Leaf Spring Movement?

[Ryanz]

Has anyone else noticed the driver’s side leaf spring movement (about 1/4 -1/2 inch) on driver’s side toward front and back when turning wheel with tires on ground?

We noticed this today and took it back to place that replaced my springs and bushings. They said they will replace but feel that is normal on drivers side with steering box. Claim it’s just the rubber, and it’s all doing what it is supposed to do, have flex. The passenger side doesn’t move.

Was curious if anyone else has noticed this.

[A1971Blazer]

the spring pack may move slightly because of the front-to-back steering configuration........ especially if it's sitting still and you're turning the wheels.
there a lot of force when the tires aren't turning
if the bushings were bad...it would wander all over the road when driving

[Ryanz]

Originally Posted by A1971Blazer

the spring pack may move slightly because of the front-to-back steering configuration........ especially if it's sitting still and you're turning the wheels.
there a lot of force when the tires aren't turning
if the bushings were bad...it would wander all over the road when driving

Yes, it’s only the driver’s side that moves slightly. The passenger side stays perfectly firm. I was curious if this is normal. It’s all brand new parts.
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[litebulblsc]

Nope.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by litebulblsc

Nope.

See what you are trying to pull here. Bet yours moves slightly side to side though.

[Ryanz]

Originally Posted by Richard

See what you are trying to pull here. Bet yours moves slightly side to side though.

Yes, mine does. Not sure if you’re responding to me or the other response. Good to know this isn’t normal. So I should have them replace that new spring and bushing?
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[Richard]

Originally Posted by Ryanz

Yes, mine does. Not sure if you’re responding to me or the other response. Good to know this isn’t normal. So I should have them replace that new spring and bushing?
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A little front to back movement is normal as A1971Blazer said. There are rubber bushings and the axle is mounted on a spring. What I was referring to in my comment to litebulblsc's post is that he has crossover steering. Of course he would not have movement like you. The slight movement would be side to side, not front to back.

[litebulblsc]

Originally Posted by Ryanz

Yes, mine does. Not sure if you’re responding to me or the other response. Good to know this isn’t normal. So I should have them replace that new spring and bushing?
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Sorry to add confusion to your thread.
To reinforce what others have said- when dry steering' you are putting a lot of stress on parts. You will notice stuff flexing, and it is going to, to some degree. It is hard to say how much is too much though.

Richard, not as much since I added the ram assist

[hemi43]

This is why I like having a front anti-sway bar.Without one, you are relying solely on the springs to hold the axle in place.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by hemi43

This is why I like having a front anti-sway bar.Without one, you are relying solely on the springs to hold the axle in place.

That is what a leaf sprung suspension is designed to do. A sway bar's job is to transfer weight from one side of the vehicle to the other. There are bushings in the sway bar as well. So the front to back movement will not go away. The 73 up sway bars limit travel and actually cause bind in the suspension. This is exaggerated with a lift. It can be compensated somewhat by lowering the front mounting point on a lift. ORD makes a disconnect kit with a shackle mount at the upper axle pad to help alleviate the bind.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by litebulblsc

Sorry to add confusion to your thread.
To reinforce what others have said- when dry steering' you are putting a lot of stress on parts. You will notice stuff flexing, and it is going to, to some degree. It is hard to say how much is too much though.

Richard, not as much since I added the ram assist

I am installing a PSC ram with the crossover steering as well on my truck. To take some of the stress off of the steering box and frame. I understand this is not something most people will do.