Any Leaf Spring experts out there?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
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Hey Roger I had leaf problems to and I opted to just put new in. it really wasn't that bad to do so. I can't remember what was all wrong with my old ones but if I still have them and at least one is good I will let you know if you want. let me know Casey
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,338
Likes: 167
From: Harpswell Maine
Roger, Taking out the springs is not at all difficult. If the spring shackes have not been replaced in recent times you are probably overdue. They are wear points that result in sloppy handling. I would lose the helper springs and buy/make new spring clamps where you need them.
I would go the additional step of buying new center bolts to allow taking the springs apart to clean them and either line them with the poly lining material or grease between leaves. If you take them apart you can also check for side to side arch. I would give myself about 4-6 hours per spring to remove, redo (including pressing in new bushings) (can be done readily in a vice) and remount a spring. A little longer if the hot knife is needed.
An old spring is not necessarily a bad spring. If you have a few broken of cracked leaves then I would consider replacement. I don't see a cracked leaf in your pix. A little pitting is not the end of the world.
I would go the additional step of buying new center bolts to allow taking the springs apart to clean them and either line them with the poly lining material or grease between leaves. If you take them apart you can also check for side to side arch. I would give myself about 4-6 hours per spring to remove, redo (including pressing in new bushings) (can be done readily in a vice) and remount a spring. A little longer if the hot knife is needed.
An old spring is not necessarily a bad spring. If you have a few broken of cracked leaves then I would consider replacement. I don't see a cracked leaf in your pix. A little pitting is not the end of the world.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
Bobby - I understand that. I was asking costs involved with having a shop give me everything new. If I can make and change out the straps without pulling the springs, I would try. If I have to pull the springs, then I might as well just bite the bullet, and replace them. I got a quote from Eaton for $470 a pair, eliminating the helpers. I will probably get rid of the helpers, regardless.
Here's what Eaton said:
Thanks to Rick (HT32BSX115) for pointing out that the picture was for F3 and above. I hadn't noticed that, saw what looked like mine, and assumed...
I'll have to measure and see what length clamps I need. The original springs are mighty tall, coupled with the shock mount. That might be the tough part to find.
Oh well, I stopped work on the cab, to blast the frame, while I decided how to tackle the cab body work, now this with the frame - don't know whether to jump to the box, or go back to the cab, or start on the springs. We have rain today, so blasting is out, at least 'til tomorrow...
Thanks again, all!
R
Here's what Eaton said:
Thanks to Rick (HT32BSX115) for pointing out that the picture was for F3 and above. I hadn't noticed that, saw what looked like mine, and assumed...
I'll have to measure and see what length clamps I need. The original springs are mighty tall, coupled with the shock mount. That might be the tough part to find.
Oh well, I stopped work on the cab, to blast the frame, while I decided how to tackle the cab body work, now this with the frame - don't know whether to jump to the box, or go back to the cab, or start on the springs. We have rain today, so blasting is out, at least 'til tomorrow...
Thanks again, all!
R
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