front leaf springs
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front leaf springs
I have a 76 F-250, D-44, 3500lb. front axel and need new springs, bushings, u-bolts, etc.
I want to rebuild to original specs.
I have searched sponsors and internet without finding anyone that has OEM ride height parts. Some have the springs, but want my measurements, but it seems useless since it is sagging and different on both sides.
Found some that say 2-4" lift, but don't really want to get into steering mods that may come with that.
Anyone have any suggestions as to where to go for the parts?
I want to rebuild to original specs.
I have searched sponsors and internet without finding anyone that has OEM ride height parts. Some have the springs, but want my measurements, but it seems useless since it is sagging and different on both sides.
Found some that say 2-4" lift, but don't really want to get into steering mods that may come with that.
Anyone have any suggestions as to where to go for the parts?
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didn't specifically state it but it is a "highboy" with 5 or 6 leafs in each spring pack.
I did find some for a later model that only have 2 leafs and a higher load, 2000lb vs the 1500 that were OEM.
Anyone know if thery are interchangeable, the limited spec. info doesn't really say.
I did find some for a later model that only have 2 leafs and a higher load, 2000lb vs the 1500 that were OEM.
Anyone know if thery are interchangeable, the limited spec. info doesn't really say.
Fleet Mechanic
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I am in the market for a pair of front springs as well, and would like to get the 5-6 leaf highboy springs. The 2-leaf versions from the later model's will fit but they will lower the front end of your truck 2-4 inches.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Big Sky Country
To my knowledge it's going to be very difficult if not impossible to source oem highboy front leaf springs, everything in the aftermarket is either 2" or 4" lift springs for the highboy, the only options as i see it is to have them rearched or have new ones made to oem specs, i don't know the exact specs but i believe there was approx. 4" between frame/bumpstop and the leaf pack when new.
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Opinions please, is 2" lift going to necessitate any change in steering linkage (I have Bendix OEM, that works well), shocks, brake hoses, or anything else?
I haven't found any rearching shops near NC that could do the work, and don't have everything off to even see if they are in good enough shape to have that done.
Would like to find the all the parts, tear it down, put it back without having it down for days/weeks waiting on the correct parts.
I haven't found any rearching shops near NC that could do the work, and don't have everything off to even see if they are in good enough shape to have that done.
Would like to find the all the parts, tear it down, put it back without having it down for days/weeks waiting on the correct parts.
Post Fiend
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From: Big Sky Country
I know a 4" lift requires steering mods, as for a 2" lift i'm not sure, i don't know if that would put too much of a bind on the Bendix control valve/drag link or not, if so it could easily be corrected with either a 2" steering block or a 2" dropped pitman arm.
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what about shocks, 2'' extension and longer brake lines, and it would also change the front driveshaft angle....
just didn't want to get into all that, not trying to re-invent the truck
just didn't want to get into all that, not trying to re-invent the truck
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Post Fiend
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From: Big Sky Country
All you would need is new shocks, existing brake hoses could be used if there's enough length, drive shaft angle would be fine.
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still searching for the correct parts,
if I go up 2" in the front and spend the extra $200 or so for shocks, hoses, pitman arm or block, then the same thing for the back plus new springs there to keep it level and the back springs/shocks are near new, as are the front shocks, hoses.
if I go up 2" in the front and spend the extra $200 or so for shocks, hoses, pitman arm or block, then the same thing for the back plus new springs there to keep it level and the back springs/shocks are near new, as are the front shocks, hoses.
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twinzilla, got a response from Stengle Bros. Springs in Pa. if you are interested
say they have springs, bolts, u-bolts, about $450 for everything.
still waiting on more responses, just to compare
say they have springs, bolts, u-bolts, about $450 for everything.
still waiting on more responses, just to compare
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Big Sky Country
You may want to give these guys a call and see what they can do for you...Eaton Detroit Spring Home
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2008
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There is a local place here (Tri-City Spring) that may be able to help us out. I will give em a call tomorrow and see what they say.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2008
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Just checked out LMC....any idea why the 5-leaf springs are almost double the cost of the 6-leafers? LMC lists the 5-leaf springs for $350 and the 6-leafs for $175??