I know the two are not related but instead of doing 2 threads I thought I would just ask in one.

I need to replace my leaf springs and was thinking about ordering some from ATS and replace myself. I'm not a mechanic but can change parts with out to many problems. Was wondering if Leaf Springs is something I can handle. Does it require any special tools or set up? Any help would be appreciated. Any other recommendations on where to order from?

Now, the IPR question: should I buy new and replace or can I just buy the rebuild kit and clean it really good? Is new better than rebuild?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Gilbert

 

I can't help you with the IPR but the springs a little. Front springs are more difficult than rear springs and I had a shop do the front ones. The rear springs aren't too bad if you have the tools and are able to get the truck waayyyyyyy up in the air and let the rear down in a controlled manner to release the pressure on the springs and to reload them to get them back in place.

 

Buy the new IPR. I have heard of some doing the rebuild and it not working. Springs are pretty straight forward if you have the tools to do it, I opted to have a shop do mine this past fall as I ended up doing all 4 corners at once. Call ATS, those guys are great. I had already ordered a new leveling kit from Rough Country for the fronts, but I went with ATS on the rears.

 

I had my springs done by the shop - they have the big tools and the front-end alignment machine. Yup... gotta do that too, unless you want to spend the money you saved on tires.

IPR: You can try a rebuild kit from Riffraff Diesel - it's an inexpensive experiment. The only question is... what's your time worth if it's a fail? If new, same place.

 

Thanks everyone. I didn't realize I was going to need a realignment with new springs. I will be getting them from ATS. I talked to Bob and he was very helpful.