Rust on leaf springs

Climbing down to check my tire pressure while filling up and realizing that I have a fair amount of rust on the leaf springs I've got in. As far as I know they're the original ones from the manufacturer (bought the truck used, so I can't be 100% sure). I've been lucky in not having to deal with rust on a vehicle before, and this seems to be surface rust at first glance, but I don't want to risk it if it's something worse. I've got an AAL going in with my Icon stage 3 kit in hopefully the next couple weeks. Also checked the VIN for a tsb and nothing came up.

Knowing this, should I replace them entirely? Just replace the u-bolts? Or do you guys think I'll be okay for a while? I live in the desert so rain isn't a major problem for me on this.

 

If you have a icon stage 3 coming in why don't you just use this as a excuse to get dakars?

 

That's what I'm thinking, but I'm on a budget at the moment after springing for the Icons and my wheels. It's one of those "if I absolutely HAVE to I'll do it" things, but if I'll still be okay for now without spending the money I really shouldn't touch, then I can wait another month or two if need be.

 

Well it looks like just surface rust if anything just poke it with a screwdriver or something it too see how bad it really is

 

Thats nothing to be concerned about in the slightest

 

I agree... Leaf Springs are super hard steel... Would take a lot to hurt them

 

Hahaha sorry to laugh OP but this is ridiculous. If you have a 2013 and thats the only rust thats on it, that part will last untill the next century. I have seen vehicles that are brand new with 10 miles on the clock with that much rust.

You have absolutly nothing to worry about at all.

 

Do you drive through sand much? And being in Northern NV, I'm guessing you deal with snow and salted roads on occasion?

Blame the sand. But yeah that rust is perfectly fine. If you don't like how it looks, you can pressure wash the leafs, let them fully dry, and then spray with Rustoleum Rust Reformer. It should match the factory black finish and be invisible in about a day.

 

Hahahaha! My leafs had that much rust in the first ten mins of driving.

 

Most people in the northeast probably wish their leaf springs looked like that (among other things)

 

My buddy has an 09 and he said there was a recall on the leaf Springs. He is getting his replaced this weekend. You guys should look into it with your dealership.

 

Thanks for the reassurance guys. Like I said, I've literally never had to deal with finding any rust on any of my cars before. So in light of the leaf spring recall on the 05-11's and the frame rust issues on the 1st gens, I was a little paranoid

Either way, I'll still be saving up for the Dakars, probably just minus one leaf when I get them to make the ride a little bit less stiff

 

This thread is adorable.

 

Based on that rust, I'd say you probably have 200-300 years left on them in that environment.

 

Nothing wrong with those springs whatsoever, if you want wipe them down with a WD40 soaked rag and call it good

Just for comparison my truck was bought new in Socal and has spent alot of time in the desert and my springs look like yours . I even had local Toyota dealer inspect the frame on my 02 Tacoma and the tech said it looks brand new

 

I live in south east Nh and after 1 year with one winter my dakars are rusted pretty good. Just depends on your climate. Leaf springs are pretty durable though. I have original leaf springs on 30yr old ez loader boat trailer and they are still fine. It's usually surface rust which actually isn't a big issue other than aesthetics. A small coating of rust often times only affects outside and actually serves as a barrier of sorts to further corrosion. I agree though it looks crappy compared to original finish. I may try power wash and rustoleum spray after this winter to help preserve them.