What happens if a rear leaf spring mount/perch breaks?

[MxRacer855]

What happens if a rear leaf spring mount/perch breaks? I know it's a very important part of the car's stability. I have one that seriously needs to be replaced, but I would really like to what until next winter to do it when I'm thinking about giving my car to AMD (Auto Metal Direct) to get a some things replaced and the car blasted out.

I'm just nervous that it won't make it after I cleaned the section out and saw how much loose material got removed.


Jeff

[Aero426]

If it is stable and intact, it's probably ok.    If it failed, the spring would want to come through the trunk.   I would think the trunk floor would often fail before the spring mounting point in the lower rail.  You'd definitely hear some strange sounds coming from the back of the car if things are starting to go wrong.      

[MxRacer855]

Yeah, unfortunately I don't think enough of this one is left after cleaning up all of the "loose" material. Here's a pic of it. I hope it can last another season... What do you think?

Jeff

[JB400]

Be more safe than sorry and just fix it.  The metal is probably pretty thin in a larger patch than what you think.

[MxRacer855]

I agree. I just wish I could replace the leaf spring mount ONLY for the time being. But I think I have to get into the trunk floor and a few other things... right?

[JB400]

It'd probably be easier if the trunk was out, but it just sits on top of the spring perch.  If you clean away the undercoating, you'd find the flanges where it's welded. 

[MxRacer855]

So you're saying that I may be able to carefully cut the perch off without damaging the trunk floor too much and just install a new perch?

[JB400]

If you have the patience, then yes, it's possible.  A spot weld cutter would be a good investment.  It's similar to a drill bit, but won't drill a hole unless you push too hard.

[1974dodgecharger]

will it buff out?

[Mopar Nut]

will it buff out?

With little bit of elbow grease, anything will buff out.

[1974dodgecharger]

will it buff out?

With little bit of elbow grease, anything will buff out.

lmao 

[fy469rtse]

I had one rusted out like that , it makes it easy with the complete spring perch you can purchase from AMD , if your confidant welding upside down , I say get one and cut the old one out, go for it
If it fails it will be like mine , just made a lot of banging noises as suspension bounced, go ahead and fix it so you enjoy your car longer

[Mike DC]

 

Knock off enough undercoating to get an idea of how big the rusted/weakened area really is.  If it's not the whole perch then I say weld some patchwork onto it for now.  Go back and replace the whole perch later when you're doing the trunkfloor and everything. 

[fy469rtse]

Yes do what mike said , patch it if your able , have a good look first at how far it's weakened and then make your mind up to what's needed for the repair

[Aero426]

Knock off enough undercoating to get an idea of how big the rusted/weakened area really is.  If it's not the whole perch then I say weld some patchwork onto it for now.  Go back and replace the whole perch later when you're doing the trunkfloor and everything. 

Do this.   

[72Charger-SE]

Having just removed all the 40+ year old undercoating from my car I HIGHLY recommend a heat gun and a good wood chisel...     Makes the job much cleaner and gets you to bare metal with little to no elbow grease...  Then you can see what you are dealing with.  Right now you are just 'guessing' and 'estimating'.  Once you remove the undercoating you won't have any questions about what you need to do.

[Ghoste]

Agreed, you'll need it cleaner when the resto starts anyway.

[JB400]

You'll put in just as much effort putting in a patch as you would just replacing the whole thing when it comes to parts this small.  Just spend a weekend and replace it.

[tan top]

 looking at it , by the time your done scraping , wire brushing & cutting  , I doubt very much there will be much of that hanger mounting left ,  replace it now     have a good look at other side too while your under there !