Stovebolt.com Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun 1950 Front Leaf Springs

This good news!

Yesterday, I ordered front and rear springs for the '47 from the St. Louis Spring Company. The owners are very knowledgeable, very happy to answer questions and make recommendations.

I'd consider replacing the Shackle bushings as well. RockAuto has them, I put the bushings in the freezer overnight and the cleaned up shackle in the oven at 350 for 30m. The bushings slipped in with minimal encouragement.

Did you have trouble removing shackle bushings? I have already replaced rear shackle bushings but seems the front ones are being more difficult. Any suggestions?

What truck are you working on? I've used the method recommended by Pre '68 Dave and it's never failed me. CLICK: Spring Shackle Bushing Replacement [chev235guy.blogspot.com]

I used Pre ‘68 Dave’s method on my spring bushings and it worked perfectly.

Replacing the leaf spring and shackle bushings on my 1T was a real PIA. Its not so much getting the bushing out of the shackle, but more getting the 7/8" stainless pin out from where it has resided for 70 years. Once out, I used a hack saw blade to cut the bushing in half. Dave's method should work as well.

I have a 1953 3600 that I will be updating and converting to 4WD. This will be my 3rd 2WD to 4WD conversion.....but 1st conversion on an advance design truck. I will not be using NAPCO parts. I am considering installing 2" wide 3800 front springs in my 3600 to handle the additional weight of the drivetrain and to better fit the 4WD axle. Is it possible to install the wider and longer 3800 springs on a 3600? Are the 2" shackles and spring hangers available? Are the rear hangers in a different location to accommodate the longer 3800 spring. Or alternately, I could have 2" wide springs made by St. Louis Spring Company to match the length of the 3600 springs. Thanks for the help.