4WD front spring perches twisted???

[gregbr]

I was installing a 4" lift recently and noticed my front axle front spring perches are bent or twisted outward toward the wheel. Is this OK, normal, or do I need to straighten and reinforce the frame? BTW, it's a 67 SWB factory 4wd.

[jay_shy]

Not sure about that. Just wondering where you got the lift kit. Does your truck have the closed knuckle front end. I have a 68 factory 4X4 I an thinking about lifting in the future.

Jason

[gregbr]

Yes, it has the original closed knuckle front axle. I bought a Rough Country 4" softride kit for the 69-72 k10 truck. The springs/bolts/mounts are the same as our 67/68. The difference is on the axle steering arm, I could not find a replacement arm for the 67. But, with the new springs installed I have alot of movement left on the ball joint connecting to the axle arm, so it has not been a problem. But the 6" and bigger will require a offset arm, I'm sure. I removed a 4" lift (will sell soon) and installed the softride 4" hoping for a better ride. Hope this helps you, Greg

[gregbr]

ttt

[jay_shy]

Thanks for the info greg. I think When its time I will get a 4 inch soft ride also.

Jason

[4x4Poet]

Just to be clear, the pads on the axles that the springs set on to be u-bolt clamped to the axle are the "spring perches." The frame-mounted brackets that take a spring-eye bolt or shackle bolt are spring-eye or shackle-bolt brackets.

As a general rule, bent or twisted spring brackets are never a good thing and usually unsafe. Can you post some pics? Are both front spring-eye brackets bent or just one side? Try comparing them since they are identical in an asymmetrical sense. With all the angles and welds the brackets have, I would guess that the frame horns are bent before the brackets.

In any case, if you think they are bent, have a frame repair shop ckeck them out. Estimates should be no charge.

[gregbr]

OK, it's the front axle front spring eye brackets......and yes, both sides are bent slightly upward (at the end toward the tire). Looks like each frame rail may be twisted slightly, I agree the brackets are too beefy to bend. Will try a picture Sunday sometime (hopefully).