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My '67 F100's rear leaf springs have given up on me. I can drop my butt on the tailgate and feel the overload springs hit.
I called a local spring shop and they said the spring's i need (2-1/4" wide by 57" long, 5 leafs) are rare and expensive (they would do it, but it would be pricey). He also said he could add a leaf for me (cut one from some metal he had in the shop) much cheaper; but I felt like that would only be a temporary fix.
Should I:
a) stop being so tight and cough up the cash for new springs
b) get the shop to add a leaf
c) Try to get lucky and find a good pair in a junk yard
d) Get the web address of a place that sells them cheap
What do you consider expensive? It's hard for me to imagine any part on these old trucks being rare, considering the production numbers. So, what size are the common springs?
I would call some other spring shops, even out of state, just to get a second and third opinion. You could also look for a spring lift kit for the rear of your truck, then mix and match with your existing leafs to get the support you need.
My neighbor has an old 70 F100 and had his rear leafs re-arced. I'm not quite sure what that means but it lifted the rear of his pickup back to original height.
Re-arcing will work but I'm not sure how long that will work for you if you are using the truck. I checked with a local auto parts store and they could get new springs for about $250-300. Call around before buying.
being in n.c. you should be able to find a set in a junk yard pretty easily. here in s.c theyre around everywhere. i can get a set for about 50 bucks down the road about 10 min. from here. if columbia isnt too far for you and you really need some let me know and ill line you up with the guy. hes only open on saturdays though.
So it sounds like ya'll have had good luck picking up a set from a junkyard. Other than making sure they have a curve and are not flat, is there any way to check and make sure they still have some life to them?
Alot of junkyards have junk piled in the back of the pickups if you see a couple engines or enouth objects that seem pretty heavy in the back and it still sits high and proud the springs should be fine.
Good point, thank you.
There is a good yard near my house that has a few to choose from. I think i'll give them a call and see if they will give me a reasonable price.