Just to put my 2 cents in, I'm in the process of replacing the front springs on my '46 half ton. I had cracked leaves, so I was lucky to find the issue when doing an inspection rather than on the side of the road.
There are a lot of alternatives out there, and I am sometimes suspicious of the knowledge of the people I've spoken with dealing with some vendors. A lot of people seem to be selling generic springs (and other parts) for timespans of vehicles, like '36 to '46 1/2 ton. The spring rates on those years are not the same - those springs are not interchangeable. I am also concerned with substandard outsourced parts. I have had poor luck with some offshore parts in the past - if I can, I prefer to but American. As I understand it, the problem with many replacement springs is that they are not necessarily the same as the OEM in terms of how they flex under load. After looking at a lot of alternatives for springs, I decided to pay more for American quality from OEM patterns, American labor - I'm good with getting what are essentially OEM 1946 springs, except that the steel is probably better quality. I also feel good about spending my money with a Detroit vendor. Your mileage may vary...
David thanks for the input. My springs appear to be in good (unbroken) shape. Still getting the last bits of grease, dirt and rust off of them but the edges do not show any cracks. I do hope to use the originals. Fingers crossed.
