The leaf spring bending issue is actually prettty common. My last Raider (Red Raider) had it before I swaped in the turbo motor.

I'm not sure what the prevous owner did...But he had a monster sized hitch on it. The bend on mine happened at the front spring eyes, they had a bit of an upturn. Some type of snubber about 3" after the spring eye would help.

A number of other trucks have these limiters.

My first Raider never had the bending problem (Blue Raider)it just totaly broke a spring. Seemded to be a age / corrosion problem.

It's not something I would worry about. I was never totaly sure if it was a heat treat issue, abuse problem or what. I think the factory did offer a heavy duty leaf spring.

Just remembered, if he has a V6 Gen 1 he has coil springs... Never mind <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Need more Coffee <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

Kevin