Leaf Spring Repair Question
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 913
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From: Canada
Leaf Spring Repair Question
This is a copy of a post that I had in another forum, but didn't get much response, so I am hoping to get some help here.
Hi Guys,
I know that this probably doesn't happen much on these tough old Ford Trucks, but I seem to have managed to break the 3rd (I think) leaf on my rear right-hand side leaf spring.
I have a parts truck and I figure that it would be OK to use a used spring off of it. Also, is it ok to drive around with it broken? The section that broke is gone (less than half remains) & I have done so much driving in the past week that it could be around the corner or 40 miles away.
SO any tips or tricks would be appreciated - so that
a) I don't ruin something by taking it off the wrong way
b) that I get it on right
c) I don't lose an eye or finger(s) in the process
ALSO - is it better to go new or is using an old one OK?
Keep it rubber side down!
Hi Guys,
I know that this probably doesn't happen much on these tough old Ford Trucks, but I seem to have managed to break the 3rd (I think) leaf on my rear right-hand side leaf spring.
I have a parts truck and I figure that it would be OK to use a used spring off of it. Also, is it ok to drive around with it broken? The section that broke is gone (less than half remains) & I have done so much driving in the past week that it could be around the corner or 40 miles away.
SO any tips or tricks would be appreciated - so that
a) I don't ruin something by taking it off the wrong way
b) that I get it on right
c) I don't lose an eye or finger(s) in the process
ALSO - is it better to go new or is using an old one OK?
Keep it rubber side down!
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 0
From: clementsport canada
Leaf Spring Repair Question
you can drive around with a broken one (like you obviously have been) but a peice can fall out an cut a tire, or cause damage to someone else..
you can use an old one... heck, i've used up my supply of used ones.. till i bought another truck. lol they arnt' as strong as new ones, but neither is the rest of your spring pack. you have a parts truck, then use the whole pack ( as long as it's the same as yours).
you may have to get new u-bolts, and if you break the pack to change the leaf, you'll need a new center bolt (uap/napa stocks them).
when disasembling the pack, i use 2 6" C-clamps about 8 inches from the bolt, then i grind the head off the bolt, and slowly release the clamps. if they leaves stick to the center bolt, tape the assembly with a hammer, being carefull not to loose the clamps, after it's apart, i beat the rust off the pack and reasemble it in the reverse order.
i changed my last broken leaf right in the truck, but it's not a nice place to get at.. hope this helps
you can use an old one... heck, i've used up my supply of used ones.. till i bought another truck. lol they arnt' as strong as new ones, but neither is the rest of your spring pack. you have a parts truck, then use the whole pack ( as long as it's the same as yours).
you may have to get new u-bolts, and if you break the pack to change the leaf, you'll need a new center bolt (uap/napa stocks them).
when disasembling the pack, i use 2 6" C-clamps about 8 inches from the bolt, then i grind the head off the bolt, and slowly release the clamps. if they leaves stick to the center bolt, tape the assembly with a hammer, being carefull not to loose the clamps, after it's apart, i beat the rust off the pack and reasemble it in the reverse order.
i changed my last broken leaf right in the truck, but it's not a nice place to get at.. hope this helps
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,964
Likes: 1
From: Woodruff, SC
Leaf Spring Repair Question
I had broke leafs on my 79 F100 and had a doner vehicle(a 79 F150)that i took the leafs off of and put them on the F100.I got lucky on the bolts and U bolts i did'nt break them so i reused them and the F150 had an extra leaf which was even better.
Wiz
http://www.clubfte.com/users/thewiz427/index.html
Wiz
http://www.clubfte.com/users/thewiz427/index.html
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 913
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From: Canada
Leaf Spring Repair Question
Yeah, I have got to get it fixed before I do some real damage. I really don't know where the other half is - I think I lost it on a 3 mile stretch of country road that was under serious construction!
At any rate, I am thinking new may be the way to go - if one broke how bad are the others, right? Any recomendations on what I should get - realistically - keep in mind I am in Canada.
Keep it Rubber Side Down!
At any rate, I am thinking new may be the way to go - if one broke how bad are the others, right? Any recomendations on what I should get - realistically - keep in mind I am in Canada.
Keep it Rubber Side Down!
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Leaf Spring Repair Question
Well if you were in the Kansas City metro area I would send you to KC Spring downtown. They can rebuild your spring packs, add leaves, etc.
