Leaf Spring Questions
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 243
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From: Kempton, PA!
Leaf Spring Questions
Hello all,
My friend has a 79 F-150, and one of the left rear leaf springs are broken. I dont know if they made different sized leaf springs, so here are the specs on them. They are 46 inches long and are three inches wide. Is it worth buying new ones (they are rather expensive) or is getting them out of a yard ok? The other question is, can we put heavier duty leaf springs in the back, like 3/4 or 1 ton springs? (3/4 most likely). Would they fit right in, or would you have to move or get different mounts and shackles for it?
I assume that getting springs out of a yard would be ok, but I thougth it would be a good idea to check with the pros first off.
Thanks in advance, Garrett
My friend has a 79 F-150, and one of the left rear leaf springs are broken. I dont know if they made different sized leaf springs, so here are the specs on them. They are 46 inches long and are three inches wide. Is it worth buying new ones (they are rather expensive) or is getting them out of a yard ok? The other question is, can we put heavier duty leaf springs in the back, like 3/4 or 1 ton springs? (3/4 most likely). Would they fit right in, or would you have to move or get different mounts and shackles for it?
I assume that getting springs out of a yard would be ok, but I thougth it would be a good idea to check with the pros first off.
Thanks in advance, Garrett
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Iberia, USA
Garrett, getting a set from a salvage yard would be fine just be sure to get both sides if possible and swap them both out that away you have got an evenly wore set. As far as putting 3/4 springs under it, there shouldnt be any problems. Just make sure the width is the same. I would also keep the main spring that is actually connected to the truck and not replace it unless ya have to, it will make for less work that away.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
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How expensive is expensive? I bought a set last year, I thought they were reasonable. Also, you might be able to have a spring shop repair them by replacing the broken leaf. Take both sets in and they can set everything up for you.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Kempton, PA!
hp246, I only looked at one cataloge, but they wanted like 225 bucks a side for 1/2 ton springs. The spring shop may be a good idea, but since we have the bed off, if we can stick heavier springs in for just as much money, we will prolly go that route. Thanks for the help, guys
Garrett
Garrett
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
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Garrett,
The problem with going to a junk yard is are you getting 35 year old springs? Last year I re-sprung my 67 Fairlane and my 76 F100. In both cases the original springs were shot. Ride was horrible, and dangerous. After replacing both sets, it made a world of difference.
We maybe lucky hear, near Detroit in that there are several spring shops that manufacture springs on sit to manufacturer specs. I think I paid about $200 per set. As I recall they were alot less than the catalogs.
If you have a spring shop give em a call for pricing.
The problem with going to a junk yard is are you getting 35 year old springs? Last year I re-sprung my 67 Fairlane and my 76 F100. In both cases the original springs were shot. Ride was horrible, and dangerous. After replacing both sets, it made a world of difference.
We maybe lucky hear, near Detroit in that there are several spring shops that manufacture springs on sit to manufacturer specs. I think I paid about $200 per set. As I recall they were alot less than the catalogs.
If you have a spring shop give em a call for pricing.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,312
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From: Eldorado Ca. USA
If you want only the best for your baby get a new set of springs made.
If you want to fix what you have, find the same spring shop, and have them fix what you have. (make a pair of new main leaves)
If you are on a budget, get some 3/4 ton springs from the junkyard, install some polyurethane bushings, and call it good. If you don't haul anything, half ton should be OK.
If you want to fix what you have, find the same spring shop, and have them fix what you have. (make a pair of new main leaves)
If you are on a budget, get some 3/4 ton springs from the junkyard, install some polyurethane bushings, and call it good. If you don't haul anything, half ton should be OK.
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2007
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I usually don't buy stuff from JC ripmeoff, but I bought a set from them recently. Very inexpesive ($88 each) and they made a world of difference. On my 79. http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...003427/c-10101
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Senior User
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From: Kempton, PA!
Thanks for the ideas guys. I talked to someone just yesterday who said there is a good spring shop about 40 minutes from me, so I guess we'll give em a call and go from there. Its no show truck, but it would be nice to have good springs. Thanks for all the help so far guys,
Garrett
Garrett
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When you go to replace your springs have a torch, impact and a big hammer ready to get those bolts out of the shackles. after almost 30 years the bolts have welded themselves to whats left of the rubber bushings. Trust me been there on a spring job on one of my own and a buddys. Get all new bolts and nuts and u bolts at the same time.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: hohenwald, tn
try the links at the bottom of this page. spend an hour or so pricing between the site sponsors. i was thinking about replacing the ones in my 350 but am too lazy. i thought you could get a set around 250.00