old leaf springs question

[moregrip]

How comfortable are you using the old leaf springs on a truck, assuming no cracks and in decent condition?

Keeping rear leafs for this one and wondering if I should buy new aftermarket or clean, paint and re-use the stockers? they are 37 years old........

Edit: I guess I should mention/may or may not matter....my leafpacks had the bolt-on helper springs a good porting of its life.....not sure what impact that has....if any....

[notallthere]

If they are in decent shape with no cracks I would clean them up and re-use them. Leaf springs are durable. The only reason I am replacing mine is that they have a really bad Chevy lean and I am tired of looking at a crooked tailgate.

[gmc684x4]

How did your truck sit
Was the back end sag lower then the front would be the decider for me

Seen more then a few newly built 4x4 trucks that went cheap lift blocks in the rear and the front new springs sit much higher

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

A nice option is to have Teflon put between your leafs for a smoother ride. Depending on what you foing for.

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by notallthere

If they are in decent shape with no cracks I would clean them up and re-use them. Leaf springs are durable. The only reason I am replacing mine is that they have a really bad Chevy lean and I am tired of looking at a crooked tailgate.

The leaf packs seem in good shape but I haven't thoroughly inspected them.

Originally Posted by gmc684x4

How did your truck sit
Was the back end sag lower then the front would be the decider for me

Seen more then a few newly built 4x4 trucks that went cheap lift blocks in the rear and the front new springs sit much higher

The truck had a camper in it the majority of its life, hence the overloads

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

A nice option is to have Teflon put between your leafs for a smoother ride. Depending on what you foing for.

I would do that no problem; just trying to determine if the stock leaf pack is worthy....they seem fairly level.....should probably take a measurement

[wixthedog]

I've reused them many times in the past with success until my current 76 model. I found multiple cracked leafs when I took them apart so now I think I may be gun shy on the next build. Pics in my build thread if interested.

[KQQL IT]

Leafs are broke or they're not.
Occasionally you will have to mix and match a pair to get them level.

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by wixthedog

I've reused them many times in the past with success until my current 76 model. I found multiple cracked leafs when I took them apart so now I think I may be gun shy on the next build. Pics in my build thread if interested.

I'll go check it out!

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

Leafs are broke or they're not.
Occasionally you will have to mix and match a pair to get them level.

That's what I was thinking but sometimes you need some experienced perspective! Thank you

[moregrip]

I took some measurements at the frame rail in various locations, all within 1/8" height from the ground. I think I'm going to run the stockers as long as they are not compromised in any way (cracks and such)...thanks or the added brain power!

[MalibuSSwagon]

I replaced mine because the eyelets cracked Basically they were not connected at the front of the truck, and the rears were starting to crack. So yes give them a good once over.

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by MalibuSSwagon

I replaced mine because the eyelets cracked Basically they were not connected at the front of the truck, and the rears were starting to crack. So yes give them a good once over.