a bit longer, but depending on usage, could warrant a replacement much sooner. It's not the constant weight of the vehicle on a leaf pack (or coil) that brings their demise, it's the constant loading and unloading of weight. Hauling, towing, etc are factors that come into play and add increased wear to one's suspension.

 

Ok, I'll play too.
1. Agree.
2. Agree on first statement, disagree on second statement. If they support the weight of the truck (their only job) within normal parameters then they are serviceable, regardless of age.
3. Agree to disagree. They look serviceable to me.
4. All the rust? Lol. I live in Massachusetts, not arid California.
5. See 2, part b. The metric that matters with a chunk of solid spring steel is performance, not age.

Edit to add: Good discussion.

 

Having opposing views for everyone to read is helpful, everyone learns

As for the age/rust thing, I mentioned that only because I've seen many pictures of broken leaf packs (whether it was just 1 or 2 in a pack) posted in this section.

You're right, we don't get any rust out here. But it's amazing to see some of these frames, specifically the front leaf hanger, rust through whereas large portions of the frame remain fully intact.

 

Along the same lines of changing your oil- 5-7k depending on type OR every (insert time line here- 1.5 at the most). Just cause there is still oil in there after 2 years doesn't mean it's doing what it's suppose to anymore.

 

Absolutely agree, so long as opposing views are presented in good faith, including reasoning and evidence, when possible. Feel free to call me out if I fail to argue in good faith. I will either do a better job expressing my view or back off.

I imagine broken leaf packs are often attributable to things that place excessive stress on the springs: add-a-leaf on a worn pack, lift block, excessive load or articulation. Rust could be causal too, but it would have to be much worse than the OP's picture, and I would be more worried about the frame (considering frames and leaf packs were replaced at the same time by Toyota).

I hope you guys get some rain soon, before they find more bodies in Lake Mead.

 

Not exactly parallel. Oil in a low mileage engine tends to see more condensation and combustion byproducts that don't get burned off because the oil never gets hot enough. In other words, even in a lightly-driven engine, oil does deteriorate due to the presence of contaminants. Leaf springs, less so. To the point, the performance of leaf springs can be evaluated by looking at the truck and evaluating their ability to support weight.

Edit: Oil change is $30 and considered routine maintenance.

 

I can't believe I deviated so much from my typical response;

40s n tons

 

[/QUOTE]

Rims look great on that 1st gen.

 

Biscuits has softened you up.

 

Can you blame her? She's fucking adorable

 

Rims look great on that 1st gen.[/QUOTE]
Many Thanks! I was going for a little different look.

 

I was gunna ask if you're feeling okay...

 

Yeah, I was a bit soft yesterday