Hey guys, recently replaced my two front tires on my '77 and since this is the first time I've been under the truck since getting it, I noticed some stuff. The truck leans to the driver's side (didn't think anything of it as it's leaning down a hill) but while doing the tire I noticed that the leaf spring is straight accross, not bowed up like it should be?

I don't know much about suspension but it should be bowed up a little right? It's sitting down about 2 inches from hitting the stop bumper!
I didn't see any broken leafs. Any way to tell for sure? Easy to replace?

 

Is it a late 77.5 with a 2 leaf set up, they could be broke/wore out, look right around where they set on the axle spring pad and around the u-bolt area, look from the thin side in for hair line cracks, it must be pretty clean, I use brake cleaner.

If just wore out you could go the cheap route from a FTE sponsor or JC whit and get a (add-a leaf) 2" for $80.

Pretty easy job, just pull off the spring one at a time, with proper frame support, might as well replace the bushings while you have it apart. U-do the center spring bolt, add the 1 leaf re bolt back together.

Reinstall, remember to do a couple (initial and after 50 miles?) torque cks on them u bolts when you are done.

If broke, either hit the JY or get a new lift kit. The pic I attached is NOT a good example of how your springs should look, some DA just stacked another set under the original set.
The red lines are where you should concentrate you looking for cracks.

 

Thanks for the great info 77! That pic is almost exactly what mine looks like, cept mine are even a little closer to the stop bumper.

How do I know what capacity springs to get? I was looking at JC Whitney and they had 2 capacities, not sure what should be what, mine is a 3/4 ton. I think they were 2000 and 2750 lb capacities.
Also thinking of getting a set that would lower the truck a bit, I would like to be able to get in without using a cincerblock to stand on!

 

To answer your question, yes it's a 77.5, last of the highboys!

 

I think the capacity of your springs is based of the GVW, "Also thinking of getting a set that would lower the truck a bit" is like using profanity in church, its a no go in my world, lol.

You can always do the add-aleaf and get some steps/nerf bars to add on, there are alot out there to consider.

Actually 77 is last year for the so called "highboy" and 77.5 was the first making of the "lowboy". My 77 was born on 10/77 stamped in the cab roof area. I found it with the roof liner removed. Lowboy with front disk brakes, aft mount gas tank, married xfer case.....

Based off you vin# & depending what month and type frame/brakes/fuel tank location you have.

And rear spring width, xfer case attached or divorced, type steering and the always talked about front frame horn cross member.

Good luck with that ever route you decide.

ISCLAIMER: All the stuff I said about "highboys" is to my sort of best remembrance and what I have read on FTE, so do not go flaming me about it.