Leaf spring question

[Joe R]

Hey guys, not sure if I should put this here or suspension but thought the year specific boards might be a better place.

Well long story short I found that all my springs in my heavy half have been heated to be lowered and now I need to replace them. Front coils arent a big deal but the rear leafs are killing me. Since its a heavy half it has 7 leaf spring packs in the back, and they are a fortune to replace with new ones.

Looking for opinions on my options.

I could get a set of junk yard spring packs off a 3/4 ton or if I'm lucky another heavy half.

I could buy new ones for like $400 a side, ouch.

This one I'm not sure of but can I use a 4 leaf spring pack from a 1/2 ton or do I have to change the hangers and mounts too?

Either way its gonna have a 2/4 or 4/6 drop in the end. So being able to hold extra weight doesnt faze me. I only pull an old trash trailer to the dump on occasions with it anyways, everything else is normal driving.

Thanks in advance for the input.

[tvblazer78]

I would look at finding used 1/2 springs if you are not going to use it like a 3/4. And I am sure the hangers are the same.

Anyone know for sure?

[lolife99]

They do make 2 different length of 1/2 ton springs. (52" and 56", I believe)

[Joe R]

So is that length from eyelet to eyelet straight across, or the length around the arch of the spring?

I'm not sure I can get a good measurement off my springs to match them up since when they heated it they took and put almost a 90 degree angle in before the eyelet. That is unless I can go from hanger to shackle on the measurement.

I dont plan on using for anything besides hauling a trailer to the dump occasionally, so 1/2 ton springs would probably give it a nicer ride in the long run. If something happens and I need some extra lift I can always put in some air helper springs, but I doubt it will be much of a problem since I can usually lift the tongue of the trailer and move it around myself even when loaded, lol

Thanks for the response guys.

[orbot]

Oh so thats how leaf springs are clasified, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton

[menace121978]

there are 2 different shackles/spring eyes also. one with 1 1/2" id leaf spring eyes and the other is 1 3/4" id.

my truck was/is a heavy 1/2 and she's got the 1 1/2". and im only using the 5 main leafs.

id do like trav suggested and find a 1/2 ton from a junk yard. you can also look for the 4th # on the vin. to be a 4 and you have found a heavy half. good luck, Dennis

[Joe R]

Thanks guys, wish I could just pull a few leafs but now that my springs are S shaped I dont have much choice, lol. I will probably hit a junkyard and try and find the best looking set I can. If I have to swap bushings no biggie. Will take a few measurements as well.

Thanks for the input.