Driving my truck today on the highway at about 65, just cruising along and all of a sudden my truck starts to swerve suddenly. I got off the highway and drove back home. And as I continue to drive I hear a loud clunking sound coming from what I believe is the left rear leaf spring area. Now, just by taking a quick look at it, everything appears to be intact. The shock is fine, the shackle is fine, the leaf spring appears to be intact but is very old and rusted. Anyone have any similar problems like this? Any ideas what it could be? The leaf springs? The shackle about to break? I honestly have no idea but need to fix it soon! I just invested a lot of money into a track bar, ball joints, exhaust, tires, alignment, etc. I know the front end is straight. It seems like I need to work on the rear now. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

Jack it up, and check bearings.

Yank the wheels, and drums, and check for fluid leaks into the drum.

Check that the brakes aren't adjusted to tightly. (this one can cause some real fun..... which I suspect you just experienced.)

Make sure everything is tight, no broken leaves, etc.

if something looks like it is rusted to the point of being to weak to trust, Replace it. (I have an astro van, that used stamped steel clamps to hold the axle to the fiberglass leaf springs, one day, I notice they were in kinda bad shape, and though, I should fix that soone...... few days later, I get a call from the GF, the van is driving REAL funny, and makes some horrid noises..... went up, had a look, everything seemed ok..... till I notice that the rear tires had a LOT less clearance between the wheel well in front, than they do in back...... sure enough, mounts had rusted thru, broke, and the whole rear axle shifted...... that was fun to get home.)