The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline beefier springs for a 51 ad chevy

My truck has the standard 8 leafs on the rear.I noticed since I got it that it tends to sway like a boat on corners. I put all new shocks in it but it still sways with very little effort. Today I loaded 6 80lb bags of concrete in the back of my truck and it inverted the springs. That's 480 lbs.The bed is made of wood that probably weighs about 300 lbs total. My springs are way too wimpy for my needs. How can I beef them up? I've been told that helper springs is the way to go but I have no idea how to go about this. Anyone got any ideas what I should do to give me a better load capacity?
I don't plan on loading up concrete on a regular basis but I'm a carpenter and this truck is intended as a work truck,so I will need to carry materials from time to time.---Jack

New leafs, heavier leafs, helper springs, air bags. Check with a spring shop. They should be able to fix you up.

If you look for CPP sway bars, check eBay. I bought mine directly from them on eBay and saved some bucks!

When I need something, I go shopping online for the best price. Apparently CPP offers deals on eBay, because they were cheaper there than on their own site, but you can always buy from their online catalog if you want. I also got the CPP brake booster from Summit Racing at a better price than CPP offers on their own site.

Thanks for all the info. I'm sure it is just a matter of worn out sagging springs.I saw their site and I'm going to get together the cash to do this. Meanwhile I think I'll do a little bargain shopping.---Jack

I notice CPP also sells leaf springs and they are cheaper than Eatons by over $200. ---Jack

Eaton Detroit Spring sets the standard for replacement springs, working from OE blueprints, keep your $$$ in the US instead of buying Chinese springs made from US scrap metal

Bill

Who says CPP has Chinese products? Ever see a Chinese label on their parts? I haven't! I have seen good quality in their parts though. They are huge in suspension components, and many of the other big name vendors sell their parts.

Actually I'm not interested in their politics.I just want to know if the product is any good.I know that some body parts made in China don't fit like they should.Is that the case with these springs?

St. Louis Spring also has a good product, made in St. Louis, and good prices.
Samantha

Samantha-just placed my order with them. Great prices.Thanks---Jack

Jack - I'm glad they were able to take care of you. Was it still about $125 a spring (plus shipping)?
Samantha

Jack,

When you receive the springs, would please post a photo of a "clip" that holds the end of a leaf to the leaf above it.

There is a modern clip that is a metal band around a piece of rubber. The original clip is a thicker piece of metal, with no rubber.

Both work well.

I will do that.---Jack

They're asking $159 plus for rears for a 51. Great price in my book.---Jack

The clips are heavy metal with no rubber.---Jack spring clip