Highboy Leafspring Question
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Freshman User
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Highboy Leafspring Question
I recently put front 77' highboy springs in my 77' lowboy and the passenger side of the truck is 1/4 to 1/2 inch lower, is this because the springs are specific to left or right? Or is this just normal sag in the springs from over the years? Thanks for any imput.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Coal Country, ND
1/4 to 1/2 inch isn't bad, mine leans too with fairly new lift springs in it. If you have dual tanks the weight of the front tank on the drivers side is another factor along with the everpresent driver.
If it REALLY bothers you it's possible to take an old leaf pack and cut one (or what ever it takes....not sure on the thickness of leaves) leaf down (maybe something like 4"s, whatever the length of the perch on the axle)to make a shim that bolts to the existing spring pack with the center bolt.
It's safe since the "shim" is bolted to the spring pack and it won't change the spring rate either.
If it REALLY bothers you it's possible to take an old leaf pack and cut one (or what ever it takes....not sure on the thickness of leaves) leaf down (maybe something like 4"s, whatever the length of the perch on the axle)to make a shim that bolts to the existing spring pack with the center bolt.
It's safe since the "shim" is bolted to the spring pack and it won't change the spring rate either.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 3
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
wait a minute,didnt you say your 1/4to1/2 in lower on the pass. side? im a little lower on drivers side, previous owners a little heavier than myself,or depending on what year my frame/driveline is,perhaps front gas tank.on that note,what year did they go from incab to behind the cab front tank,perhaps it will help me determine what year chassis i have( 72 f250 camper special 2wd body on 73 or later 250 4wd chassis,i think,judging by power assist steering and 205 t-case)
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 182
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From: Oklahoma City
Yes, he said his passenger side was lower but the springs are new to this truck and he didn't know which spring was previously installed on the left or right. The used driver side spring will always be a bit more compressed from time and wear.
But now he knows which was where...
But now he knows which was where...
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
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Ya i did definitly swap sides in a rush and dident pay attention. There was oil on the spring which should of told me that it was from the power steering pump which is obviously on the drivers side. Thanks for the help, my main concern was that the leaf springs didnt say left or right on them, thanks agian i'll just shim that side.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,473
Likes: 0
From: Coal Country, ND
1/4 to 1/2 inch isn't bad, mine leans too with fairly new lift springs in it. If you have dual tanks the weight of the front tank on the drivers side is another factor along with the everpresent driver.
If it REALLY bothers you it's possible to take an old leaf pack and cut one (or what ever it takes....not sure on the thickness of leaves) leaf down (maybe something like 4"s, whatever the length of the perch on the axle)to make a shim that bolts to the existing spring pack with the center bolt.
It's safe since the "shim" is bolted to the spring pack and it won't change the spring rate either.
If it REALLY bothers you it's possible to take an old leaf pack and cut one (or what ever it takes....not sure on the thickness of leaves) leaf down (maybe something like 4"s, whatever the length of the perch on the axle)to make a shim that bolts to the existing spring pack with the center bolt.
It's safe since the "shim" is bolted to the spring pack and it won't change the spring rate either.
BTW if you do make some shims be sure to bevel what wil be the top of the shim so it doesn't dig into the bottom spring of the leaf pack.
