OOSC, Part II, Item 11. - Leaf Spring in Contact with a Caliper Bolt

Reviving an issue request from 2014: 14-038-VEH (https://www.cvsa.org/search-issues/entry/1457/?gvid=8467) which has sufficient pictures included. In addition to the enforcement/road safety perspective as outlined in the prior issue request, I have been asked questions from a maintenance perspective by industry. From enquirer: Good morning, I need clarification on the Leaf spring section. I have run into a problem with 2002 E-350, there is a technical service bulletin, which describes the problem I’m encountering. The top rear caliper bolts are not accessible because of the springs sagging. Ford has specifications for ride height and the vehicle meets the specifications. The service bulletin specifies using a kit which hasn’t been available since 2011. The kit installs a longer centre bolt and spacer on the leaf pack. This poses a problem as it adjusts the ride height. My local Ford recommended modifying the springs by removing a small section where the bolt is obstructed. I contacted the spring manufacturer, asking whether I could remove 2” of the bottom leaf blocking access to the caliper bolt. They said they don’t see any problem with doing that. I contacted the Ministry of Transportation to make sure they were ok with the procedure. They would not make a decision other than to constantly refer me back to NSC 11B. The section on leaf springs, specifies to fail the vehicle if a leaf is missing or broken, however I believe this is not the same as a missing spring. Since this is the regulating body used by the Ministry and I have used all the resources at my disposal, I need clarification if this will be ok in the form of an email to keep on file with the work order in case issues of enforcement arise. From road safety/enforcement perspective: with the bottom spring resting on a brake caliper bolt, is there concern of an imminent hazard being present?

Are there alternatives to replacing the spring pack? From road safety/enforcement perspective: with the bottom spring resting on a brake caliper bolt, is there concern of an imminent hazard being present?

Decision on alternative maintenance and if the spring contacting the caliper bolt should be an OOS.