The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk leaf spring

Hey Bolters, While trying to change out the shackle and leaf spring bushings on my '53 Chevy I removed the passenger side leaf spring, the leaves on this spring were misaligned and now I know why. The pin that runs through the center of the leaves is broken. Does this mean I need a new leaf spring?, and if so would I need to replace both? This is on the front. Thanks.

There is no way we can safely advise, without knowing more about the spring sets.

I think I'd try a new center bolt through the leaves and install the spring to see if the two sides are even. When in doubt, replace.

That is assuming that the shackles/bolts/bushings are good and the pivot/eye bolts/bushings are good?

Here is information on parts costs.

Both front springs on my 54 are misaligned but it looks almost by design as each side looks the same. The rears are all aligned. Does anyone know if I should be concerned?

Thanks tclederman!

Take the springs apart and look for wear between the leafs. If they are worn you will see uneven areas that look like steps. This happens from slamming against each other from being loose for an extended period of time. If they show wear, I would replace them.

Related question, so I thought I would pin it to this thread. The bolts in the center of the leaf spring shackle plates are bent. Must occur when the truck had bottomed out completely?

Should I try and replace these bolts or just leave them? Will that be difficult? I presume I could just clamp the plates in their current location and install a new bolt. Photo below:

Bent shackle bolt

I have seen that bolt bent before. I can't figure out what bent it. They are easy to straiten without heat. Seems to be low grade steel. I probably should have replaced it, but I enjoy fixing stuff. Drove many long distance trips (1,000 miles), and some rough roads without any issues.

The bent shackle bolt is no big deal, either replace it or straighten it out. Its a soft grade bolt. The shackle pins have a taper end tend to hold them self in place, but a small clamp wouldn't hurt for a safety if you plan on removing the bolt. You should jack up the frame a bit to relieve the spring pressure for safety as well. On my '37, the shackle pins are threaded in to the spring bushings, so if you try to remove yours for cleaning or inspection, try to unscrew them.

Center bolts can be bought at any trailer supply house or spring shop, I have used allen heads before with no trouble. The center bolt is only there for alignment of the leafs. Its a soft bolt and serves no real strength to the suspension. It does locate the spring to the axle so it needs a round stud like head (allen head). Using c-clamps is a good way to replace them, the leafs are not going to fly across the yard if you let them loose. The spring clamps out towards the ends of the pack will hold most of the leafs in place. If you wish to undo the hole pack for cleaning and inspection, you will need to bend the clamp ears back to work the leafs out. These clamps can also be replaced with hardware store bought steel flat stock and a heavy duty rivet or counter sunk screw. Replace the u-bolts if removing the leaf springs, they are a stretch type bolt and will keep stretching if you keep tightening them, new ones are cheap and good insurance. These are what hold everything together.


Joe