Pulled the 1948 F1 into the garage (the main garage at that, my wife is so good to me ) to work on this summer and took the bed off. I had not looked to close in the past obviously, and I found broken leaf springs on the drivers rear. The bottom 4 are broken and the next 2 are bent out of shape also. So .... I guess I am looking for a set of leaf springs.
My questions ... If I replace with a new set ($200 - LMC) should I replace both sets on the rear end? I assume the answer is yes, for consistency but wanted to check with the guys that have "been there, done that". Also, I assume I can replace it with a used set from another truck and possibly get by with just replacing the broken set. Any thoughts? If I am looking at a used set, must I only look at the 48, 49, 50 F1 series or are other models using the same leaf springs? Also what about the larger F series for the 48 - 50 years. I have an F5 that has been offered to me, but was not sure it would match up. I have not been out to see it yet or take the measurment off of it.
This truck did originally come with the set of 10 leaf springs, a spacer, and another set of 4 or 5 springs above that (original to me anyway). I figured I would remove the top set since I will have to be working with the springs anyway, and I don't expect I will ever use this truck as a heavy hauler.
Help me out please. I have had this truck since last fall and am having a blast learning as I go. I hate to spend money foolishly (as I am sure all of us do) but would like to do it right. Also if I can save money, then I have more to spend on the other things this truck needs, right?

 

It's your truck and your money, but if it were mine;

1. I would definitely replace the springs on both sides. Take them apart and you'll likely find some cracks in the other side as well.

2. I would not replace them with a used set. Gawd, they're over 50 yrs old. They're worn, fatigued, possibly cracked, possibly overloaded...

3. Unless you want it to ride like a tank don't put springs mean't for a heavier truck on it, even if they would fit. (I know for 54-55 the heavier trucks have a wider spring with a heavier load rating, so I'm sure it's the same for the earlier models.

Assuming you buy new springs, grind the edge off the tips that will be rubbing against the spring above it and line them with the poly stuff mean't for the job. About $15.00 will get you enough to do both sides.

Later,

 

I agree with Ferguson (OOPS...isn't there a law or rule here that doesn't allow that?) and sure wouldn't want to put used springs in my truck. I might repair the existing springs if they were in good shape but if busted anyway I'd replace them.

I would suggest that you may get a better deal on springs at a local spring shop. If you have a good shop in your area you can just take the springs in and tell them what you're looking for and they can likely make a new set at a competitive price and you save the shipping costs and get the ride you want. They can reverse eyes, make a stock spring, make a spring to lower the truck (within bounds of reason) etc etc etc.

Do your homework and find out what your vendor options are then give your local shop a call. If you want to work over the net Espos springs - www.espo.com - can take care of just about anything you'd want. If you want the best then give Eaton springs a call - www.eatonsprings.com - but expect to pay a little more.

Leaks

 

Common sense told me to replace (both) with new, but as I have (almost) no sense around vehicles I knew it was worth a 2nd (and 3rd opinion).
I did find that Espos has better pricing, but still have to determine what else to look for. I have already learned that price should not be the only determining factor.
If I may... What is the difference between "the best" (Eaton) and "the rest"? Quality of steel, workmanship, customer service, length of time in business.... What are the right questions to ask when talking to these guys so that I may know the difference in their products?

thanks for your help.

 

I guess stating that Eaton is "the best" is really just an opinion. BUT... everyone I've talked to who has purchased springs from Eaton has been very satisfied. They have been in business for a long time and they have the spring blueprints for thousands of vehicles. If you give them the model and year, the engine you're using and the ride height you'd like along with some idea of the type ride quality you'd like they can pretty much build a spring to fit. As I understand it they'll also warn you if what you want will cause any problems or make necessary any other modifications such as a "C" notch in the rear. If money were no object I'd call them up - but I also understand that they can be considerably more expensive than other vendors - note...to be fair I haven't actually called them up to verify the latter. Check their website...lots of good information. Another case of my $0.02 I guess!

Leaks

 

I bought a set of used springs from my truck from ebay.....got them in and took them to the local spring shop for inspection and calibration....they did the job well and the whole thing only cost me about $160....that is about half the money i was going to pay at Midfifty and other places...it is all in what you want to do with your vehicle...i have updated pics with the springs on their now...still have to work on that rake since the original ones were shot in the front...oh yeah, i only bought the front cause the rear was still fine after 50yrs...now that is FORD TOUGH for you!!!!!

James

 

thanks for the info. with a little research yesterday I have learned much. Eaton's has a nice web site regarding springs.

 

My 51f1 has the 10 leaf rear springs, which I had rebuilt/replaced. I wish I had NOT replaced ALL 10. It rides quite stiffly, great if I was hauling logs or something. Which I'm not. Definitely don't replace those (upper set) overload springs. You don't need'em.

 

My 51 f-1 also has the 10 leaf pac / overload spring arrangement in the rear. My plan is to remove the overload pac entirely, get reverse eye main leaves made and then probably remove every other spring leaf to start. Think that would be overkill for a street driven truck that probably won't be hauling much? Think it'd be too low for the existing frame and bumb stop arrangement? Seems like it's WAY oversprung for what I need or want as is.

Be interested in your thoughts since you've already been into your springs - thanks!

Leaks

 

I have no experience with the reverse eye main leaf springs, nor the mono, but I think I could have omitted 2-3 of the 10- leaf pack and never missed them.

 

Leaf springs are difficult. What I mean by this is what everyone has been saying. Replace both springs. By repairing one side or using a set of used springs, you can no way guarantee the height of your truck. One side will be different from the other. Then it's real difficulty to try and get the truck level (removing leafs or rearching the spring). It's much easier replacing both springs. May cost you now, but will save you time and headaches in the long run.

 

It seems the group opinion is to replace both sets of leaf springs. That makes sense to me. I wonder, If I am talking to Eaton, I expect I could tell them to leave a couple springs out of the assembly. Sounds like that is what most folks do with the trucks they intend on driving. Who knows, maybe that will lower the cost also, since there are less materials. Now another "what if?". What if I wanted to keep the original height, but wanted to remove 2-3 leaf springs? Any thoughts?

 

To retain original height, but with fewer spring leaves, have your spring shop furnish you with a metal spacer block the height of the leaves you are omitting. (They may just shear off a couple short lengths of your discarded leaves to put under the new stack) That way, too, your original "U" bolts will still be right length to fasten springs to axle.

 

The wisdom of the ancients is that you shouldn't reuse the U-bolts; the local spring shop should be able to make up a set for around $10 each.
Might be worth getting them to quote on new springs too.