The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Holy *&%$, I broke a monoleaf!

I was turning into a steep entry into the grocery store yesterday and thought I heard a gun go off. When my steering got a little weird, I knew I broke the truck. The Monoleaf sheared off just above the tie rod. Scary stuff, especially when my 4 year old was riding shotgun.

Chuck,That is a great article.

I may take this opportunity to Put IFS under the front end. My back has been bothering me lately and my chiropractor thinks it may be from the truck. (It's my daily driver) I definitely wont be using Monoleafs again. I put this up here for a real world experience. It is a little embarassing that I knew the risks and still chose to use the monoleafs. This is for all the folks who are contiplating those options. Hope this helps some folks with their decision on lowering.

You don't reckon maybe those engineers knew what they were doing when they designed the truck to be a truck, do you.

I fully agree with Cletis about the springs; however, those engineers might have missed something in making seats that are a pain in the a** and in the back (job security for chiropractors).

Get some softer springs and a drop axle to lower the nose if that's what you're after.

As for the back: start putting your wallet in your front pocket. Makes a HUGE difference.

And do a concours-style rebuild on your seat. You'd be surprised how comfy a well-built bench seat can be.

Strip the seat, replace any broken pieces/springs with a donor from a junkyard. Even the little coil springs in the seat back. (Look for any '60s or possibly '70s truck for a donor).
Once the springs are firm again (and they're almost ALL broken on the driver's side front corner), replace the burlap across the spring beds.
BUT, the key, THE KEY, is to replace the little wires running side-to-side that are woven through the burlap. Use piano wire. (That's my tip of the century). It distributes your weight across the entire spring bed.
Then cover with foam. I like a few layers of woven batting from the fabric store. It isn't cheap, but it's comfortable. Use spray adhesive to attach it to the burlap (which is fastened to the springs with hog rings).
Make it a little thicker than stock for the seat bottom. Stock for the seat back is fine.
Cover, and be amazed at the ride quality! I did the rear seat in the '62 Suburban, and it's like riding on the living room couch.
Front seats are in-process now.

-Brad

My comment on the spring artical is that the Chrysler mini vans use a steel monoleaf in the rear. I have always wondered what would happen if one of them failed. I guess the answer is that one end would still be anchored and the rubber bumper would limit the travel of the axle.

I always put my wallet in my front pocket. The seat repair is a great tip. Thanks, Brad.
Thanks for your helpful wisdom too, Cletis.
Wonder why they don't make seats with built in shocks?