The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Front Truck Springs

My 41 Chevy 1/2 ton is listing to the left like a drunken sailor ( yes I'm a former Marine). Question: Will the front springs from a 40 Chevy Truck fit a 41-46 Truck? Thanks

Looks like '39-'46 1/2 ton have the same part number, Goat. Click here, see part number 599316
So, I would say yes.

Thanks Steve

To one Old Goat (from another),
I've got a '41 GMC that did the same thing. My observation is that the driver's side has the steering box located above the springs and the seeping, leaking oil/grease from the steering box lubricates the spring leaves better than the passenger side. The result is that the spring sees more of a load because of less friction and tends to sag over time.
My fix is to re-arch the springs. I do my own arching, but a truck spring shop can do it very cheaply. You might even be able to switch leaves between left and right springs...in other words, make your spring stacks a combination of every other leaf from the opposite side.
That wouldn't cost you anything and you could clean your springs up real good in the process.
Just my two cents worth.
Jim

Re- arching front springs on a 41-46 1/2t probably won't do much good since the springs have very little arch in them to begin with...clean up your springs, made sure the shackles were good, and install spring liners between the leaves. If you have lever shocks you might also check them for worn or slipped mounting bushings.

Steve,
I beg to differ with you. Re-arching does work. I've done it many times. If you take the springs from the truck, you will see that they are indeed arched when the wieght is off of them. Due to the nature of high carbon steel, re-arched springs are stronger than new ones...the arch will not collapse. Take each spring...left and right...apart. Arch the collapsed spring to match the same curve as the good spring. Check each leaf. Usually, the top two are the only ones you need to worry with. I've arched many with hand tools for off-road guys who were gonna spend a fortune for lift kits. Of course, if you want to spend a lot of money, there's a lot of people who will line up to take it from you. Shocks do not support the weight of the truck and, unless they are mangled, will not affect the stance of the truck. Just trying to save you some money. If you want to know how to do it, send me PM. Jim

I appreciate the time you guys take to share your knowledge. Just a follow up question. If I were to replace the springs, what else also usually needs to be replaced?

Jim, would you share your method of 'arching' springs with the rest of us 'stovebolter' I would certainly be interested.

I'm not Chetman but I have re-arched springs by taking them apart and using a hammer and supporting the spring leaf about 10 or 12 inches apart pound on the leaf until it is the proper arch. Takes a bit of patience and your ears will ring but it works and won't cost you anything except maybe a new center bolt

Re arched mine using a hydralic press and bending a little at a time.Was suprised how easy it was and how well it worked.I had new main leafs that i purchsed from St. Louis spring to match to.Burl.