overload helper springs

[bonnieclyde100]

1 purchased a set of used helper springs the ones for the coil springs with trailing arms but did not get the plates that come off the trailing arms that they come in contact with. my question is do the helpers hang above the trailing arms and only contact with loads in the bed or are the springs preloaded at all times? also if they hang above what is the distance from the spring to the plate. my truck is lowered a bit and i will have to make my own plates.

[Shakerattlenroll]

They hang above , I just wrecked my old 1970 that has them.
cant tell you by how much.
But they only contact while loaded down

[bonnieclyde100]

Originally Posted by Shakerattlenroll

They hang above , I just wrecked my old 1970 that has them.
cant tell you by how much.
But they only contact while loaded down

thank you hope someone else will chime in with the distance but if not i will guess.

[Shakerattlenroll]

If she still had a rear end under her I could messure.
but its all laying on the dirt arms are twisted a bit , so it would be inacurate.
I can snap some pics when I get home though if it helps

[bonnieclyde100]

doesnt sound like it would and i hate to hear that happened to you. i am thinking of making my plates removable and maybe preload the spring when ever i am going to be loading it down so i know the ride wont get stiff when ever the road dips.

[Shakerattlenroll]

Originally Posted by bonnieclyde100

doesnt sound like it would and i hate to hear that happened to you. i am thinking of making my plates removable and maybe preload the spring when ever i am going to be loading it down so i know the ride wont get stiff when ever the road dips.

Its all good , this was my first truck.
been in the family since 71.
She has had enough...rusted beyond the beyond.
but fired rite up and idled for me after sitting 15 years.
she giving up the driveline to a 63 shortbox stepside..she lives on...

[hounddogs!]

Here's a strong 2 1/8" from the bottom of the spring to the top of the rubber pad. This is an unloaded '68 3/4T with a Dana 60.

[bonnieclyde100]

Originally Posted by hounddogs!

Here's a strong 2 1/8" from the bottom of the spring to the top of the rubber pad. This is an unloaded '68 3/4T with a Dana 60.

thank you that helps a lot i wonder if lmc truck sells that rubber bumper . i will be making my own plates and need bumpers for them. my plates will be removable because my rear was lowered 4 inches and that spring is already past the top of the trailing arms so my springs will be preloaded when i install my plates .

[thetruckrman]

Hey bonnieclyde100, did you ever make your own helper spring plates? I need a pair and wonder if you were able to make them work.

[bonnieclyde100]

Originally Posted by thetruckrman

Hey bonnieclyde100, did you ever make your own helper spring plates? I need a pair and wonder if you were able to make them work.

no I still have not gotten around to making them.

[bonnieclyde100]

when I do make them I need to mount them under the trailing arms and not on top because my truck is lower than stock and the helpers would be touching without anything being loaded in the bed