Since you live in Canada... Pick up a phone book for a major city near you. There is probably a driveline repair shop for heavy trucks, that will know where to find a spring shop. They may actually be a spring shop:-) You may get lucky and and find a spring shop also.
In KC there are two shops, one for leaf springs, the other shop does coils. The driveline shop here is real good at balancing those three piece Ford driveshafts.
Since you live in Canada... Pick up a phone book for a major city near you. There is probably a driveline repair shop for heavy trucks, that will know where to find a spring shop. They may actually be a spring shop:-) You may get lucky and and find a spring shop also.
In KC there are two shops, one for leaf springs, the other shop does coils. The driveline shop here is real good at balancing those three piece Ford driveshafts.
New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Curra Australia
Leaf Spring Repair Question
Hi, I would suggest that you make a decision to correct the siuation very soon! The worst case senerio is; the other piece of the broken spring falls out, the center bolt brakes, that side of the diff moves to the rear when you hit the brakes, and then the driveshaft falls out! I know that's streching things a bit, but Murphys law still applies! Don't push your luck, fix it! :-(
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
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From: Sun River St. George
Leaf Spring Repair Question
Easy answer. www.eatonsprings.com they have it all!
William in Atlanta
William in Atlanta
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Canada
Leaf Spring Repair Question
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Sep-02 AT 05:10 PM (EST)]I have some confusion now - I have priced out replacing just the broken leaf as well as adding an additional leaf - I discovered we have a spring shop locally. I think complete new ones maybe too pricey for me at this time. So if I just replace the leaf, am I better to just use my parts truck???
I appologize for sounding the idiot on this one, but I am in unfamiliar territory!
Thanks for all your help and advice so far guys!
Keep it Rubber Side Down!
I appologize for sounding the idiot on this one, but I am in unfamiliar territory!
Thanks for all your help and advice so far guys!
Keep it Rubber Side Down!
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: lake ariel usa
Leaf Spring Repair Question
Use the parts truck springs. If you cant get the front or rear bolts out without ruining the hanger or bushings. Get a new center bolt and leave the original main leaf in and swap the others. Heck the right rear spring pack on my f150 is all broke except the main. It flexs great that way but its only a tree basher now.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: clementsport canada
Leaf Spring Repair Question
a couple months' ago i had to buy a couple new leaves, and here (nova scotia) they wanted 199$ for a whole pack, 110$ for the main leaf, or 24$ a leaf (that you or they cut to the length that you need). now i've bought another truck, so i have lots more "spares" again... with 2 f-100's(77, and 79) and a bronco(77) you tend to need a few... lol all these trucks are usually repaired with used leaves, and the 77 f-100 is our company truck, and spends most of it's time hauling a 14' 5th wheel float...
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 589
Likes: 2
From: Crossroads of America-Ind
Leaf Spring Repair Question
For what it's worth, I recently bought a new set of rear leafs from ESPO Springs and Things in PA. for my 79 4x4. They were $210 for the pair. I couldn't touch that at a local spring shop.
Good luck,
Good luck,
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 997
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From: texarkana, tx
Leaf Spring Repair Question
Q - I'd go to http://www.eatonsprings.com/index.html and get new rear springs for your ride. They take a little longer to do the job right, but their springs are jam up....
Later...
Later...
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,494
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Leaf Spring Repair Question
I'm in a similar boat. I haven't visually seen any broken leaves, but my bushings are shot and the spings are yielding to some axle wrap. Eaton quoted me $400 for a pair to my 2WD F100 -ouch! that doens't include new bushings or shipping...guess I'll see how tough my existing ones are when I haul my new rebuild project home tomorrow. Anyone ever looked into "rearching?"
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Canada
Leaf Spring Repair Question
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 06-Sep-02 AT 06:04 PM (EST)]Well - I thank all for their input - I looked at my parts ones and they look too fatigued to use - so for the work and time involved, I am just going to have the one leaf replaced at a spring shop out of town - BUT think I will replace everything in the near future...
CustomCab4X4 - Where is the place in PA? The price seems good and I might get down there come spring (no pun intended).
Keep it Rubber Side Down!
CustomCab4X4 - Where is the place in PA? The price seems good and I might get down there come spring (no pun intended).
Keep it Rubber Side Down!