HELP, 72 K5 blazer front spring question????

[socalfyrengineer]

So, Im new to the K5 blazer world, but love working on my newly aquired, about a year ago 72 K5.

So I have alot of creeking, crackling noise coming from my front suspension. I crawled under the chassis and found a "bracket" at the rear of the driver's side leaf spring. It is making contact with the spring, metal on metal. There are holes on the passenger side frame but no bracket is there, ONLY the drivers side.

I have posted a picture of it, I sprayed white lithium grease on it hoping that it helps with the noise.

Now my help needed questions.....

1. Is there supposed to be on on the passenger side too?
2. What's is it's purpose?
3. Can it or should it be removed?
4. It is metal on metal, is there supposed to be a rubber bushing or something on it?

Thank you for anyone who can answer my dumb questions!

[too much stuff]

It is supposed to be there. It is incase the spring breaks it won't throw you into oncoming traffic. There should be a cage on the front of the spring also. Only on the drivers side. It shouldn't be hitting the spring.

[socalfyrengineer]

Ok, great info, and yes there is a cage in front of drivers side spring.

But if its not suppose to be hitting the back of the spring, why is mine hitting it? What is wrong?

Thank you.......

[jaros44sr]

sagging front leaf springs?

[praisegeetarman]

Here's one idea. Check the front bushing on the drivers side leaf spring. If it is worn out it is allowing the spring to move back too far.

Keith

[socalfyrengineer]

Well, looking at the bracket closer, the holes are elongated, therefore I was able to move it back about 3/4 inch. Doesnt make contact and no more metal on metal and all the noise

[extd56]

The bushings are gone most likely

[moore_rb]

Originally Posted by praisegeetarman

Here's one idea. Check the front bushing on the drivers side leaf spring. If it is worn out it is allowing the spring to move back too far.

Keith

Originally Posted by extd56

The bushings are gone most likely

I agree with these guys. You have original springs, and probably well worn original rubber bushings, on what looks to be a well-used ( but REALLY cool looking) truck- getting your spring and shackle bushings in order should probably be one of your first projects.

If you are planning to lift it, or swap springs, then the new springs will come with bushings, but the upper shackle bushings (front and rear) need to be purchased separately, and should be changed out at the same time you do the spring bushings; otherwise the new spring bushings will just intensify and accelerate the potential failure of the upper shackle bushings.

Lastly- don't mix bushing materials- If your springs use poly bushings, then use poly on the shackles, too. If you use OEM rubber on the springs, then match them with rubber on the shackles.