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04-07-2008, 06:56 AM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Alger, Ohio
Posts: 2
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Leaf Spring Plate Woes
I just recently joined the board. I bought my 1972 3/4 Ton 4x4 Truck last year. I am planning some restoration as well as modifying for off road. I found this site, lots of good stuff here, and I have a question.
I have a broken leaf spring plate on the rear axle. Should I replace it or change things with a different setup? It has 4" lifted springs but no blocks. If I just replace it where can I get the part? If I change the setup, should I weld up some aftermarket equipment and which ones? I have a pic of the broken one. |
04-07-2008, 07:32 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Kansas
Posts: 865
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Re: Leaf Spring Plate Woes
I would replace with factory. Any junk yard will have them. it is just a matter of finding a set that hasn't been abused. I believe crystallization is your problem. When you replace it, I would recommend at least doing both sides of the same axle.
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04-07-2008, 01:14 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Deale Md
Posts: 4,663
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Re: Leaf Spring Plate Woes
I would also do a close inspection on the u bolts as well.
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04-07-2008, 04:07 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,858
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Re: Leaf Spring Plate Woes
I had a broken one and I just found another.You won`t find one new unless it`s N.O.S.The Dana60(GMC) is smaller than the Corporate HO52(Chevy).But it`ll still work.I found a Dana60 one and just widened the radius a bit and it fit up just right.I imagine the truck has new u-bolts from the springs being replaced,right?My truck had busted leafs and a pretty haggered suspension.It sounds lke yours is about the smae.Makes me wonger if the previous owner saw that and just put it together that way.I guess it could have happened after the lift.But,I doubt it.With a piece of leaf missing that plate gets hammered costantly,I think that`s what fatigued your plate.
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04-07-2008, 05:21 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Alger, Ohio
Posts: 2
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Re: Leaf Spring Plate Woes
Thanks for the replys. I am leaning toward replacing both sides now with stock. I should be okay with the rest of it, it seems okay. If you know of a yard specializing in old truck parts I would appreciate you pointing me in the right direction.
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04-07-2008, 07:22 PM | #6 |
Currently Blazerless
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: St. Joseph Mo.
Posts: 4,827
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Re: Leaf Spring Plate Woes
I would go with 73 to 87 spring plates and u bolts up, these plates can still be bought new or from any salvage yard and they will not break!
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04-08-2008, 02:20 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Chester County PA, USA
Posts: 1,228
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Re: Leaf Spring Plate Woes
Plus the 73-87 style plates are on top of the springs, so it gives you more ground clearance. You need the u bolts that have the same radius as your axle tube.
I've come across several of these that were broken. I always convert to the 73 -87 style.
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