Hello Guys

Looking for some information on a 52 rear leaf spring substitute. Had a look at the price of OE springs and thought that going to a salvage yard and finding something to use instead may be the way to go for a limited budget. Anything out there that is a ideal relacement? I intend to go with either the factory axle or a 9".

All the help you can offer is greatly appreciated.

Stu

1952 Mercury M1 basket case.

 

Why would another set of used springs be better than the ones you have?

 

The rear springs on my 50 were badly worn, rather than trying to repair I went with 90 Nissan rear springs which were very close in overall length and depth. I believe they were slightly wider than stock. My axle sits on top of springs and lowers the ride height by about 2". I fabbed some hangers and mounted them at stock location. Some pics in my gallery.

Tom

 

Sorry.
Didnt mention that the springs I have are 56 years old and the leaves are really seperated and not sitting in line anymore. Looking to fit relatively new springs all be it on a budget.

 

I have used two different sets of rear springs under two different trucks. In my 48 F-3 I used a pair of rear springs from a RWD 87 Chrysler 5th Avenue. These would be the same from 83-89. There are some installation pictures in my gallery for the Chrysler springs. I am using a pair of 88 Dodge D50 pickup (should be the same from about 79-93) springs in my 49 F-1. The spring hangers for either set of springs can be mounted lower on the frame than the original hangers with a couple of 'L' brackets mounted to the side of the frame rails allowing the rear end housing to be mounted above the springs. Due to lower mounting of the front hangers no frame notch is necessary. Just be sure to get the hangers and shackles from the salvage yard along with the springs. They like to cut the shackles with a torch and replacements can cost almost as much as the springs. I especially like the D50 springs because they are progressive. You basically ride on two leaves and a flat heavy duty third leaf comes into play if you haul a load. The Chrysler springs (5 leaves) produce a very good ride and I expect the same from the D50 springs although I am far from driving it. Also, with the D50 springs you can use the stock 48-52 rear shocks. Both sets of springs lower the rear of the truck 4-5 inches...