Do springs wear out? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mikmark · 06-18-2016, 08:51 PM

Here is my 72 Suburban. It has been in the family since new and pretty much stock. My question of the day is about springs. The truck wallows over bumps like it has no shocks, but the shocks are new. It has had Monroe load leveler shocks on it for most of its life and a new set is on the truck now. I am guessing Springs? I would appreciate any advice on how to correct the issue. Thanks!

**LockDoc** · 06-18-2016, 11:48 PM

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Springs do get weak and new ones may make a lot of difference. Does your Suburban have a front sway bar? If it doesn't that would be a good investment. The Burbs are top heavy and tend to sway a lot. You don't mention what rear suspension you have, if it is coils make sure that the track/panhard bar is there and both ends are solid.

Just some thoughts,
LockDoc

**HO455** · 06-20-2016, 04:41 PM

Springs can and do wear out. Have you noticed the truck sagging under little or no load? If that seems ok are the suspension bushings still original? If they are rubber and they're 10 or more years old they may have deteriorated. It may be when you hit a bump your wheels are no longer staying in alignment. This true for both the front suspension and the rear axle. If you have leaf springs the worn bushings will cause the same issues. My 52 drove like the wheels and the cab were connected by jello until I replaced the spring pins and bushings. I have found that many replacement rubber bushings do not have the lifespan of the originals. Even if the vehicle is in the garage most of the time. Just like modern day rubber bands they now have a limited life span.

oski6754 · 06-20-2016, 08:16 PM

FWIW, my 4x4 Suburban had original leaf springs until last year and had similar road handling issues before they were replaced. After leafs and shocks were replaced handling firmed up considerably and and much more "sure footed" these days. Good luck and nice rig!

06-18-2016, 08:51 PM	#1
Mikmark Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 11	Do springs wear out? Here is my 72 Suburban. It has been in the family since new and pretty much stock. My question of the day is about springs. The truck wallows over bumps like it has no shocks, but the shocks are new. It has had Monroe load leveler shocks on it for most of its life and a new set is on the truck now. I am guessing Springs? I would appreciate any advice on how to correct the issue. Thanks! Attached Images __________________ 1972 C10 Suburban 1959 Austin Healey Sprite 1977 Datsun 280Z

06-18-2016, 11:48 PM	#2
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 26,075	Re: Do springs wear out? - Springs do get weak and new ones may make a lot of difference. Does your Suburban have a front sway bar? If it doesn't that would be a good investment. The Burbs are top heavy and tend to sway a lot. You don't mention what rear suspension you have, if it is coils make sure that the track/panhard bar is there and both ends are solid. Just some thoughts, LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

06-20-2016, 04:41 PM	#3
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,608	Re: Do springs wear out? Springs can and do wear out. Have you noticed the truck sagging under little or no load? If that seems ok are the suspension bushings still original? If they are rubber and they're 10 or more years old they may have deteriorated. It may be when you hit a bump your wheels are no longer staying in alignment. This true for both the front suspension and the rear axle. If you have leaf springs the worn bushings will cause the same issues. My 52 drove like the wheels and the cab were connected by jello until I replaced the spring pins and bushings. I have found that many replacement rubber bushings do not have the lifespan of the originals. Even if the vehicle is in the garage most of the time. Just like modern day rubber bands they now have a limited life span. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 Last edited by HO455; 06-20-2016 at 04:56 PM.

06-20-2016, 08:16 PM	#4
oski6754 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 178	Re: Do springs wear out? FWIW, my 4x4 Suburban had original leaf springs until last year and had similar road handling issues before they were replaced. After leafs and shocks were replaced handling firmed up considerably and and much more "sure footed" these days. Good luck and nice rig! __________________ ========================================== Miles 1972 GMC Suburban K15 - Custom Deluxe



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