Replacing Spring Leafs after 10 Years....

[LS19962DRBLAZER4X4]

I have owned my Chevy 96 4x4 2drS-10 Blazer now for over 10 years. The truck had a suspension package that included a tow hitch. I have replaced
all four shocks during the 10 year period. I was told the leaf springs
have to be replaced. I never thought these where made shoddy. I have
4 Eldenbrock shocks that replaced the older 70000 mile shocks, yet
when I drive over a bump it feels like I hit a 3 foot speed bump.
( It's more common during winter driving)...
I always thought they put Bilsteins on all 4x4 blazers in the mid 1990's..
If anyone else has these problems send me a email or message...
Thanks..

[Moser97]

Sorry I can't offer much help. I have similar problems with a 99 Jimmy. Look at the post "99 Jimmy ... rough rider" from a couple days ago on this forum. I am going to check out the suspension parts suggested Saturday AM, but I am thinking about springs too. Hopefully someone can add a little more to the mix for us to consider.

[Cloud Strife]

I am in the same boat so I am following this thread closely.

[billibong]

You might want to try helper springs. They attach to the top of your existing springs, and "help" control the ride a little bit. Usually they are used if you are going to be towing, but they may help your problem.
The other thing is it may be the shocks. I believe that all the blazers came with bilstiens from the factory, a very good shock. You may want to check to see if your shocks are leaking, or if they just aren't designed to support a 4X4.
I haven't heard to often of leaf springs failing, unless the vehicle is older than yours or the shackles holding the springs have failed in high salt areas or from some other cause.

[SBlazerNCS]

I agree with billibong. The first gens have terrible leaf spring sag after a few years, i havent noticed on the second gens. Even so, thats not the same as failure.
Add a leafs might help as well.

[Rmbodie]

My dad had this problem , NEW shocks were installed , and any bump even the reflectors would make a harsh thud impact sound . Turns out a mechanic of 10 years installed one shock upside down . Turned it over and all was well .
I installed helper spring kit , The Half spring style that you don't have to take the axle apart . It worked great and you could actually increase the ride height too . I put them a K5 blazer front and back , and a jeep cherokee. they look like traction bars from behind too . Rob

[OverBoardProject]

I'm doing a related how to up, check back tonight or tomorrow.

[BlazerLT]

if you truck is jumping up like that, there is nothing wrong with your rear springs.

If the springs were shot going over a speed bump would feel like running over a warm stick of butter.

Check your rear sway bar end links and slow down going over speed bumps, they are there for a reason, if you are causing your truck to launch like that, it isn't the springs fault, it is the driver.

[OverBoardProject]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...16#post3876616