Buying new front leaf springs for my 53
 

Tryin to get this frame rolling and looking at leaf springs for my drop axle. Any opinions or experience with either business? Seems like a cheaper alternative to the big buck sets I see around.

http://www.generalspringkc.com/Leaf_...966_s/1821.htm

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/leaf-s...c/pickup-47-66

Re: Buying new front leaf springs for my 53
 

Are you trying to lower the truck more than the dropped axle provides or are you only trying to replace the stock springs? I ask because neither of these seem to be all that much of a savings over say, Posie's Super Sliders. Those are basically $400 a set. These are $360 a set.

If you're just replacing your stock springs why not price having your existing springs re-arched? That would seem to be the least expensive.

Re: Buying new front leaf springs for my 53
 

I went with new stock 8 leaf packs from Jim Carter and couldn't be happier. I replaced all shackles, lube pins, bushings etc. And it rides great.
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Re: Buying new front leaf springs for my 53
 

After much thinking, I've decided to rebuild the stock leaf springs and put the money into a disc brake conversion kit.

I pushed out all the factory bushings and ground down the rivets and broke them into individual leafs. Keeping care not to mix them of disorientate them.

I will be blasting next so need advice on what kind of paint should be used. Also, should I put poly liner or a lube between the leafs?

Re: Buying new front leaf springs for my 53
 

Hmm cant go back and edit to add pic
This is where I'm at and waiting on input for paint selection before I blast em. Also, kingpin retainers seem to have become as one with the axle :cuss:

http://www.cornbread.com/~ratta/53_9.jpg

Re: Buying new front leaf springs for my 53
 

i am in the process of doing the springs on my '49 3100. machine shop guy said re arching my springs is a specialized skill and would cost me more than replacing them. i assume i need new springs because they are original and seen alot of use. not real sure how to tell for sure.

the book says not to lubricate between the leaves because it will be too 'springy'. a local restoration guy paints the leaves with slip plate graphite paint.

Re: Buying new front leaf springs for my 53
 

I'd use the poly liner. I'd not worry about the spring being "too springy". Shock absorbers job is to dampen spring oscillation.

I suppose the REAL truth is I'd use Posie's Super Sliders because they feature a pocket which carries a Teflon button.

Re: Buying new front leaf springs for my 53
 

I bough mine on Ebay through JC Whitney, and they were $90.00 each, including shipping. Installed with no issues.

Re: Buying new front leaf springs for my 53
 

Flostrac, were they stock height springs or lowering springs?
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Re: Buying new front leaf springs for my 53
 

Stock springs

Re: Buying new front leaf springs for my 53
 

These sound terrific- just what Im looking for. And the price is right, too. I searched Ebay and JC Whitney website without finding any. Would you be able to help out with an SKU # ? I would be much obliged.

Re: Buying new front leaf springs for my 53
 

Receipt states "John R Spring Leaf Front Chevy Full size truck $89.35."
Item # 110944000127
If you google John R Spring it brings you to the JC Whitney page

Re: Buying new front leaf springs for my 53
 

i blew my tf truk springs apart, blasted them, painted them and reassembled them with poly spring liner
i have half a roll for sale in the parts for sale threads

your king pins may need a little (or a lot) of heat to get them to break loose from the knuckles
make sure you get the tapered retainer pin out

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/n...c/P3060027.jpg

Re: Buying new front leaf springs for my 53
 

That looks so clean and nice Ogre. JUST how I want my frame, springs, undercarriage to look. What paints did you use on yours; primer & top coat?
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Hey, I just noticed you're running only 4 leaves (that I can see) plus that lowering block. These are stock arched springs, right? How much lowering do you think that gave you over a stock 6 or 7 leaf pack?