The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun 1 ton rear leaf spring choices???

Hi Everybody

I finally got "Howard Knapp" a 1953 Chevy 1 ton I purchased last winter into the spot in the garage where we can work on it...first order is to get it to roll safely. The rear main leaf spring is broken on one side, there is also another set of helper leafs over the top of the main stack.

I wont be loading this thing with a "ton" of weight so I am wondering will a lighter set of springs (maybe 1/2 ton) fit on this truck? without a ton of modifications I am hoping.

Also can I lose the extra set of helper springs without any issues to the handling of the truck???

Any insight would be a wonderful thing.

MikeC

1/2 ton springs won't work.

3/4 ton will.

Shouldn't be any issue with dropping the helpers. I bought a 3800 last year that didn't even have helpers.

Here's the spring specs.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/53134.htm

Try here for new spring packs.

http://thesuspensionking.com/catalo...;osCsid=c65617844b350077e1108cca3fdb7fb6

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=10321

Hi White Dog

I have a friend that works for a locally owned truck spring shop. Would it behoove me to maybe hand over to him the broken leaf and have him build me a new one?? The truck is originally from New Mexico so the rust is not too bad. Just lots of dirt and grit in and around the leafs.

He told me earlier he can build springs from scratch if he has the old to to compare it to.

Also those 2 links you gave me. Are they decent folks to deal with?


MikeC

I haven't ordered anything from either one. I have talked to the Suspension King guys. Seem like a good outfit. They build springs in house, order by order basis.

I have delt with Eaton Detroit Spring and was pleased.

Zenith up in Duluth MN will build a new leaf to mfr spec as well. Decent prices, good service Good luck!