After years of a less than desirable ride, I finally got a new set of springs from SD to match my new Bilstein's. Ride is not nearly as improved as I had hoped, I drove a friend of mines '87 350 last week and was jealous of his ride quality, mine definitely does not match up. The one real positive is the lack of body roll in the turns now, a big plus. Ride is still bumpy and a bit jarring, better, but not good. I'm moving on to cab mounts next and hoping that will improve it some.
As for SD, they were a big disappointment, not only are the springs they sent made in Asia by Dayton, but they sent the incorrect bolt packages (1/2" too short) and sent the wrong size u-bolts TWICE! I gave up on them and ordered from another company.
As you can see from the pics, old bushings were shot at 204K miles.

 

I installed 05 superduty axles in my 97, for the better ride. Only driven it about 100 miles but it rides and drives 100% better. It also turns much better than before, I can get through tight spots without 12 point turn. I replaced all my spring bushes a few years back, they were shot again after 30k miles. Fixed that problem for good this time.

 

I'm sure that there are threads devoted to that swap, but what did it cost for F&R?

 

Lots of superduty part outs on marketplace, I was able to buy everything from a 05 for a $1000.
I had to pull everything myself but I was able to get everything, hardware, steering box, springs, brackets, brake hoses and cables. Around my area the average $1000-$2000 for rolling chassis.
Spent another $500 on ball joints, brake calipers, seals, tie rod ends and oil. Was able to turn all but one brake rotor. Picked up a set of 2019 superduty factory wheels and tires for $1200. I decided to buy swap brackets (coil towers, track bar and radius arm brackets $1300. Probably need to spend $3000-3500 to do it. You can use factory coil towers and brackets and save $1000.
If you buy axles separately from frame inspect them, hard to tell if they are bent (wrecked truck). I prefer to see entire truck that way you know what you are getting.

 

Hmmm. Spending a lot of money wasn't an option for me.

I found a local reputable truck spring company. Went to see their operation. They service all trucks, very big down to pint sized pick ups. Made and appointment to bring in my springs.
I removed my springs and brought them in.
They broke them down, cleaned by wire brush, replaced the nylon wafers (that you can't see on the front springs but can on the rear), replaced damaged parts (which there were none), new bushings (pressed out old, pressed in new) and gave the springs back within an hour. Both spring cost me just under $100.

They have U bolts or all sizes, and can make any size in a few minutes. The bolts they offered were not metric but were comparable hardness. I managed to find OEM bolts on line so used those. They had leaf spring components of all sizes and weight ratings and were willing to configure the springs for any use, for example plowing with a steel blade or a camper. They had mounting hardware in stock.

Pick a spring shop that trucking companies or municipalities use to repair their rigs and constructions equipment. They are best tooled to handle surprises.

 

I Have 2 of those within an hours drive, but it was about $2300 to do F&R with shackles etc. Got all...or almost all of what I needed from SD for $1300, but in hindsight dealing with the problems with them, it probably would have been $1000 well spent.

 

Yes, If you bring the truck to them and they have to tie up a bay and a mechanic to remover, rebuild and replace your springs, you can bet you will pay a premium.
I just took my springs off the truck and brought them into their counter. They had the guy who does the spring repair get them and bring them back to the counter.
I'd call them and see what they will do with just the springs. The other stuff your planning is outside the scope of what I needed to do.