While I'm at it; leaf springs

[Denee007]

Hi! I figured while I have my rear axle being overhauled, I may as well consider replacing the leaf springs, and I suppose the shackle assemblies ( how about that Dan) I thought my shackle pivot things were ok, a couple of them look very rusty, but I was able to pump grease through the grease fittings. If I grab a leaf spring, I can move it sideways a pretty disturbing distance, a couple inches either way.

Ok, so I have to take my bed off, I can do that, just have to figure out where to lift it from.

1)I found that a couple options or more exist; one might be to replace the entire leaf spring perches, like the link below, or go back with the original greaseable parts. The one down below looks like it just uses rubber bushings?

2) I have stock rear leaf springs, but Posie sliders on the front which I bought from Sid@dropped axles. But I don't want to lower the rear any more than it already is, so it's either stock or what? or lowering the rear a little more could be ok if ok without looking wrong.

Ideas, advice, opinions always welcome
Dne'


http://www.totalcostinvolved.com/pdf...Spring_Kit.pdf

http://www.ecklerstrucks.com/chevy-a...1957-1959.html

The way the rear stance is now if I reuse the rear springs. Can I go lower on the rear without the truck look funny?

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[Dan in Pasadena]

If you don't want to lower it then there are lots of options including having your existing springs re-arched at a local place. That would save you shipping charges - not an insignificant consideration given how much springs weigh.

Inasmuch as you have Posies (Super Sliders or Dual Flex?) I'd suggest you also use their rear springs. I THINK Super Sliders are a multi leaf pack and Dual FLex have two leafs only. As you know Posie's have a Teflon button in a pocket they've built into the spring to allow them to slide more easily thereby improving your ride.

BUT you can accomplish the same ride improvement by installing the poly material you cut to size yourself that goes between the leaves. Lots of sources have it but I post this link just so you'll know an approximate price:

http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks47_59/t47_097.html

I'd also suggest you read through THIS thread.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...new+shop+truck

It's super interesting for people doing what (I think) you and I are doing - a quality refurbishment rather than a frame off restoration.

[Indian113]

I used Chassis Engineering springs on my Ad when I put in the Nova rear. They had a whole relocation kit at the time.

[Denee007]

hm? relocation? like remove all the original riveted brackets and bolt on new? I guess you wouldn't happen to have a photo of your setup? I'll check out Chassis Engineering~ see what they have~ Thanks!

Originally Posted by Indian113

I used Chassis Engineering springs on my Ad when I put in the Nova rear. They had a whole relocation kit at the time.

[Denee007]

Hi Dan! I guess they are the dual flex. I relied upon Sid (dropped axle guy) for what I wanted to achieve. Not a dropped axle; just stock.

Wow, that thread buy "The Syndicate" went on forever! But was interesting~ thanks for putting the links up~ I printed out the one from Truckandcarshop for future reference.

I kind of knew the price of the rear was going to be several hundred dollars~ Darn, one more thing I have to convince Gary that I need to get the truck on the road!

[Indian113]

No, on the AD trucks it centers the wheel in the wheel opening. I don't know if that's a problem with TF trucks as I have NO experience with them. The kit I bought just bolted up on my frame. I used all Chassis Engineering on my Model A and they are great for Customer Service. If you have any ?'s they will take the time to answer them.

[mknittle]

It is a good idea to change out the stock springs for something that rides better. It makes it a whole lot easier on the ole back. Besides now is a good time as you will already have the heavy part out of the way.

[dubie]

i swapped out all my stock leafs spring pivot points on mine. All the bushing got pounded out, the shackles and pins were all replaced and all new rubber seal got installed. It's really not a huge job to do especially if your bed is off. The Posies seem to be the best choice on the market right now if you don't want to lower it to much. I on the other hand wanted to get mine as low as I could with stock like parts and still be able to drive it so I used mono leafs all the way around.

[Dan in Pasadena]

doob,

I considered mono's until I read Rob's experience on his New Shop Truck thread I posted a link to above. I'm gonna go Posie's as a result.

Sis you install sway bars? If so, whose and how much hassle was it? Rob said his didn't really fit as it came. He didn't give specifics as to the mod's he made but I know he has a lathe and a mill; things I do NOT have access to, so wondering just how much modification is really required?

[NEWFISHER]

Dne' off topic, but make sure you wrap or insulate that harness as it passes through the frame--upper rt corner of the first pic

[Denee007]

I was wondering when someone was going to point that out! I took care of that sometime back! but thank you anyway! I appreciate advice on my project

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

Dne' off topic, but make sure you wrap or insulate that harness as it passes through the frame--upper rt corner of the first pic

[OrrieG]

I rebuilt my stock springs too when I converted to 4wd in 85. This time I was going to "upgrade" to a lower mile set of springs I got from my Dad but found the "old" originals had the same static eye to eye distance and arc as the replacements. If you take the spring pack apart I would add the teflon strips to cut down on noise. Don't know if it would ride any better, a sprung truck rides like a sprung truck.

