
Inspect leaf spring mounts every 12,000 miles or before long hauls–cracks at weld joints signal imminent failure. Replace shackles if pivot bushings show over 0.05 inches of play; beyond this threshold, alignment shifts increase tire wear by 37%. U-bolts securing axles require retightening to 60-70 ft-lbs after initial 500-mile break-in, then every 3,000 miles; loose hardware initiates frame stress fractures under dynamic loads.








