As you all can see...the truck has fallen into somewhat of a state of disrepair, as far as the body and suspension is concerned (drivetrain is fine, surprisingly). It sucks to see but I'm hoping I'll be able to do a thing or two to it, to help.

 

You might do well to post a pic of the broken springs too. The springs themselves may not be broken, but instead the frame may have gone bye bye. That's worse by the way...but since it's difficult for you to convey the issue specifically...pics are worth a thousand words.

 

Will do. I'll get several tomorrow after school, inside the bay, around the wheel, and the broken springs too.

 

I would suggest you download the fsm 1996 Ram https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...e-manuals.html This will help you for most things. Front shock info is 2-9 in the FSM Rear is 2-25. Fix the rear springs first!!!!! let's make the truck safe for the road. As the springs are rubbn on the bottom of the bed I would think the spring shackle's are rusted out and need replacing.

 

Thanks for the link, merc. Are the broken springs more of a hazard than I thought? The truck drives...it's rough but it drives well enough, although I know this doesn't mean it's particularly safe.

EDIT: The broken shackles seems to be the issue with the springs...the actual leaves appear fine.

 

Yes it's bad, it's unsafe and should not be driven until this is fixed. If it's just the shackles I would say under $30 in parts to fix it, but the work to fix it will suck bag, most likely have to cut the old bolts out with a sawzall and get new bolts. Pix will help decide your path for repair.

 

Hmm...that doesn't sound good. Even worse is that the truck has been driven for a decent length of time w/ the drivers side springs broken...and the passenger side went out a month or so ago (I believe that came from me turning too sharp and hitting a rut). Unfortunately I have no option other than drive it, but I'll definitely try to fix it. I'll take pics tomorrow, too dark out for the time being.

 

If you happen to brake one more bolt, all heck will happen; IE the rear end will no longer be under the truck. So it's the back part of the springs riding on the box or the front part of the spring?

 

Wow...that's kind of unnerving :O if I understand what you're asking, it's the back part of the springs riding on the bed (behind the wheels) I'll try to get a pic, I'll just use a flashlight.

 

Ok, so I went under (relatively easy for someone of my age ) and took a look at both sides, and the problem is definitely the shackles. Both of them are trashed...other than that the springs seem in decent enough condition. Bolts were rusted...but hopefully w/ some WD40 and a long ratchet they'll come out. Is this something someone like me can take on?