[_Ogre]

truk is still on stock springs (minus the overloads)(w/flipped axle )
if you need teflon i have half a roll

i would rebuild them. blow them apart replace shackles, pins and center bolt
painted and reassembled with teflon does wonders for the springs

[Mark3100]

I'm building a 49 3100 and I used the leafsprings from a 98 Tahao and a Posi-trac axle from a 78 TransAm. The TransAm axle is the perfect width for a 47-52. Everything is mounted and looks good. Granted I haven't finished everything it but the combo appears to be good!

[papastrk]

If you go back with your original springs, it would be best to replace the pin assembly in the front of the spring along with the rear shackles. You can help the ride by disassembling leaf spring and cleaning away rust between leaves and smoothing any wear areas where end of leaves dig into the leaf above. You will see this when you disassemble them. If wear is excessive, you may want to go the new Posies spring route. Only takes a couple of new tie bolts to do this part of the repair.

[Denee007]

Wasn't too bad! Now how do I get the bushings out? as for the leaf springs~ I'd like to make them work~ but the bend in the ends on one, will that weaken the spring and be a possible spot to break?
dne'

These actually are in pretty good shape, they unscrew right out;rusty, but may clean up! When I take them apart to clean them, can I straighten this out with a hammer?



I suppose when I purchase kits, this bushing comes with the kit? This will beat out with a socket or driver?



This is one I'm more worried about getting out, and getting the new one in~ suggestions please!
dne'

[solidaxel]

Think all thread & black iron pipe couplings!
One larger to fit over the the size of the bushing and one to be the same size, nut washer and "push the old bushing out"
Somebody will have a pic!

[OrrieG]

The main spring looks like it was damaged at some time too. Could have been a severe overload or collision. Examine it carefully for any cracking. The second could just be beat back since it does not support the weight. Does the frame show any sign of repair???

[Denee007]

Hi Orrie~ I don't see any signs of collision, or anything out of the ordinary, or frame repair either. I may talk to Gary, see about going ahead and getting new springs, However If I decided to use these springs, I'd never carry any heavy load or any load, only the bed, but understanding if a spring were to break, that kind of worries me. I removed the center bolt on one, I guess there's a couple of holders/brackets that have to be bent to get the rest of the springs apart~ I ran out of steam at that point. The springs do look worn for sure.

Originally Posted by OrrieG

The main spring looks like it was damaged at some time too. Could have been a severe overload or collision. Examine it carefully for any cracking. The second could just be beat back since it does not support the weight. Does the frame show any sign of repair???

[Denee007]

I can almost see it in my mind, but pic would be great. I'm fixing to head to ACE hardware and see what I can come up with, with your suggestion in mind

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Think all thread & black iron pipe couplings!
One larger to fit over the the size of the bushing and one to be the same size, nut washer and "push the old bushing out"
Somebody will have a pic!

[_Ogre]

i'd scrap those. seriously. they've been severly overloaded at one time.
i've overloaded many a task force truck and never done that

with all the trucks being 4 linked on this board,
maybe someone in texas can donate a pair (hint hint)

[Denee007]

Gee Ogre, I don't mind buying some new springs, why get cheap now; though I'd rather not, I just don't know what to buy~ Ive been searching and searching~ Looks like the Posie multi-leaf springs. Just have to figure out who to buy them from. I'd like to purchase all the parts (shackles, bushings, etc.) from one vendor if possible.

Originally Posted by _Ogre

i'd scrap those. seriously. they've been severly overloaded at one time.
i've overloaded many a task force truck and never done that

with all the trucks being 4 linked on this board,
maybe someone in texas can donate a pair (hint hint)

[mknittle]

I'm with Ogre, They are bent and springs aren't easy to work with once bent that much they will likely break. And you can't heat them because it will anneal them.

However they do make good body tools.

[papastrk]

Money pit!!! LOL That's what mine is. Tom Hanks has nothing on us! I would go Posies or find used replacements and they are most likely going to be worn. I would call Posies and explain what you have on truck now (front and rear). The TCI kit is popular, but keep in mind it is made to use rear end above springs and lowers truck quite a bit, sometimes requiring notching frame rails. Both of your main leaves and second leaves look to have been heated to lower truck and have been crudely straightened. I wouldn't put those back. Sorry.

[OneOffStroker]

This thread has been dead for a bit, but if you want to order new Posies stuff, Speedway Motors out of Nebraska has good prices and fast shipping. Speedy Bill has a ton of other cool stuff on his site as well.