The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Need new springs for 1952 1/2 ton

I am shopping for new front springs for my 1952 1/2 ton panel truck. I have a V8 and automatic transmission in it, so I would prefer heavy duty springs. I looked at the prices at several of the vendors sites that are on the Stovebolt list and found the prices vary drastically, from $140 to $260 each. However, no one shows specifications so I am not sure a higher price means it has a greater load capacity. I would appreciate advice.

I recently bought a set of springs for my '51 Suburban from SDTrucksprings.com. I was very pleased with the quality, service, price and fast shipping. They claim the springs meet OEM specs. They were marked made in the USA.

Here is a link:

SDtrucksprings.com

If I were you I would get all four springs. I put the front two on and made a test drive, then put the rear two on and a test drive. Major improvement in drivability with two and then with four.

Kurt

Thank you for your help. I did order the rear springs from LMC. I do not plan to carry any cargo in the back. I am more concerned about the capacity of the front springs because of the extra weight of the V8 engine and 350 turbo tranny. I am also having a negative caster problem now and I'm hoping to solve this problem with 2 degree caster shims and new springs. I want to make sure I don't get excessive spring sagging in the front. LMC wants $260 for each front spring, which is a lot more than other vendors, but I don't know if the capacity is more. The original Chevy springs specs say "Load in pounds at opening height is 810 to 890 at 1/2" and "Capacity at ground is 1000 pounds". I am not sure what this means. The SD springs specs say their capacity is 850 pounds. I don't know how this relates to the Chevy specs. The specs I am referring to are at http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/52129.html

You could always buy the SD springs and then take them to your local truck spring and alignment shop. They would be most pleased to add a leaf for you. I'm pretty sure that would offset the increased load of the V8 and tranny.

Let them know by how much you would like to increase the capacity.

What is the difference in weight of the 6 cylinder and V8, by the way?

Kurt

The weight of the original 216 engine, clutch and transmission was 632 pounds.
re: http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/52139.html

The weight of my 305 V8 and Turbo 350 turbo transmission is 700 pounds. I thought the difference would be greater.

That truck also came with the four speed, and I believe the hydramatic tranny, either of which with the 6cylinder would get real close to your V8 combo weight.

Doesn't sound like enough extra weight to worry about.

I think the idea of new springs is a good one anyway. It made a world of difference in the drivability of my burb.

Kurt

Kurt, Today I got the springs for the front of my Panel Truck from SD Springs as you suggested and I am very happy with them. I also like that they were made in the USA. Thank you for your help. Harry

Good deal harry, glad to help. Let us know how she rides after you put on the new springs.

Kurt

The 3/4 ton and the half ton used the same springs- I do not believe the slight difference in weight for the v-8 drivetrain
would make a difference

If you have a local spring shop by you go there,no shipping and you can talk to and show them what you want,to much .com stuff. Much of what we need for our trucks can be had locally and it supports jobs and businesses in the area we live in.


Pete