I STRUCK A SMALL POT HOLE AND THE REAR DRIVERS LEAF SPRING BROKE. THIS CAUSED THE SUSPENSION TO SAG AND THE AXLE TO SIFT TO THE REAR. THE TIRE RUBBED ON THE FENDER RESULTING IN BURNED PAINT. THE TIRE DEFLATED BEFORE A FIRE COULD OCCUR. IF THE TIRE HADN'T BEEN CUT DOWN, A FIRE CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE OCCURED. THE SPRING BROKE THROUGH THE LOCATING BOLT HOLE. BY ALL APPEARANCES THE HARDWARE WAS STILL TIGHT.*AK