Re-arched leaf springs
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Oregon
Re-arched leaf springs
How do spring shops re-arch springs. i've heard two versions. I) presse into new shape by hydraulics. 2) Beat into new shape with a hammer after being set into some sort of dye. Anybody know? Could this be done by a novice? (no nothing)
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
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From: Waynesville, OH
The place that did mine used a standard rolling mill - just like you'd use to bend an arch in any other kind of plate. They heated the leaves up and ran them through the rollers. By adjusting the distance between the rollers, they could very accurately get any curvature you wanted.
As far as your second question goes, I wouldn't try it. From what I could see, you need to do it quickly while the spring temerature is where it's supposed to be. I can't imagine hammering them in place, although now that I said that I'll probably learn something new from an expert. Great thing about this board.
As far as your second question goes, I wouldn't try it. From what I could see, you need to do it quickly while the spring temerature is where it's supposed to be. I can't imagine hammering them in place, although now that I said that I'll probably learn something new from an expert. Great thing about this board.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 117
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From: Chesapeake, Va
Here's a silly question, think I already know the answer but here goes anyway...
How do you know when they just plain worn out and need to be replaced or they can be rearched again? I bought my truck in '88 (third owner), the prev owner bought it in '60 and told me that he had them rearched twice. The front ones are flat (no arch at all). It'll be a while before I ready to do something with them just looking for options now. Thanks.
Earl, I was checking out your site last week, doing some nice work, looking good. I emailed a couple questions but not sure if it went through. If not I'd like pick your brain about the frame work you did.
How do you know when they just plain worn out and need to be replaced or they can be rearched again? I bought my truck in '88 (third owner), the prev owner bought it in '60 and told me that he had them rearched twice. The front ones are flat (no arch at all). It'll be a while before I ready to do something with them just looking for options now. Thanks.
Earl, I was checking out your site last week, doing some nice work, looking good. I emailed a couple questions but not sure if it went through. If not I'd like pick your brain about the frame work you did.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
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From: Iowa
WD
For real truck use, it is my opinion that re-arching is a patch job that really doesn't last that long. George has the "big spring rack" on his F250 and he isn't going to haul much so he'll probably get his moneys worth out of the re-arch.
New springs is the best option but I know that's a spendy course of action. Another low buck option is to add one new leaf with a steeper than stock arch to your spring pack. It should give you a couple more inches of ride height back, especially if you can get a thicker leaf. Four wheel guys do this all the time to save a buck and avoid the harsh ride of a "lift spring". Half the 4x4 lift kits on the market go the "add a leaf" route. It is not a good plan however, if your springs are not evenly worn.
For real truck use, it is my opinion that re-arching is a patch job that really doesn't last that long. George has the "big spring rack" on his F250 and he isn't going to haul much so he'll probably get his moneys worth out of the re-arch.
New springs is the best option but I know that's a spendy course of action. Another low buck option is to add one new leaf with a steeper than stock arch to your spring pack. It should give you a couple more inches of ride height back, especially if you can get a thicker leaf. Four wheel guys do this all the time to save a buck and avoid the harsh ride of a "lift spring". Half the 4x4 lift kits on the market go the "add a leaf" route. It is not a good plan however, if your springs are not evenly worn.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 117
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From: Chesapeake, Va
Thanks Fender,
Mine will probably never see the loads it used to haul (was a Texaco truck) so I could probably live with a re-arch. However I'm putting a new set in my wife show car ('70 Sattelite) and a local company will make new ones for $250, would have been $180 to re-arch them. They want to see my truck put together with the old springs on it to determine if they're still good. But I'm not going to all that trouble, only want to do that once. lol. He said ball-park $125-150 for new ones but will have to look them up to be sure. I'll check parts suppliers to see if thats a good price or not. Thanks again.
Mine will probably never see the loads it used to haul (was a Texaco truck) so I could probably live with a re-arch. However I'm putting a new set in my wife show car ('70 Sattelite) and a local company will make new ones for $250, would have been $180 to re-arch them. They want to see my truck put together with the old springs on it to determine if they're still good. But I'm not going to all that trouble, only want to do that once. lol. He said ball-park $125-150 for new ones but will have to look them up to be sure. I'll check parts suppliers to see if thats a good price or not. Thanks again.
