Hi, I am new to this forum. I have a 2003 Dodge Ram Hemi and I am on here to try and get some help on what I should do with my rear leaf springs. After a couple years of some decent towing my leaf springs are stiff and squeak. I recently just replaced my shocks so I know that is not the problem.

I am looking to replace them or something but not trying to spend a ton. If I could find some used ones still in good shape or if anyone else has suggestions they did to their trucks in the rear it would be greatly appreciated.

 

If they squeak spray some graphite lubricant between the leafs and it will quiet then down. You could look into airbags if you do alot of towing, I had a firestone system on my 96 and just loved how you could get the truck level when towing.

 

I sprayed them down with wd40 all over before, but I mean I can try some graphite lubricant. They squeak going over bumps and are stiffer than they used to be.. Air bags would help with the ride I am sure, I don't know if it will eliminate all the squeaking though.. But where did you get your air bags from?

 

Might actually be the shocks, or one of them. Give them a good inspection - look for leaking oil, or possibly a bent shaft. It seems unusual that the ride would be stiffer, since worn springs usually don't get firmer. Unless they're sagged so much that you're up against the overload leaf.

 

Yeah I put new shocks on and those are working out pretty well. Its just the rear is a little sloppy now and it squeaks. I just was not sure what some people did if they had to replace their leaf springs or if they upgraded. Any suggestions would be helpful.

 

Springs don't stiffen up. Shocks do. Springs will weaken and sag over time.

 

^ Thats what i was thinking. I've never heard of a spring getting tighter and stiffer over time. Ive seen sagging, weak, and broken springs but thats a first. I would try and actually confirm that its the springs squeaking. Try to find a whole replacement spring pack from a slavage yard that way you just knock the shackle bolts out, drop the u-bolts and replace or you can try something like this http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/leaf-s...ram-1500-02-06

 

They aren't really stiffer just have more play in them, bounce more and squeak. I was thinking of going to a junk yard and trying to pull some off if I found a yard with an 02-06 ram.

 

IDK about you guys but my rear squeaking is from the pins in my shackles. I know I need to take them apart and grease them but its is such a PITA to try to pull those leaf packs down to do so. So i spray them with PB Blaster and keep going.

 

I ordered the airbags from my local NAPA dealer, they have various firestone kits, one's with onboard air gauges, dump valves etc.... you can kinda go plain jane if you want or get the full kit.