The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Help with leaf spring selection

I have a 50 Chevy PU that I am resto-moding. The truck has its original springs that were de-arched in the mid-90's. I want to stay with a leaf spring system but wondering if I should consider changing out the springs with some new Posies or Chassis Engineering. I want to drop the rear end about 4 inches and go with 20 inch wheels. What is the quality of the aftermarket springs? Are these USA made or China made? Is one better than the other or is there another manufacturer I should consider? Any help would be appreciated.

I plan on getting new springs from these guys http://www.saintlouisspring.com/ I have also heard good things about these guys http://www.benzspring.com/

Thanks, Garandboy for the leads. I just finished dropping the leaf springs and found that the rear hangers that are riveted to the frame are out of round. These hangers hold the shackles which secure the tail end of each leaf spring. I can find new replacement shackles but not the hangers. Did you run across this problem in your case? Any ideas where I might find a replacement hanger?

I had that problem on one hanger but I found a bunch of NOS ones so I'm good for a longgg time. do a post in the parts wanted forum and somebody should have some.

Thanks again. I will do that right now. Hopefully I will find one available. 73scoutcrawler suggested that I weld up the hole and redrill it. Did you ever consider that option?

no, it easier and safer to find a new one and bolt it in with grade 8 bolts.

Try eatonsprings.com for American made springs. They are a GM authorized shop and also give good advice. Lots of good spring info on their site too.

Old Yeller,

Are you sure the forged hanger is worn?
Or is it just the pressed-in threaded bushing?
If so, new bushings come with the new shackles.

regards,

Leon

I'm from st louie and St louis spring has been around for a long time.
used to be able to get them to make springs to your specs for a fair $. Might be worth a call if for no other reason than to discuss options with someone that does this for a living.

I bought a new set from TCI,complete,with new mounts,shocks and shock mounts,and pads to flip the rearend.Just by flipping the rearend you will lower your truck about 3 inches.I am now running 5 leaf springs instead of the original 7 leaves.The truck rides and handles excellent.If I remember right the whole kit cost me around $600.Money well spent.Also my truck is a 1955 2nd series,which came with the rearend mounted below the springs.

You are correct Leon. The worn part was the pressed in bushing which I have now replaced. Thanks for everyone's help with my dilemma.

Were you ever able to fing those hangers? I am in the same position with my 49 3100, I have a great explorer rear end,found some good donor springs, have u-bolts, etc., yet need to figure out the hanger situation. I do not want to buy one of the $500.00 "kits" when all I need from it is the re-designed hangers.