replacement springs - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Nordic · 11-25-2012, 01:49 PM

I need to replace the stock front springs on my 58 ( 2wd 1/2 ton) . Any and all suggestions on type of spring assemblies and where to purchase would be welcomed. The back bolt wore through the bushing and the hole in the spring is worn out to oval. I could replace just the main leaf but I am not sure if it would just be smarter to replace the whole assembly and know that it is all up to spec.

**mr48chev** · 11-25-2012, 04:24 PM

A local spring shop should be able to make you new main leaves and rebuild the springs if you want to go that way.
one source in CT http://www.superiorspring.net/

LMC shows them for 229.95 ea for a price comparison http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/ca/full.aspx?Page=91

dwcsr · 11-25-2012, 04:25 PM

You could get away with just replacing the leaf. If you replace the entire spring you should do it in pairs.

http://www.eatonsprings.com/ has new springs.

**mr48chev** · 11-25-2012, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwcsr

You could get away with just replacing the leaf. If you replace the entire spring you should do it in pairs.

http://www.eatonsprings.com/ has new springs.

That's another good source for complete springs or main leaves. If you replace the main leaves you should have the springs rebuilt though.

1project2many · 11-25-2012, 10:53 PM

I used to use Ferrara Spring in Western MA when I was down that way. They're probably OK but you might want to call first in case they were affected by the gas explosion. If I remember Springfield right they're several blocks away.

With springs that old you are gambling by just changing the main leaf. There are vast differences in metallurgy between then and now and you my find leaves breaking with a new main leaf that lasted for 54 years with the original. By having the springs built to order you can talk with the seller about using insulating pads, changing leaves, adding arch but reducing leaf count & etc to better tailor the truck's ride to your preferences. Be prepared though. Non-Chinese made springs and spring stock can be quite expensive and you may have to remind yourself the quality is well worth the price.

flyingtim01 · 11-26-2012, 03:08 PM

Mr48chev, funny you should mention Superior Spring. When I was 17, I had a '51 1-ton with a broken right front main leaf. I gave Superior the old spring and they bent up a new one for me. It's because of this experience that I know you should always replace springs in pair. The truck always sat about 2 inches higher on the passenger side after that! Aside from that, I've always been of the school of thought that if one broke, you're probably not that far away from another one breaking. Definitely do them in pairs.

Nordic · 11-26-2012, 06:12 PM

Talked to Superior spring today, they will have a set for me Wednesday.
Thanks!

11-25-2012, 01:49 PM	#1
Nordic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Unionville CT Posts: 168	replacement springs I need to replace the stock front springs on my 58 ( 2wd 1/2 ton) . Any and all suggestions on type of spring assemblies and where to purchase would be welcomed. The back bolt wore through the bushing and the hole in the spring is worn out to oval. I could replace just the main leaf but I am not sure if it would just be smarter to replace the whole assembly and know that it is all up to spec.

11-25-2012, 04:24 PM	#2
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,711	Re: replacement springs A local spring shop should be able to make you new main leaves and rebuild the springs if you want to go that way. one source in CT http://www.superiorspring.net/ LMC shows them for 229.95 ea for a price comparison http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/ca/full.aspx?Page=91 __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

11-25-2012, 04:25 PM	#3
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,131	Re: replacement springs You could get away with just replacing the leaf. If you replace the entire spring you should do it in pairs. http://www.eatonsprings.com/ has new springs.

11-25-2012, 10:53 PM	#5
1project2many Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lakes Region NH Posts: 3,200	Re: replacement springs I used to use Ferrara Spring in Western MA when I was down that way. They're probably OK but you might want to call first in case they were affected by the gas explosion. If I remember Springfield right they're several blocks away. With springs that old you are gambling by just changing the main leaf. There are vast differences in metallurgy between then and now and you my find leaves breaking with a new main leaf that lasted for 54 years with the original. By having the springs built to order you can talk with the seller about using insulating pads, changing leaves, adding arch but reducing leaf count & etc to better tailor the truck's ride to your preferences. Be prepared though. Non-Chinese made springs and spring stock can be quite expensive and you may have to remind yourself the quality is well worth the price. Last edited by 1project2many; 11-25-2012 at 11:01 PM.

11-26-2012, 03:08 PM	#6
flyingtim01 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Clinton, CT Posts: 101	Re: replacement springs Mr48chev, funny you should mention Superior Spring. When I was 17, I had a '51 1-ton with a broken right front main leaf. I gave Superior the old spring and they bent up a new one for me. It's because of this experience that I know you should always replace springs in pair. The truck always sat about 2 inches higher on the passenger side after that! Aside from that, I've always been of the school of thought that if one broke, you're probably not that far away from another one breaking. Definitely do them in pairs. __________________ 1971 Chevy K20 350/SM465/NP205

11-26-2012, 06:12 PM	#7
Nordic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Unionville CT Posts: 168	Re: replacement springs Talked to Superior spring today, they will have a set for me Wednesday. Thanks!



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