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Fixing the old truck

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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 52
T
'Bolter
'Bolter
T Offline
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 52
Hi
I'm looking to change my rear springs...
The 1/2 ton springs seem to be much cheaper $169 vs $259. Will the 1/2 ton fit my 3/4 ton?

Don't usually load much in her...just want her to sit level.

Thanks

Carl

Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,262
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,262
In 1950, the 1/2 ton and 1 ton rear springs are different widths.

Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,983
B
Master Gabster
Master Gabster
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What's wrong with the old springs?


~Jim
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 52
T
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 52
My bed isn't level from side to side.
I measured the frame to ground distance...not the same...apparently one of the springs is tired. I looked everything over & couldn't spot anything out of kilter.

My local spring shop told me that they were too old to rearch...they said they could add a leaf but that wasn't the way to fix it & it would be trial & error.

Sounded to me that new springs would be the easiest fix...

My pickup is a 1951.

Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 873
G
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
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Posts: 873
The 1/2 ton springs are also longer than the 3/4 ton.


Steve

'49 3800
'52 3600
'57 3100

Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 513
M
Shop Shark
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Posts: 513
i'd look for another spring shop to rearch, but look at kc spring in kansas city the may sell them, i don't recall


1949 Chevy 3600 Flatbed all orginal
1964 gmc 4000
1973 gmc 6000
2005 chevy duramax 4x4
1994 chevy 1500
Trucks are GM and Tractors are Orange

"I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom." - General George S. Patton
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 7,440
Extreme Gabster
Extreme Gabster
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 7,440
Too old to re-arch? Since when does steel age?

A shop that knows what they are doing can re-arch them.


"It's just a phase. He'll grow out of it." Mama, 1964

1956 Chevy 1/2-ton 3100
1953 Chevy 6100 "The Yard dog"
1954 GMC Suburban Now with a new proud owner.
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 184
3
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
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Posts: 184
Steel doesn't necessarily age, but I do know from my statics classes that steel has an elastic range, a plastic range and a failure point. If the springs were compressed at some point past their plastic range, they could have some strength issues.

Of course the amount of stress on that scenario would need to be pretty enormous - like beyond 36-50 ksi loading at some point.


If it ain't broke, take it apart and figure out why!
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Posts: 9,112
'Bolter
'Bolter
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,112
If the springs, especially the main leaf, have significant rust penetration, their strength will be compromised. Sometimes this damage may be hidden while installed on the truck.


1951 GMC 1 Ton Flatbed -- It is finally on the road and what a great time I have driving it!
1951 1 Ton Completed


My Chevy Master 4 Door is on the Road!
Joined: Oct 2006
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B
Master Gabster
Master Gabster
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I always want to know when I get advice from shops that sell products and service, is their advice tainted by the product they want to sell.


~Jim

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