I was doing some trailer wiring work on the truck/trailer on Saturday. Things went well, I now have lights and trailer brakes on the trailer again, success!
However, while I was redoing the mounting of my 7 pin connector on the truck (it had gotten bashed a couple times and the original bolts were rusted to crap, so I replaced them with some stainless ones from work), I noticed THIS:
That is what is left of the driver side rear leafspring hanger. Normally, it is a double sheer "u" of steel like this:
Needless to say, I will be replacing this shortly. Also needless to say, the truck is probably at the point of being TOO rusty for my needs. With the introduction of the 2014 GM pickups, the price of 1999-2007 GMT800's have dropped like a rock. I think I will be selling this one for what I have into it (free plus $1500 transmission) and paying ~$4k for a newer one.
kb58
HalfDork
7/7/14 11:16 a.m.
Can't see the gratuitous pic.
Pictures like that make me glad I live in the south.
I'm no expert, but that looks like it might be a problem.
this is why those drain holes are supposed to be kept clear, and why it's a god idea to get under your vehicles with a pressure washer and really get in there at least once a year.
novaderrik wrote:
this is why those drain holes are supposed to be kept clear, and why it's a god idea to get under your vehicles with a pressure washer and really get in there at least once a year.
Most clogged drain holes are self-clearancing?
Up here in the north that is the norm. I don't see any issues with that. 
jstand
Reader
7/7/14 2:06 p.m.
I had that happen on the 1990 GMC I used to have. I was surprised the dealer had the hanger in stock.
I found the problem when I noticed the dent bulging up in the bed floor made by rear spring eye 
tjbell
New Reader
7/7/14 2:06 p.m.
dean1484 wrote:
Up here in the north that is the norm. I don't see any issues with that.
Likewise... see that all to much here in MASS
Vigo
PowerDork
7/7/14 2:09 p.m.
Most clogged drain holes are self-clearancing?
In the sense that HiTempGuy's bracket will no longer retain liquid? Sure.
novaderrik wrote:
this is why those drain holes are supposed to be kept clear, and why it's a god idea to get under your vehicles with a pressure washer and really get in there at least once a year.
Honestly, I had no clue. Of course, this truck mainly tows highway, I don't think I've ever really had it "in the mud" or anything besides some gravel roads. I've only put about 30,000kms on it since I got it, so me-thinks the damage was done long ago. I have really learned something new today though, which I guess is what counts :)
My '95 F150's hangers were very similar. Good thing they're cheap!
On behalf of anyone that might share a roadway with you, I thank you!
Makes you think about what ELSE might be sharing the road with us!
Damn, even in MI, this usually only happens to Fords.
