Front spring question
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 97
Likes: 1
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
Likes: 138
From: Alberta Canada
Worn out springs
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 1,191
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: 25,310
Likes: 5,348
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
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 1,191
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
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
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.
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 1,191
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
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 2,442
Likes: 256
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
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ghunt
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
6
Nov 25, 2007 12:49 PM
narmer2000
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
18
Aug 27, 2007 08:51 PM