yet another rough ride thread...with a fix!

Normally I do my own work, but about a year ago I had Deavers put on which were supposed to be the softest U402 they have. Before that, Dakars, which I hated.
Everyone seems to love Deavers, so when I got the truck back I was incredibly disappointed that it still rode like shit. Worse than the Dakars.
So fast forward to yesterday, I called Deaver to see if they would recommend removing a leaf to soften up the ride. Turns out I don't have the stage 1. I have the stage 3, problem number one.. They said they don't recommend removing leafs, but If i must, then remove the 5th from the top.

So this morning I start tearing it down...The plan was to take the packs a part, grind off all the rust, paint, and reassemble with the 5th leaf removed.

First problem...Ubolts were cross threaded... had to be torched off
second problem... They must have cross threaded one of the eye bolts because they welded the nut on.
third problem... They must have lost my shackle bolts because what was in there was way too small (diameter) What do you do if you're an idiot and you need to take up the slack on a too small bolt?
Tighten it so tight that nothing on the suspension will move. This has been my problem all along.
The leaf packs literally couldn't flex because they were basically solid bolted to the frame. I'm beyond pissed at these people.

Everything is back together with the 5th leaf removed. I lost some lift, which is fine. The ride is much better

If anyone has the 3rd stage u402 removing the fifth leaf worked great... I lost a little height . I run airbags so if Im carrying anything heavy I can just air up...

 

man that is some crap luck! glad you got it ironed out though

 

Never trust a "mechanic" or a "shop"

 

that's why I'm a no talent automotive hack! who works on his own stuff! I've a super short list of people ill let work on my car.

ive a longer list of people ill let mess with my "toys" because a couple toys as long as they work functionally over form is just fine.

 

Seriously...I never send my shit out. I've fucked up my share of shit but at least it's my error and not something I've paid for!

 

I.was a tech for honda and subaru, let me say there are some people who shouldn't touch cars, and sometimes still keep their jobs.

 

The real question OP is who did you take it to!

 

i agree. Save others from taking their vehicles to this crap shop...

 

A place called Abe's in Massachusetts. "Highly recommended" by my tire shop...
Their reviews have gone to shit since I had my truck there so I guess people are catching on.
The shitty thing is since it took me so long to find the problem I have no recourse.
Since they worked on it the truck has developed rattles, and shit is loose everywhere. I had to do body mounts last week, on a truck with less than 50,000 miles!

 

Agreed ... I worked as a diesel tech for years. The problem is skills don't get passed down from the older generation to the younger generation of mechanics, or some people view it as a stop gap and have no interest in developing skills

 

i worked next to a guy who had worked for years recently retired as a mechanic. man was amazing when he fixed anything. i remember him the first time i tore into a wheel bearing, and he came over and saw me taking apart some tools and trying to knock a hub free. told me to come over to his toolboxes, handed me the home-made tool i was attempting to build, he said right there here you go, you will be fine, welcome to this shop. steve and i have been friends for 15yrs now