Broken front spring

[Solver]

I had to jack up the truck and put new front rotors on today and while it was jacked up I noticed that the last 3 or so inches of the front spring was broken on the bottom end. How much trouble will this cause me or will I even notice it while driving. The pics are of the spring and the crack are when it is jacked up so the spring isn't tight like when it is setting with engine weight on it. Once lowered down the spring seems to set tight in the cup even with the last 3" broke.Doesn't seem to be unlevel as far as stance is concerened. What ya think?

[poorboy]

I would suggest changing springs. If it already broke once it can happen again. If it breaks outside of the spring pocket it could get real ugly if you were riving down the road. I think that's the first time I've seen a spring break like that before.

[Green Machine]

Is that a 3/4 ton ? I am getting some parts trucks C20 and a C30 soon, springs are free if you want to help get em off !

[Solver]

Green machine thanks for the offer but it's a 1/2 ton and I think 3/4 springs would be alittle stiff.Anyone ever put 3/4 front springs in and do they fit in 1/2ton arms? wouldn't mind the front up alittle to level things out. I personally don't care for the lower look. I have a whole front crossmember that I pulled off this frame that is a 68 1/2 ton . I'll have to see how the springs are on that. Just never done springs before and wasn't wanting to get that involved but I guess you just learn as you go. This truck has really fought me going back together. Will be next spring before box is ready unless I find a better one before then. So looks like I have some time yet!!
Thanks again for the offer Tom

[kwmech]

Had that happen to me on my 1 ton about 2 years ago. I ended up replacing both springs with new ones. Didn't realize how sagged they were until I replaced them. Brought up the front end almost a full inch.

[Green Machine]

IIRC 3/4 ton springs will fit but of course they are stiffer. New 1/2 ton springs might be the way to go as they should sit it up higher since the are not sagged any, but new springs front or rear are kind of a crap shoot to me as you really never know how they will sit in YOUR truck until they are installed.

You will need a spring compressor for the bare crossmember or if there is no motor in the truck. Removing springs can be done on the truck if engine weight is there. Lift truck up some under center cross member, then loosen lower ball joint and use a floor jack to drop the lower A- frame to the ground. Spring should get loose and come out, but be careful !!!

[nandress]

That my friend is what they call fatigue!!!!!!

Your spring rate won't necessarily be any different, so you might not readily notice it while driving. But it does compromise the suspension travel, so when you hear a big THUNK when you drive over a big bump, now you know what it was.

But in my opinion, that is insanely unsafe. I am surprised you felt the need to ask this question!!

Replace them both, but be smart enough to use new springs. Old, used ones might look good, but I can guarantee you will not know if they are close to the fatigue limit.

[kevncar]

Check out my build thread. I had one break similar to that on my 67. When I jacked it up to take it all apart I noticed it. Wondered why the right front sat about a 1-1/2" lower than the left front.

Replace 'em both, there not that difficult.

[cdowns]

replace both front springs with new ones// would also be a good time to do the balljoints while you have it apart

[72armyswbtruck]

Ouch, Good luck with your search for replacement springs

[68C15]

I just so happen to have a near brand new set of 3/4 springs sitting in my garage. they do in fact fit 1/2 arms. I had them in mine when it was lowered. I no longer need them.
they are yours for the taking. PM me.

[72freak]

Originally Posted by Solver

Green machine thanks for the offer but it's a 1/2 ton and I think 3/4 springs would be alittle stiff.Anyone ever put 3/4 front springs in and do they fit in 1/2ton arms? wouldn't mind the front up alittle to level things out. I personally don't care for the lower look. I have a whole front crossmember that I pulled off this frame that is a 68 1/2 ton . I'll have to see how the springs are on that. Just never done springs before and wasn't wanting to get that involved but I guess you just learn as you go. This truck has really fought me going back together. Will be next spring before box is ready unless I find a better one before then. So looks like I have some time yet!!
Thanks again for the offer Tom

I have 3/4 ton springs in 2.......1/2 ton trucks. No problems

[Jayss109]

Mine was broken in the same place. Had to use an air chisel to remove the piece from the spring pocket. 30 years of rust/dirt/crapola was holding on to that piece tight.

Ive still got it around here somewhere.. hmmmm


J

[69_hafton]

I'd replace them. I had one broken coil in both the front and rear when I got my truck. I didn't notice them until I got into replacing the front end components. Ended up getting some moog springs from a local spring specialist just to get it one the road - I wouldn't knowingly drive with any broken suspension component.