Front spring question
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Pittsburgh
Front spring question
52 F1 took front leaf springs apart, wire brushed each leaf installed new center bolt, bushings and pins.
check the arch dimensions then reinstalled. With the weight of the truck on the springs they are just about flat.
Is this normal or are the springs bad?
check the arch dimensions then reinstalled. With the weight of the truck on the springs they are just about flat.
Is this normal or are the springs bad?
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,757
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From: Alberta Canada
Worn out springs
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Deerbrook, WI
For what it's worth, I would characterize my front springs as virtually flat--maybe even with a bit of a reverse bend at the ends of the longest leaves. My truck has over 90,000 miles, however. Most of these miles were hard miles put on in the 1950's over rough roads by young men in a hurry driving someone else's truck. I did ask a spring shop if they needed replacing. The guy wasn't too concerned about them and thought there were other more pressing issues needing attention.
Good luck.
Jim
Good luck.
Jim
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,383
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From: Central PA
For what it's worth, I would characterize my front springs as virtually flat--maybe even with a bit of a reverse bend at the ends of the longest leaves. My truck has over 90,000 miles, however. Most of these miles were hard miles put on in the 1950's over rough roads by young men in a hurry driving someone else's truck. I did ask a spring shop if they needed replacing. The guy wasn't too concerned about them and thought there were other more pressing issues needing attention.
Good luck.
Jim
Good luck.
Jim
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Deerbrook, WI
It looks like the picture of Ross's springs might be with his truck on a lift. If it's not, his springs appear to have significantly more arch than mine. I'm having a little technical difficulty getting pictures from my phone to the computer, otherwise I'd post a picture for you.
Jim
Jim
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
It looks like the picture of Ross's springs might be with his truck on a lift. If it's not, his springs appear to have significantly more arch than mine. I'm having a little technical difficulty getting pictures from my phone to the computer, otherwise I'd post a picture for you.
Jim
Jim
Here is a pic with a straight bar from eye-to-eye, so you can see the arch. I had an extra leaf added to brand new Eaton springs to get the front ride height I wanted (I don't like rake). I would say there is at least 3" of arch as it sits.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,911
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From: Deerbrook, WI
Using a straight stick as a visual aid like Ross did, I can confirm that my front springs do not have any arch and in fact have a slight reverse bend at the ends of the longest leaves. My truck is up on movable castors for storage these days, but I would estimate my front end ride height to be about 15 inches from the bottom of the frame horn (where the bumper attaches) to the floor. This measurement is actually 18 inches, but as mentioned, it's off about 3 inches because of the castors.
I always thought my truck sat pretty level, but I'll have to take another look at that when it comes out of storage. My springs are probably old and tired. It wouldn't be good for one of the main leaves (with the reverse bends) to suddenly snap going over a pothole.
Jim
I always thought my truck sat pretty level, but I'll have to take another look at that when it comes out of storage. My springs are probably old and tired. It wouldn't be good for one of the main leaves (with the reverse bends) to suddenly snap going over a pothole.
Jim
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2014
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Our 50 F1 front springs are almost flat as well. I talked to a spring shop about them, and they told me they could re-arch them, but that it might/ probably would not last.
The F1 had an optional 8 leaf heavy duty spring that Chuck could get for the front. He had them made for me and we installed them on our 52 build, front and back heavy duty. I definitely have arch on the 52, and I would say the body sits about 2” higher front and back on the tires which makes for a really nice stance and appearance.
It is a little stiffer ride but barely noticeable.
JB
The F1 had an optional 8 leaf heavy duty spring that Chuck could get for the front. He had them made for me and we installed them on our 52 build, front and back heavy duty. I definitely have arch on the 52, and I would say the body sits about 2” higher front and back on the tires which makes for a really nice stance and appearance.
It is a little stiffer ride but barely noticeable.
JB
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