Hello DODGE Experts! First post .Just bought a 1997 B2500 Conversion Van 4 days ago. When i went to get some brake work done I was told they couldnt put my Van on the lift because the "leaf springs" were broken.I found that the passenger side leaf spring frame bracket was rusting away from the frame .The leaf springs are still in tact but the brackets are tearing away from the frame. "PLEASE"... someone tell me I can have those brackets replaced!!! Or am I totally screwed!!!

 

Don't think you have a real problem, 6 years ago I replaced the driver side rear most shackle.

Cost about $70 from Dodge dealer and took 2 hours remove and install.

 

Take the van to a body shop, they can re-straighten and wield the bracket and frame back together.

 

Thanks iodj44 and Mobile Auto Repair for" your response" and "your advice". I thought I was going to have scrap my van

 

Hopefully not, though I don't know what state you live in or what state the van has spent most of its life. If frame is rotting and severe enough it may still be a lost cause. But the body shop will be able to fix it if there is enough material left in the frame. Also they can add stiffeners to that area but will only do so if the frame is in decent shape. Question is, if the frame is good what caused this problem.

 

I live in PA.I beleive the van is from this area as well. The rear frame seems to be pretty much in tact. It 's just the plate area that looks like it supports the shackle that holds the leaf spring . It appears that the old plate is the part that's rusting.It also looks like the leaf spring is hitting the rear frame!

 

Ok, you may find that the body shop will order a new bracket and wield that to the frame instead of rebending and wielding the problem one. From the sound of it this van is repairable.

 

Taking it to a Leaf spring shop today to get an estimate of the damage! Thank You so much for your expert advice. I'll keep you posted !!!

 

Took the van to the Leaf spring shop. He told me to take it to the Weld shop. The weld shop guy showed me one he'd just done parked across the street . He gave me an estimate of $530 for both bracket areas and didn't seem to be worried about any problems! Thanks again for your advice!!!

 

That is great, glad to hear that is is fully repairable.