When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Nuts!! Noticed this when I got home yesterday. One too many washboards for this ol’ girl haha.
Talk to me about leaf springs if you got a minute. I’m seeing aftermarket springs on rock auto (Dorman, Husky, etc) for a decent price but I’m unsure if they’ll be reliable. My truck sees a lot of dirt roads here out west.
Also do I need to replace them in pairs? Trying to decide if it’s worth attempting the replacement myself….
Have not done the H&H mods is now the time to remove my bed and do that as well? Might make the springs a little easier to change with the bed off.
Anyway just trying to get a game plan. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
ATS has done a lot of us good and I would use them again. Tell them what you're doing and they'll fix you up with a spring. Rear springs is a brute job, not a science job but you'll need to jack that frame up about three feet so get some good jacks and cribbing out, you'll be surprised at how much flex is in those springs.
Yeah the 6 ton stands from Harbor Freight are just about perfect for these trucks and not priced too bad. Well at least not when I bought my set, who the hell knows now. A good impact wrench is very helpful as well. if Sous say the SD springs are good I'd go that route. I can tell you the Pro Comps on Amazon won't last. I broke both rears of a set of Pro Comp within 2-3 years. Dorman can burn in hell so SD gets my vote. Don't forget to buy new u bolts too, and if you don't already own one you'll want a torque wrench to make sure everything is spec when it goes back together. I'm not usually a big torque spec kind of guy, that's one area I will go drag the wench out and do it right. Kinda scary when you think that only 8 u bolts attaching the whole truck and it's contents to the axels and wheels propelling you 80mph down the road.
Check a for a local spring shop, heavy truck shops or parts stores should be able to give you a reference. Let them put a leaf in and you're good to go.
Can’t tell you guys thanks enough but thank you! Good excuse to pick up some tall jack stands. Maybe I’ll give it a shot this weekend. It’s soaking in PB at the moment.
I used ratchet straps to hold up the axle when doing leaf bushings last year
have a spare jack handy as the pumpkin will make the pinion side point down
PBlaster it for a couple days helps getting bolts off and i cut the u bolts as mine were too rusty
I paid $414 in 2015 for 2x rear OEM spec leaf springs with all of the associated hardware with a $30 coupon and $105 for shipping via UPS. Although, now when I click on the email receipt, the website appears to be inactive and if I Google SDTruckSprings, my browser warns me about suspicious activity.
At this point, I cannot recommend SDTruckSprings to and would suggest you talk to ATS or another vendor you find that may have earned your business.
I had tall jack stands for the frame support on each side and 2x floor jacks. One is a heavy duty 3.5 ton and the other is a lightweight 1.5 ton or so. Having the ability to raise, lower and move the axle to get it in the right place with the two jack stands was key to my success.
10-4 thanks Sous. I really think I’m gonna pull the bed and do the hutch and harpoon while I’m at it. It’s a lot of work but I think I could kill two birds making the springs easier to get to.
08+ springs worth it at this point where I’m into it that far anyway? I dunno I sure do drive a lot on dirt roads my kidneys might thank me lol
10
08+ springs worth it at this point where I’m into it that far anyway? I dunno I sure do drive a lot on dirt roads my kidneys might thank me lol
All reports claim it's totally worth it, I don't know first hand though. I do know getting the damn rivets out of the spring hangers is a serious PITA. It's almost like somebody didn't want those things to come off.?. A grinder with cutting wheel, a BF chisel, a couple BF drift punches, minimum 3lb baby sledge, don't forget the lube, a complete assortment of four letter words, and liquid courage are the required tools list for that job. Oh an air hammer might help. Ya know as I type this smarta** crap I'm remembering that I think it was easiest to just grind the head off one side then center punch for a good start for a drill bit and drill the *******s out. Start with a small pilot bit then whatever you feel good about to get you to a final size of 5/8 I believe.
I’ve heard the 2011+ rides better than the 08 as a 2 spring vs 3 spring set. Planning to install on my truck In good time. Ended up going with the 350 springs on my truck including overloads for the 02 time period. If I had the extra time would have went newer. Something to consider would be positioning of the overload perches if you get that option.
Thanks again fellas, I’ve axed the heads off the bed bolts so it’s ready to come off. I’m pretty set on the spring upgrade I’ll be sure to post some pics and take you guys along for the ride if I do end up going that route.
I always just use a blunted flat blade screwdriver and a hammer. I did get online to check if one of my local supply stores had one in stock first just in case. I've taken the ring off probably a dozen times now and still looks good. Well good for a plastic ring that gets beat on with a screwdriver.
