A couple of weeks ago on the way to a cruise in on a Thursday night I heard a metallic noise toward the front of the cab of my F-2. I pulled to the side of the road and tried to find the source. Everything looked OK so since I wasn't too far from the cruise in I continued on, stayed while and then went back home. I haven't had much time to drive either of my trucks so the memory of the incident went away. Tonight I took the truck to my neighbor's house and I again heard the noise so when I returned home I crawled under the truck to see if I could find the part causing the noise. This time I must have looked at it from a different angle and saw my front driver's side spring broke about 4" ahead of the back shackle mount. Time for new front springs. Seeing as these are probably original 60+ year old springs I guess I've gotten good use out of them.

My question to anyone who has recently bought front springs is what is the going price for a set of 8 leaf front springs? I had new 13 leaf springs built for the back about 30 years ago and it cost me $150, I got a good deal on them back then because I knew the owners of the spring shop. Unfortunately, the shop has been long closed. I would assume the springs for a F-2 are the same as the F-1, I haven't crawled under the panel truck to verify this though. I just want to get a ball park figure so I don't get sticker shock when I order a pair. LMC has them listed for $180 apiece but I'd rather buy them locally. Is this about what you paid for them.

 

Bob - F-2 springs are not the same as F-1. Same as F-3, but fewer leafs. I've got a pile of old F-2/3 springs from parts trucks, and will give you one or a set if you can wait a while. I can bring it/them with me to the Dells if you are gonna go. Stu

 

I wouldn't feel bad about just having new main leaves made, and using the remaining ones if they pass visual inspection. The mains take the bulk of stress.

 

Cost me about $300 to make/replace a few broken leaf springs in the rear and have the pair re-arched.

I have two sets of F1 front springs, but they're different as Stu points out. I may have a set from an F3 soon, but Stu is closer to you and will be easier on the shipping.

 

Thanks guys for the offers, I remembered yesterday I have a F-2 chassis sitting in the back of the farm and I am hoping it has a set of good front springs. It's going to be a while before I go back and check on it because my son informed me he has his manure pile sitting in front of it. 90°+ temperatures, high grass and manure make for a pretty nasty enviroment to do some wrenching. I'd be eaten alive down there.

Stu, if these don't work out I just might have to take a ride down and pick up a set from you, road trip!

 

Ok, let me think. Manure stink / mosquitoes / nats / biting flies / and fighting to get them off the chassis, OR, free of charge / indoor / cool / dry / bug free / already off the truck / refrigerator / and road trip. Gosh, that is a hard choice isn't it? Or, remember that I did offer to deliver them to the Dells. Decisions, decisions. Stu

 

Stu,

You're making it look like the road trip option might be the way to go. If I can sneak a couple of days off of work I'll definitely consider it. I thought when you work for yourself one of the perks is being able to take time off without having to beg anyone. It sure isn't making loads of money.

 

Just let me know. Stu

 

What other parts do you need Bob? I need an excuse for you to put me on your road trip schedule!

Rob