4x4 Suspension Question
 

Does anyone know the purpose of the plate bolted to the bottom side of the frame on the drivers side of frame. It restricts the backward movement of the shackle/leaf spring on the drivers side. There is no provision for this on the passenger side.

Re: 4x4 Suspension Question
 

I asked the same question a while ago.

That limiter and the strap on the front hanger act as a safety stop in case your leaf spring breaks you'll still have some steering since a 4x4's steering box travels forward and reverse instead of side by side.

Apparently it's just a safety thing that started in 71.

When I bought my 71 the strap at the hanger was broke further investigation led me too a broken leaf spring.
It's steering was terrible going one way and just pathetic going the other way.

Re: 4x4 Suspension Question
 

Not just there for steering - also, to keep the spring from puncturing first the floorboard and then the driver in an accident. Passengers get no such love... ;)

Re: 4x4 Suspension Question
 

Yep, what JD said

Re: 4x4 Suspension Question
 

It's factory and meant to be there with no problems. If your spring is contacting it something else is wrong and needs attention. I've never had a problem from them

Re: 4x4 Suspension Question
 

When I purchased truck, there was a 6" suspension lift on it. The truck is undergoing a restoration. I didn't want a 6" lift but couldn't convince myself to go all the way back to stock. I put on 2" tuff country springs front and back. When the frame was powdercoated I left the plate in place. When the new springs went on, the plate had to be moved back about a quarter inch and it lightly contacts the spring.

Re: 4x4 Suspension Question
 

Contact is no good, as that prevents the shackle from articulating as it should. Your truck will ride rough and steer funny if you hit something hard squarely with the front wheels - the passenger side will compress more than the driver's side can, and it tends to jerk to one side.

I had a SWB with a 2.5" lift. I had to remove the part in question to avoid the issues I just described. If you wanted to keep it you could drill new holes in the frame and relocate it back a bit.