The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Overload Spring "Perches"

On my 1958 1 ton (rear) I have 9 leaf springs and a 6 "overload" springs. I understand this to be standard for my model (3809).

When carrying a load the springs ride against a "perch" connected to the frame. One for the front of the spring and one for the back. It looks like the originals where removed at some point in time and replaced with some welded on angle iron.

Does anybody know what the originals look like? Have any pictures? I've read a lot about people wanting to convert there 3/4 tons to 1/2 tons and removing the overloads... did they remove these "perches" as well? What other years might also work as a replacement?

Thanks.

they're actually only contacted by the aux springs if you're carrying an overload or hit some humungous bumps with a full load - called an "auxillary spring bracket" and shown in the assembly manual [I could scan it if ya don't have that invaluable book ] - the 3809 is not listed as having them tho - it's an L shaped bracket riveted to the frame - if yours had them, they may have gotten cracked

Bill

I've got overload springs on my 1/2 ton. There are brackets and u-bolt the hold the springs to the axel (aka perches) and on the end of the springs there are rubber pieces that contact the frame when it lowers down and contacts the springs when there is a heavy load.

Now that you guys are talking, I'm wondering if I'm missing brackets on my frame?

I have a '59 3200 series Apache. I'd removed the overload springs, then later found I wanted more 'altitude' at the rear due to more weight + trailer. I finally just removed ALL the leaves and slipped the overload springs in between the nearest-sized stock springs. I ended up with the height I wanted without all the grief. I've experienced no 'ride' problems. NOTE: This could result in your having to get longer U-bolts . . . big deal.

Apache Kid,

Interesting solution! I'm not sure my main springs and overload springs have the same curvature though.

I'd like to keep the ride soft... er at least somewhat soft when I'm not carrying a load. I can do this best by only running on the main springs. When I am carrying a load, that's when I want the overload springs to engage and give some extra support.

With the setup I have (or should I say intend to restore it to), the overload springs only engage when carrying a heavy load.

I wonder how hard / bumpy the ride would be with the 8 main springs and 6 overload springs (all 2 1/2" wide) all engaged at once and no load on the back. WEEEEEEE Bouncy Bouncy Bouncy!

I believe my 52 was a "heavy half" from the factory or dealer. I think my frame protectors are made of lead. Never heard of any rubber pc's on the spring ends. After 54 years the spring has worn into the lead about 1/8" Here's a pic.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/377803706/2805825990023244788GtFrcu

The pieces on the end of my overloads are definately aftermarket. WHen I got the truck the PO had bolted pieces of tire to the ends. I had the springs sandblasted and re-arched and picked up some rubber discs that bolt to the ends of the springs from the spring and suspension shop.