novice leaf spring question

[turner]

1993 hardbody 4x4 v-6, i am looking for quality leaf spring bundle sources. are there any to avoid, or any to seek out that are not cost prohibitive? sources like sdtrucksprings, NAPA, Autozone, Betts, JCWhitney, or the actual brands: belltech, dayton, crown

i just don't totally trust customer reviews after seeing posts that look phony and repeated across products.

thanx in advance

T

[Rev_D21]

If you are just looking for replacement springs I would hit the junk yards or try www.car-part.com. Otherwise I would have a set made by a local spring shop.

[turner]

thanx, car-part looks like quite a thorough site. one more question i have not been able to find info. on is the curve of the leaves when installed. mine are flat with no curve. are there models or set ups where that is normal? the rear of my truck does not appear to sag, and when loaded does not seem to lower much.

[whomadewho]

If you are going to use used leaf springs you are better off replacing both sides to prevent the truck from leaning. Myself as along as the main leaf is not broke or bent I would leave it in place, it will save you a lot of extra work. I would just replace the leaf or leafs that are bent or broke. The easy way would be to find someone with a gas wrench and remove the center bolt and the U bolts. Take the broken leaf or leafs spring to a shop, have them make and ARK the new spring or springs so the truck sits level. Most spring shops have new center bolts and U bolts, I would not even consider using the old ones. If you are doing both sides - DO ONE SIDE AT A TIME. - Make sure you support the rear end with jack stands. Try not to move the rear end forward or backwards - makes assembly a lot easier.

[Rev_D21]

A spring shop can build a spring pack with as much or as little arch as you want. As for yours riding flat, I have a 96 reg 4wd and those springs ride flat too.

[turner]

Sounds like spring shops are the way to go. Though yesterday between posts i was eyeballing my truck and a buddy drove by in his '89 nissan v-6 pickup and said some just ride flat. if no rear end sag or broken leaf springs and rides fine than just leave it. and you say Rev_D21 one of yours rode flat too. i will just save the money and time right now and pay attention to how it rides more. no rush it seems. thanks again!

[Rev_D21]

Yeh the '96 4wd in my driveway rides with the springs flat.