Springs on my 52 B3B

[1952gary]

Had a few requests about the ride of my 52 after the retro. The ride on my 52 improved beyond expections after I reworked the front and rear springs. The front springs have 6 leafs and the rear has 5 leaves. My truck has Radial tires P235 75R 15. The ride height is front 30 1/4 and rear 30 3/8 inches. This is the measurement from ground to top of wheel well. Below are the measurements.

Front Spring

#1 43 inches

#2 41 1/2 inches

#3 34 inches

#4 27 inches

#5 15 inches

#6 10 inches

Rear Spring

#1 52 inches

#2 49 inches

#3 38 1/2 inches

#4 28 inches

#5 17 inches

Edited December 8, 2011 by 1952gary

[pflaming]

Please explain what you mean by "reworking" your springs. Thanks

[1952gary]

Removed all the springs and made sure the hangers were free with a total range of movement. The entire spring was separated, sandblasted, and inspected. In my case each spring had an imprint of the spring below due to heavy loads and years of wear. I used a grinder and beveled the upper edge of each leaf below the main spring therefore allowing good movement of the sping over the imprinted area. This bevel only needs to be on the end and angled edges. After a primer and final finish coat I assembled with a new 5/16 grade #8 bolt. The hex head of the bolt needs to be rounded to fit into the spring pearch. Try fitting the head into the spring pearch prior to assembly of the entire spring. When attaching the spring to the frame be sure your adjustments are set correctly so it will take grease.

[pflaming]

Did you paint with just an automotive paint. Question: were the springs from the factory painted or coated in any fashion.

Question: What happens if one leaf is removed from each spring besides lowering the truck. Would that effect the steering or the drive shaft?

[1952gary]

I use Duplicolor 500 degree ceramic primer and paint. I use rattlecans to keep it simple. Give it plenty of time to cure before handling. Use a heat source to help cure. I am not aware of any factory coatings for springs. I would say they were painted. I have driven the truck and the handling is very good. On the Freeway 55 to 60 feels good. I plan to align the front and set the steering box clearances. The new ride height did not affect the drive line. Keep in mind this was not a major height adjustment. I really like the attitude of the truck.

[1952gary]

Not sure about your question on removing a spring and lowering. I only removed springs from my truck to soften the ride. By removing springs you lower 1/4 inch per spring removed. No other lowering methods were applied. I will not be hauling heavy loads, so the original rear springs are no longer required. The ride now is similar to what you would find in a 50's car.

[ggdad1951]

Did you paint with just an automotive paint. Question: were the springs from the factory painted or coated in any fashion.

Question: What happens if one leaf is removed from each spring besides lowering the truck. Would that effect the steering or the drive shaft?

I used a POR15 product, "Natural Metal" or something like that. I painted the drag link, tie rod and springs with that. We'll see how it works long term.

[pflaming]

I will not be hauling heavy loads, so the original rear springs are no longer required. The ride now is similar to what you would find in a 50's car.

Thanks for the information. NO SPRINGS in the back or no overload springs?

[Dan Babb]

Your post says you have 6 springs in front, but the details further down show 5 spring measurements. Just wanted to make sure it's correct before I tear mine apart.

Do you have a picture showing the stance of your truck now? I nice side view would be good to see.

[Dave72dt]

In a prior posting, he mentioned removing 1 leaf from each spring pack. As noted above, he has removed any issues of spring leaves binding one against the other so they are free to slide over each other, giving a softer ride..

[B1B Keven]

Strips of Teflon between each leaf helps smooth the ride also.

(Second from the top).

http://www.apsltd.com/c-4491-low-frictiontapes.aspx

[pflaming]

Question: Which leaf should be removed. And the same front or rear.

P

[Dave72dt]

Your leaves should match up with the lengths he gave in the opening post. The one that doesn't is the one he removed.

[1952gary]

Thanks for catching the typo error on the front springs. Yes there are 6 and I have corrected the posting to show the 6. I did not have overloads on my truck.