The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Where to get leaf springs

I am putting 4 wheel drive under my 38 GMC, the rear springs and axle are easy to take care of. My problem is the front leaf spring, I need 2 inch wide leaf spring approximately 37 inch long. The truck is in idaho and I am in arizona for another month so I can't get an exact length. I know I have to modify the spring mounts but I would like to keep the mounts about the same place.

Does anybody know where I can find some spring new, used price is also a factor

TheShoer - I think Eaton Detroit Spring is probably the most widely known source for new replacement springs for our old trucks. There are other suppliers, but not sure how much luck you will have with something not original specification for your truck. I believe they will make springs to order based on your needs, but you will need to contact them and provide details on your project plans and dimensions. Aside for the length and width dimensions (also load range expected), you will need to know or figure out the arch height of your springs. You obviously are going to need extra clearance for a front wheel drive axle in place if the original steering axle and perhaps extra load capacity depending on your powerplant/transmission choice.

Others will chime in soon, but I think this may give you a starting point.

You will need a decent number of measurements/calculations to get the right spring for your setup.

I took my weights and measurements to Boise Spring Works when I was looking at doing the same thing on my 58. They helped figure out what I needed in terms of spring design, but also talked me out of doing the project.

Depending on how often you pass through this area, it might be worth giving them a call or stopping by.

Why did they talk you out of it, did they give you any kind of price

Gitt Spring in Auburn Washington, will do any type of spring work; including custom stuff. Great shop!

FWIW, here's the front spring specs for 38 Chevy trucks (and cars.) I don't know if GMC's are the same but it's worth checking.

Have done business with Benz Springs in Salem, Oregon
No complaints!


https://benzspring.com/

To make the front axle fit while keeping reasonable suspension travel, I was going to end up with a ~3.5" lift. I already had new rims/tires that would have looked comically small with a lift like that.

I opted to stick with 2WD on this build rather than drop a bunch more money on taller rims/tires. I had a long term plan to build my 59 on a GMT800 AWD chassis, so I decided I didn't need the 58 to be 4WD too.

I don't know if the stock axle on your 38 is a drop like the 58 has or not. If it is (and I suspect it is), you will end up with a similar decision to make.

Edit: It was fall 2023 and they quoted me ~$350 each. At the time it was more than stock, off-the-shelf springs, but less than the lowering springs that I was also considering.

I ordered four custom made springs for my '37 from Eaton Detroit Spring, with shipping it was around $500 per corner including hardware. You will need a whole bunch of measurements, weights, new spring hangers, shackles, bolts, etc...... Not sure about the GMC, but the Chevrolets have a cast front shackle holder in the front. What about steering, the stock gear box won't like the 4wd or a lift kit.

Shoer, I'm in AZ. Not really relevant I guess. Anyway I did a 1956 GMC Carryall. Converted to 4X4 . 454 BBC, TH350, power steering. If all you want is a good place to buy spings, I will let others help. If you have never done this type of conversion before there is a whole lot to talk about. So you better at least email me.

I have already modified the steering, toyota power steering

I have already modified the steering changed the engine trans and rear end. I have a matching front and rear end new trans and transfer. I have springs for the rear end and frome the numbers I have very little mod to them to make the rear work. I have to fabricate mounts for the new trans and transfer. Also have to fabricate shock mounts front and rear. I have the hydrolic clutch figured out. I am also going to narrow/shorten the front axel about 4 inches have to do some accurate number for that still. I have measured and compared other parts and everything is basically the same. The only thing I am having problems with are the front springs. I have been planning this for a while and gathering parts. I have done 1 4x4 swap to a newer truck but nothing this old

Why change to a two wide spring? The '37 - '38 front 1 3/4" springs were made for a lot of weight, thats why I went to Eaton for custom springs to soften the ride. Any way to adapt old rear springs to the front so you keep the corret width?

Just asking, and curious.

Joe

Well after posting this question and reading the responses for now I think I might just keep the front spring, still have to shorten the width of the front axel. I think I am going to have to think about the rear spring now that you said that there are a bunch of overload spring on the rear. Since I do not have access to the truck or axels right now to compare stuff, you might have saved me some issues thanks