The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Best Place to buy Suspension parts

Hi,

Looking to redo my whole suspension on my 57 3100, and had a few questions. I would be needing shackles (or the parts to rebuild them), spring pins, steering box rebuild kit, pretty much thinking of doing it all.

1). What the best vendor to buy them from, would prefer US made if still available.

2) For the spring pins, is it nessary to change the bushings as well. Ive seen NOS ones from time to time and don't thing they come with bushings.

3) Would you suggest sandblasting all the suspension parts to remove all the rust (springs, rear end, etc)

Thanks!

Unless you can find NOS parts, I doubt you'll find much currently made in the USA. Rock Auto is a good place to start the hunt, although you might have trouble finding parts for the 3100. I've bought some items from the various specialty (old truck) vendors. Mixed results on what you'll receive and some will overcharge you painfully on shipping costs. NAPA will have some parts. You can check them online. O'Reilly's may have some. I wouldn't waste time with Auto Zone...they seem to be focused on other things. Advance Auto Parts...don't know. Haven't tried these folks. If you have an old Chevy dealership where you live, ask them. There is a chance (slim) that they have old parts still in their inventory or warehoused off-site.

For the spring pins, changing bushings is naturally the best route, however check yours first. I've seen some which weren't overly worn and didn't need replacing.

I'm not a fan of sandblasting. Rust can be removed in other ways and unless you're just trying for a brand new look it won't hurt things.

Hi Jon,

Thanks. Would you suggest one any chevy parts vendors. I was just thinking sandblasting, but I guess I could just hit it with a wire wheel (leaf springs and reaend, frame) and just use por15 over it. What other ways would you suggest?

One is not supposed to sandblast springs, could lead to fracture.

Ed

But you could shot blast them, which is used to toughen the surface. Or Bead blasting which uses round glass beads instead of more aggressive media. I really don't think sandblasting would hurt them, but better to be safe.

I've always blasted my springs and have never had a failure...just take them apart, clean them real good, paint and re-assemble.

I always replace the shackle pins/bolts and bushings as well as the center bolts...it's easy to do while you have it apart.

Mike B

The last spring shackle & bushing kits I purchased came from the Truck Shop in Orange, CA. They seemed to be good quality. I believe they all come from the same place. The rubber grease seals don't last long, however.
Fred

Thanks for all the input! @Mike B those springs look great, Looks like a ton of work!

It is a lot of work, but I think it's worth doing. I have a local sandblasting guy that does all of my big heavy stuff. He's very reasonable and normally can do it in within a few days. He did (2) bumpers, (4) rims, the frame and the (54) leaf springs and called me to come get it three days later.

I did the painting...

Mike B