Leaf springs Help!
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 673
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
Leaf springs Help!
Hello friends,
I am trying to deal with the suspension on my 55 f100. I have so far built the engine and tranny, so she is running EXCELLENT! The body is almost as good as new, and she is at a decent ride height. I am having problems tuning my suspension. I feel every bump in the road, and am wandering aroung when I drive over cracks in the road. Driving over small potholes is out of the question. I called a spring maker here in San Diego, and hes telling me he can make springs for my truck for (gasp) FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS per spring. I have also looked around in catalogs, and they average about $250 per spring. Is there a cheaper route? Will spring hangers make a difference? Is there any donor vehicles that I can get the leaf springs off of? Are springs repairable for a decent price? Any comments will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
I am trying to deal with the suspension on my 55 f100. I have so far built the engine and tranny, so she is running EXCELLENT! The body is almost as good as new, and she is at a decent ride height. I am having problems tuning my suspension. I feel every bump in the road, and am wandering aroung when I drive over cracks in the road. Driving over small potholes is out of the question. I called a spring maker here in San Diego, and hes telling me he can make springs for my truck for (gasp) FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS per spring. I have also looked around in catalogs, and they average about $250 per spring. Is there a cheaper route? Will spring hangers make a difference? Is there any donor vehicles that I can get the leaf springs off of? Are springs repairable for a decent price? Any comments will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Freshman User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: houston usa
Leaf springs Help!
i don't speak from experience, since i'm still building my suspension and frame. i have put leaf spring liners between every leaf. i have put them on my rear leaf springs, for a smooother ride, but it's not running (yet). you may want to check some of the older posts. i believe i read in some of them, that you can get the rear leaf springs and hangers from a bronco2. if you can find them in salvage, i bet they'll be cheap. mid-fifty (in az) also carries a complete line of springs. if you need front springs, i have spares, since i now have a volare ifs.
good luck,
john
good luck,
john
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: MOYOCK NC
Leaf springs Help!
i would definately check the bushings in your springs and the pins also i thought my rear ones were good until i pulled them out and about 1/4th of the pin was gone you did not say if you went thru the front end tie rods,king pins,drag link and steering box can also cause a problem i would suggest that you get a buddy over and have them turn your steering wheel back and forth while you look at everything under the front end keep it on the ground and start at the steering box and go from there i hope that this helps as a starting point feel free to ask me anything and good luck
gee ooh
gee ooh
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver Island
Leaf springs Help!
Like he said, check the bushings and steering box and stuff for play. The factory service manual is very helpful for steering box adjustment (at least on the 57 to 60's). Springs shouldn't affect driving like you've described, but if they have sagged, I believe they can be "re-arched"; ask your spring shop for a quote on that.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Campbell U S A
Leaf springs Help!
I just finished installing new reverse eye front springs from Sac Vintage in my 56. Made all the difference in the world. The right side only had six leaves and the left one had eight. The pins were extremely worn. By putting a balanced set of springs under it with new hardware most all of the slop in the system is gone. I'm saving for a Toyota power box next. I suspect that you have a similar situation. I know IFS units provide a smoother ride by design, but I wonder if the stock type setups are getting a bum name because many people aren't looking at them first? I know I like mine just fine.
New User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Leaf springs Help!
I looked inot spring repair also for my 55. There is a shop by me that will re-arc them to factory specs (they had that too!) or to whatever arc you want.
Good Luck
Good Luck
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,849
Likes: 0
From: S.C.
Leaf springs Help!
Hi Guys,
I was having the same problem I completely dismantle my front end and replace just the main leaf ($85 each)grind your other leafs slightly to ensure they are not cracked. I then replaced everything except the axel and tie rod itself. I also have the toyota steering box and a anti sway bar. The ride hieght is good and it handles great! it didn't cost too much I got everything from Mid-fifty. The rear I just went to the salvage yard and got springs & brackets from an 87 Bronco.
Jaye
I was having the same problem I completely dismantle my front end and replace just the main leaf ($85 each)grind your other leafs slightly to ensure they are not cracked. I then replaced everything except the axel and tie rod itself. I also have the toyota steering box and a anti sway bar. The ride hieght is good and it handles great! it didn't cost too much I got everything from Mid-fifty. The rear I just went to the salvage yard and got springs & brackets from an 87 Bronco.
Jaye
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 673
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
Leaf springs Help!
Franklin, I never messed with the front leaves, but I think the person that had it before me did. The fronts are almost flat, and there are 6 leaves on one side, and 7 on the other. Also, I am going to take a look at the pins, and bushings because I am sure that they are beatdown. Thank you so much guys, Ill let you all know how it is coming.
Thanks again, dont know what Id do without you.
Thanks again, dont know what Id do without you.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 19
From: Central Wisconsin
Leaf springs Help!
Posie's in Hummellstown, PA (posiesrodsandcustoms.com)has a new two-leaf parabolic spring that is made for your truck. Fronts are ready...rears are coming. These guys sell thousands of springs to street rodders around the world and they build good stuff. This sounds like the answer to your problem. Still check your bushings, shackles, etc and if new springs are in order, replace all the worn parts. Good luck.
New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Egg Harbor Township USA
Leaf springs Help!
I have no idea if this will help but I have a 49 F-2 and it has brand new springs front and back,But it's 3/4 ton. Anyway I will be removing them in a month or two to upgrade suspension to coilover shocks and will want to sell old springs. The ride was a little "stiff" but overall very good.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 673
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
Leaf springs Help!
If the ride was stiff on a 3/4 ton, wouldnt it be crazy stiff on an f-100? I have sent people a few emails regarding springs for sale, but as of yet no replies. Does anyone have some for sale? I want to go as low as possible, but just not feel every rock in the road. Thanks a million guys!
