Leaf springs

[DollyDodge]

Hi all:  I have been looking at getting new springs or having them re-arced.  My question regarding pricing.  I looked around the internet and prices are all over the board.  For example, Eaton Detroit Springs wants $469 each for new rear,  Leaf Spring Suspension in St. Louis wants $163 each for new rear ($100 each to re-arch and retemper).   That is a huge price difference.  Has anyone gotten springs from Leaf Spring (says they have been in business since 1943).

Thanks

 

 

Edited April 20, 2017 by DollyDodge

[59bisquik]

I forget the price, but got mine from McVeigh Truck Spring. Pretty reasonable for price and shipping.

[DollyDodge]

thanks

[59bisquik]

Also remember you will need to replace the shackle bushings and I don't believe they can be purchased separately from the shackle. The replacement Dodge shackles and metal bushings are around $40 each. However, as long as your shackles are in good condition, head over to RockAuto.com. Purchase shackles for a 53 Willy's for around $10 each and just use the new bushings on your shackles. 

[DollyDodge]

3 hours ago, 59bisquik said:

Also remember you will need to replace the shackle bushings and I don't believe they can be purchased separately from the shackle. The replacement Dodge shackles and metal bushings are around $40 each. However, as long as your shackles are in good condition, head over to RockAuto.com. Purchase shackles for a 53 Willy's for around $10 each and just use the new bushings on your shackles. 

Thank you

[The Oil Soup]

I replaced my front springs with McVeigh's also and was quite pleased. Will eventually use them for my rears.

[gramps1951]

I just did mine with McVeigh's I am waiting for them to make a batch of rear springs for the price of new at McVeigh's it's a no brainer.

[pflaming]

Why are you looking into spring replacement? You are in a very dry climate, I would think they are OK. 

[The Oil Soup]

Mean old Mister Gravity takes its toll on those springs Paul, dry or not.

[B1B Keven]

http://sacspring.com/

Even had replacement shackles in stock.

[pflaming]

Oil: for the most part those springs were designed for loads on rough roads and in tough fields neither of which most reclaimed trucks will not experience. Rust I will grant, gravity I'm not so sure. But what makes sense to the owner I find no fault with. 

[The Oil Soup]

After 60+ years with the driver and fuel tank on the same side she leans just a wee little bit.

[pflaming]

To level the stance, add air to the drivers side tires and release some from the passenger tires. Can't make things too complicated. 

[DollyDodge]

Hi all, been out of town for a few days.  Old Dolly is over 2 inches lower on the driver side rear, the front is also a bit off but not as bad.  She has been that way as long as I can remember.  It is one thing I wanted, for old Dolly to ride level again.  I looked at having the old springs redone, but I decided to go with new.  I may some day get the old ones re-arched.  It cost $100 at St Louis Springs to have them redone, but shipping both ways made them more expensive, though just a little.  The new springs are $163 each plus about $40 shipping each.  I contacted McVeigh springs as suggested above, but he doesn't have 1950 model springs here is what he said "Unfortunately my manufacturer requires a 12 piece minimum order. I  do carry a set for the 54-57 3/4 ton with identical dimensions and spring rate but only a 7 leaf count. Your spring most likely has 9 leaves. This set has same capacity but would make the vehicle ride height appx. 1" lower than stock. $290.00/ pair. Thank you, Tom".  St Louis has been in business since the 1940s with the same family. They do all kinds of leaf spring work. They seem like a good company.  He knew all the specs for the springs for my truck off the top of his head, which made me feel good.  Some day I will do the fronts too.

Edited April 25, 2017 by DollyDodge

[DollyDodge]

Keven, wish I had seen your post before I ordered from St Louis, would have saved on shipping!  I will use Sac spring for future work.  Darn anyway!

[1952B3b23]

I have new rear leaf springs on my '39 Plymouth coupe from St. Louis Spring and they work great. I think you'll be pleased with your choice.

-Chris

[DollyDodge]

Thanks Chris.  They were really nice to work with and helpful on the phone!

 

[B1B Keven]

2 hours ago, DollyDodge said:

Keven, wish I had seen your post before I ordered from St Louis, would have saved on shipping!  I will use Sac spring for future work.  Darn anyway!

You're welcome. Did you happen to talk with them?

 

[DollyDodge]

Hi Keven I did not speak with them, but sent them an email and asked for a quote, out of curiosity.

[B1B Keven]

Cool, Curious to see what they say. I used them in the early '90's.

[DollyDodge]

Hi Keven, I heard back from Sac Spring this is what he said. "To make new ones they are 350 each. To arch and rebuild the old ones it's 350 for the pair. A considerable difference, that's if you bring the springs in off the vehicle..."  So they are a bit more expensive, but they are a lot closer. He didn't include shipping which would be a little more.   

[B1B Keven]

$350 to re-arch a pair doesn't sound too bad. But, then, I used to live in Sac. 

 

[Desotodav]

I had front springs made new & back springs re-arched for my 53 truck at Carrolls Springs here in Oz. They charged me a little over $100 per spring & only took a couple of days... quite a surprise when compared to your USA prices given that things are generally way more expensive here in Oz.

i have a slight lean to the left on the front of my 52 truck, so I will have to send those springs off for re-arching as well. Maybe I should do it soon if prices are on the rise!

[DollyDodge]

Well I feel akin to a fool.. I started cleaning all the old grease off the ends of the springs getting ready to put the new ones on when they get here, and then I notice something, it was one of those oh s**t moments. The shackles are different sizes on the rear springs.. One is 4 inches center to center, the other 2 3/4 inches center to center.. I have greased thar truck on and off for over 40 years and never noticed that.. Some one a long time ago replaced one of the shackles with the incorrect shackle.  I probably bought springs I don't need.  Oh wel gotta laugh at one's self I guess, expensive boo boo though.

[Plymouthy Adams]

think of all the piece of mind you will have with the new install ALONG WITH correct shackles.......PRICELESS..!!