Ordered the new spring packs for the rear of the F-2 yesterday, and decided to go with Chuck's Trucks. Glad I did, as I learned a lot.

Had found several spring sets, thanks to members on the forum who had suggested suppliers, for a variety of prices. Anywhere from $203 to over $300 each. Called a couple, but found that they were all just resellers who could not tell me diddly about the springs, other than the price, shipping, and general specifications. Certainly not who made them, or where they came from. Additionally, the packs available all were 13 leave versions, which are really for the F-3 (optional on the F-2).

Finally posed the question to Chuck, who informed me that, outside of some of the truck repair places scattered about the country, there was only one manufacturer of springs left, and that was Dayton Spring. While Dayton Spring carried the 13 leave version, I would have to special order the 12. And here is where the devil is in the details.

If I opted for the 13, which is less expensive, these had several leaves that are actually thicker than those on the 12 leaves. So just removing the extra leaf would not make it the same, the ride would only be slightly softer. If I paid the extra for the 12 leaf type, the leaves were an exact match in thickness to the originals.

And it doesn't end there.

Chuck also related how, in the head-long rush for greater profits, Dayton has now ceased putting the diamond-point ends on their springs. In other words, the spring ends are blocked square and not tapered. In Chuck's estimation, and mine too being a machinist, this causes greater friction and less ease of movement between the spring leaves. Instead of a shearing motion, it is more akin to scraping.

The way around this, was that Chuck's supplier had the ability to diamond-point and taper the springs, thus making then exactly like the originals, not only in appearance, but in function as well. The hitch is that the spring packs will be well over $300 each. Too, there is a 10 week lead to do them. The order has to be placed with Dayton, they make the springs, then they go to Chuck's supplier who does the changes, then me.

Not an efficient method, but one that, as far as I can tell, is my only course of action. There may be a truck shop in the Indy area that could get the springs, then do the changes, but I figure there will probably not be much difference in price. Too, I would most likely have to either drive the F-2 up to the city (not a pleasant thought) so that they could see and measure the spring ends, or collect the specifications myself, then send them up. I foresee a major hassle.

Went ahead and ordered the springs.

 

I like your play on words with your title!

And good luck as you spring ahead with your project!

 

Thank you Abe, your post about Fall got me thinking when I ordered the springs.

And not a bad play of wording yourself.

 

Oh man, those spring packs sound very nice, wonder if chuck could get them cheaper if they built two sets and shipped one to me for my M3?
further more, without looking thru the "books", would the exact spring fit my
M3.
again , I have 18 gol darn leafs on the rear on account of the dump assm. on my newly aquired grain working pickup. I think I might need/want that 4:11 gear set your rigging up as well, hows about I just send my truck up to you?
the second one is always easier?
I am so glad I joined this great forum, it sooo nice to hang out with you folks,
so nice. I am humbled by your collective knowledge.
Greg
PS, did your axle come with shock mounts?

 

Chuck may be right on OE-style springs. Posies makes their own springs there in Hummelstown, PA. I also heard that there is a company here in Detroit that makes springs for our trucks but I don't remember who it was or what style they are.

 

It is called Detroit Spring. Still in business, just checked their website.

 

I bought my front coil springs from Eaton Detroit Spring. I called and explained what I wanted to accomplish and they made my springs to fit. I was very happy with them. I will check out their leaf springs when I am ready to change the rear springs.

https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/