I am in need of a truck badly, and I came across this and thought it seemed to be a pretty good choice, as far as my needs for winter and a daily driver. Can anyone give me more details about how hard of a fix this truck would be? Is it just using strength to get some big bolts out and re-setting the spring to the shackle, or is it welding, etc.. Also, I know that I can still drive the truck as it is in its condition now, but how long would it last like that, and what kind of driving could I expect with the leaf spring like that (rough, bumpy, etc..)?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/car/411829285.html

I really, really like the truck, I used to have a bronco of the same year, and I think I just need you guys to back me up and tell me it'll be ok and worth it (keeping your personal bias to your, well, personal). I cant drive the eclipse everyday to college, not fun adding 70 miles a day ;)

Thanks guys :)

well if it was that easy the dude would be selling a 3k car and not one for 1500. Take it to a shop and have them look at it. I love the bigger trucks broncos/blazers. I had a 79 blazer with a 4 inch lift and 34s the last year you could take off the back. blew the motor twice then got my eclipse and never looked back.

Why did the leaf spring "come off"? Why does he not show a pic of the leaf spring? Why did the leaf spring come up through the cargo area?

It's been my experience that the leaf springs don't just come loose. USUALLY it is rust that is the culprit. I'm guessing (without seeing mind you) that the area is rusted out. If not, then why did the leaf spring just "come off"? And why did it go through the metal into the cargo area? And as for driving a vehicle around with an unattached leaf spring; NO. Too dangerous.

Unless you are a welder (or have a buddy who is a welder and can reconstruct the area), I'd stay away.

Does that talk you into it?

Here is a picture he sent me of the area, I couldnt really make anything out of it, but maybe you guys can tell better what it is.



Here is an email he sent me with the pic

"Here's a pic, the strap that holds the spring to the shackle broke. I don't know how it happened, it is pretty rusty.
I don't fix it because I have child support to pay on 4 kids. Engine, tranny, and 4X4 work great...no smoking, noises,
or burning of any fluids. Clear title, no liens, no prior salvage."

He seems genuine to me, but I just dont want to end up spending a shit ton of money to fix it. I need this truck to drive me around from day one after I buy it. How much ($ wise) of a fix would this be? And where in the hell would I find a new strap to attach it?

Originally posted by bullettdsm
Why did the leaf spring "come off"? Why does he not show a pic of the leaf spring? Why did the leaf spring come up through the cargo area? It's been my experience that the leaf springs don't just come loose. USUALLY it is rust that is the culprit. I'm guessing (without seeing mind you) that the area is rusted out. If not, then why did the leaf spring just "come off"?

Those broncos are very popular for offroading. Get that thing into some heavy offroading and you would be surprised at how often leaf springs come loose. Its mainly from the shackle bolt breaking or the leaf spring physically breaking. Ive had to use a tie down strap to get a truck off of a trail because of a leaf sring shackle breaking. lol... Just tied up the leaf spring to the frame with the strap and cranked it down as hard as we could get it.

Just buy my truck :)

Originally posted by Nine5eclipse03
Just buy my truck :)

got any pics? from your sig it looks like a truck that i would like. ;)

Originally posted by Diceman19

Originally posted by Nine5eclipse03 Just buy my truck :)

got any pics? from your sig it looks like a truck that i would like. ;)

Sorry for the thread jack, but no. Dont buy a rusted out ford.

Here you go Dice.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/car/415190484.html