The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop mono leaf springs

Thinking about installing a set of single leaf springs from Patricks, on the front of my 51,3100,Has anyone tried it on their own truck? pros and cons, thanks old navy 51.................

I've got 'em on my '48. The originals were cracked at the eyes, and new ones would have cost almost as much as the monoleafs. Plus I was lowering the truck a couple of inches anyway, so I bought the springs. The ride nicely and look good.

[img]http://www.utdallas.edu/~pauls/trucks/images/right_side.jpg[/img]

Thanks for your reply, your truck sits nice,thats what I'm looking for also. old navy............

Changing the springs also should be done alongside other upgrades.
You should consider getting rear lowering blocks to match the lower front height, as the alignment caster angle will be off spec and you will have a hard time with curves and road wander. I got mine from Jim Carter, which are cheap and easy to install and preserve your load capacity.
I use the original shims that go between the front axle and springs and it's turning easy at city and freeway speeds.
You also have to get the shorter gas shocks with the monoleafs for them to work properly.
Good time to check for cracks in the shock mount brackets and to replace all the cab mount rubber.
CPP has nice reinforced replacement shock mount brackets and also carries the monos and gas shocks.
This is also the time to replace the tie rod ends with the modern type which allows for wider radials. Get a reinforced tie rod and drag link repair kit.
Roller wheel bearings would be a nice upgrade as well.

I just did all that last month and it feels like heaven now.
These trucks were so well engineered, if you get it all right it's like floating on a cloud.

This is before installing the rear lowering blocks. The stock shocks are a bit too long with the front monoleafs, they work but don't have much depression left. The truck handles much nicer.

[img]http://www.angelswest.com/_borders/treetruck500.jpg[/img]

Thanks for the feedback.With the front springs I will also get the shorter shocks and the rear lowering blocks,Also looked at new tie rod kit from CCP, the one inch diameter tie rod,I just finished installing a saginaw 4spd and ten bolt rear from a 1985 blazer,and duel master cyl and new brakes all around ,I also have a 1954 ,235 in it,the truck is really fun to drive now.I think the suspension improvements will really make it great. Thanks for all your help. OLD NAVY 51......