The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Worn leaf spring eye

I was in the process of installing the new bushings into the rear leaf springs (1946 Chev 1/2T) and found that one eye had been worn to the point that the bushing fell right through. Is there any fix for this, short of replacing the leaf? Can I find a replacement leaf with out buying an entire spring (8 leaves), and where?

Bob

A spring shop will make just the main leaf if that is all you need.
Ter

I did order a new leaf. It is the long leaf on the left rear. Eaton seemed to think that I should replace the same leaf on both sides or it would make a very noticible difference in the overall suspension. Does ant one on the forum have a feel for this? Was Eaton primarily concerned about any liability if I was disatisfied? It is only one new leaf in a stack of 8, and the truck is not intended to ever carry a load. Eaton also felt that the one new leaf could cause onr of the others to crack.

I would replace the other side without question as they suggest. The truck will not be level if you just do one side. Don

it can make a difference - listen to the pros, their only concern is your satisfaction, they have no 'liability' for your work ... go cheap and walk home

Bill

I had my spring guy tighten up the eye and install the bushing. He has machines to do that. I said to him after, "so I guess you heated it up to bend it". he said no, that would ruin the spring.

Absolutely replace both main leaves, as they cannot possibly match the years of wear on one leaf! And everything should be level.

Thanks to all who replied. I kind of had that stuck in thye back of my mind, just hoped that there was a way to avoid the added expense. And I already had the bushings pressed into the other leaf - another lessoned learned.

Bob