Rear Leaf Spring Retainer Plate Dimensions

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Feb 25, 2015 | 04:31 PM

fordcrzymike

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From: Tamaroa, IL

Rear Leaf Spring Retainer Plate Dimensions

Hello all. I had one of my rear lift blocks worked loose on my 1979 F-250 4x4 while bumping around back on the farm. I determined that the u-bolts loosened up because my leaf spring retainer plate was so rusted and weak (it was fairly distorted). I decided two things. 1: I'm ordering Skyjacker FR54 leaf springs so I don't have to use lift blocks. 2: I'm going to buy heavy duty replacement leaf spring retainer plates. Upon looking at the plates available, I really liked the simple yet strong design of the ones sold from Jeff's Bronco Graveyard (pictured below). I work in a machine shop and have access to mills, lathes, etc. So I'm thinking that I might as well make my own. I don't have any of the original plates with me, so does anyone have any of the dimensions for the plates? I prefer to make my own stuff if at all possible. Thanks!

Feb 25, 2015 | 09:47 PM

77&79F250

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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county

Even if you get the 6" lift kit rear springs, you still have to use the factory rear block.....I did on my red truck anyway. Not sure about a 4" or the FR54 springs.

Here is a place to get leaf springs that you can select to get enough lift to be able to NOT use the rear block.

1973-1979 F250/F350 4x4 Performance Rear Springs Atlas SuspensionAtlas Spring Company

Before you order them, I would talk to the Skyjacker tech folks and make sure with the FR54 springs you do not have to still use the rear block....

Those plates are cheap enough. http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/ubolts.html

Feb 26, 2015 | 10:22 AM

fordcrzymike

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From: Tamaroa, IL

I'm not really opposed to using the factory blocks. I figured I'd have to reuse them with the skyjacker springs. I just don't want to use lift blocks that get stacked on top of the factory blocks.

I know I can buy some retainer plates cheap. (Bronco graveyard sells a pair for $30) but I have plenty of 1/4" thick 4" wide mild steel in stock. So the plates would essentially be free if I could just get some of the basic dimensions.

Feb 26, 2015 | 07:01 PM

77&79F250

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I will try to get a pic tomorrow with tape measure measurements....

Feb 26, 2015 | 07:07 PM

fordcrzymike

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From: Tamaroa, IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77&79F250

I will try to get a pic tomorrow with tape measure measurements....

If it's not too much trouble I'd really appreciate it!

Feb 26, 2015 | 07:27 PM

gatorfor88

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From: Panama City

Rich is a nice guy and super helpful. I have no doubt he will have some pics with measurements tomorrow for you.

Feb 26, 2015 | 08:11 PM

77&79F250

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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county

Here have fun at work tomorrow....

Plate is 5x6 curved ends are on the leaf springs.

1/4" in to first u bolt hole, 3" in between holes, the 1/4" again.

Center hole 2 3/16 from outer edge (L&R in 1st pic) drill hole to fit spring pack bolt head, then same 2 3/16 on the other side.

Center hole from end of plate (top of 1st pic) is 2 3/4" from each side of the hole.

I did not get the u bolt size, 5/8's comes to mind...it was to cold in the shop and I am not a number guru.

Yes my axle vent tube is gone...another thing on the list.

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