I have finally saved enough dough for new leaf springs on my 82.

Does anybody have any suggestions or horror stories about after market springs?

Also, how important is it for the replacement springs to be the same length? Mine are currently 25"/31" long measured from the ends to the pin. Will 32" fit ok?

 

Length of the leaf spring is extremely important. A tad difference, especially in the rear portion of the spring, isn't the end of the world because the shackle can usually make up for it. If yours is 31 then the 32 wouldn't be much of an issue.

-Junior

 

Uh, so is it extremely important or not a big deal? I'm seeing both in your post.

Incidently, I found on the ATS site last night that you sell one kit for my pickup. I think I have 43-713 springs on now. Your kit has 43-695 springs. They appear to be the same dimensions other than the 695 are 4/1 springs, not 3/1 like I have.
Any issue with that?

 

Sorry, I should have explained more clearly. The length of a leaf spring is important to when trying to figure out a replacement spring option. You currently have a 25x31, if replacing with a 25x32 you won't have an issue because the 1" difference is in the back of the spring and the shackle will help adjust for that.

If you were looking at a spring that measured 26x32 (I'm pulling that length out of thin air) than that type of measurement would be more of an issue because it's going to push the axle back and the wheel won't be center in the wheel well.

The 43-695 leaf spring will fit your truck but it will have a much higher weight capacity and also a higher arch, both are going to make the rear end sit quite a bit higher.

We have a spring available that is basically a direct replacement for your truck, it will have the same weight capacity, arch, etc. If you wanted something a little more heavy duty we can hook you up with that and it would give you a little more capacity than what factory was able to offer but not kill the ride quality. Feel free to send me a message or give us a call if you would like to figure out pricing.

 

National Parts Depot has a big selection of springs. https://www.npdlink.com/store/catalo...g-60686-2.html

I was looking through their hard copy catalog, and they have all the springs listed by truck model/capacity and springs by dimensions (upsprung length, number of leafs, weight capacity, etc.).

Its a really good place to start. I could not find the nice chart on their website, so if you want to see it, you may need to get your hands on their catalog.