Best deal on leaf springs?

ChuckN · May 13, 2023

While getting started on the axle flip kit, I noticed that my bushings are shot. Likely original.

So today I found new bushings at Napa. Then I thought that I’m likely a moron for putting new bushings on 40+ year old springs. They are a little sagged but have no cracks.

Lots of places have the Dorman replacement parts, but the shipping is what kills me. Summit can order them so I can take advantage of free shipping, but won’t be delivered for a couple weeks at least. Any other good outlets out there that I’m not thinking of? Thanks in advance.

75gmck25 · May 14, 2023

I used Energy Suspension poly bushings and got them from RockAuto. Don’t remember the shipping time, but the price was better than Summit.

FYI - The poly bushing kits have a lot of variations because the spring eye sizes vary between models and GVW.

I already installed the fronts , but haven’t figured out how get the rear up up high enough to do it safely. You have to jack up by the frame so the axle can hang down (rear axle has a lot of travel), and the frame is pretty high in the back. I think I will have to build a small platform to elevate my hydraulic jack. Considered using a high lift farm jack, but that’s not very stable.

rusted nuts · May 14, 2023

75gmck25 said:
I used Energy Suspension poly bushings and got them from RockAuto. Don’t remember the shipping time, but the price was better than Summit.

FYI - The poly bushing kits have a lot of variations because the spring eye sizes vary between models and GVW.

I already installed the fronts , but haven’t figured out how get the rear up up high enough to do it safely. You have to jack up by the frame so the axle can hang down (rear axle has a lot of travel), and the frame is pretty high in the back. I think I will have to build a small platform to elevate my hydraulic jack. Considered using a high lift farm jack, but that’s not very stable.

rusted nuts · May 14, 2023

75gmck25 said:
I used Energy Suspension poly bushings and got them from RockAuto. Don’t remember the shipping time, but the price was better than Summit.

FYI - The poly bushing kits have a lot of variations because the spring eye sizes vary between models and GVW.

I already installed the fronts , but haven’t figured out how get the rear up up high enough to do it safely. You have to jack up by the frame so the axle can hang down (rear axle has a lot of travel), and the frame is pretty high in the back. I think I will have to build a small platform to elevate my hydraulic jack. Considered using a high lift farm jack, but that’s not very stable.

If you remove the tires and wheels you don't have to jack it up near as high

ChuckN · May 14, 2023

rusted nuts said:
If you remove the tires and wheels you don't have to jack it up near as high

That’s what I did- I got some taller jacks and put them under the frame forward of the rear axle and behind the front bumper. I jacked up by the rear axle/front crossmember, removed wheels and then lowered down to a much more reasonable height.

rusted nuts · May 14, 2023

ChuckN said:
That’s what I did- I got some taller jacks and put them under the frame forward of the rear axle and behind the front bumper. I jacked up by the rear axle/front crossmember, removed wheels and then lowered down to a much more reasonable height.

Yeah thats helps a lot, What I do is go to local sawmill and get some wooden blocks about 8-10'' x 2' and use that for blocking just make sre You have good level ground or concrete to start with.

1STLS1 · May 14, 2023

I have been told a local spring shop can re arch and rebuild them cost effectively but never tried it.

creich68 · Oct 2, 2023

I bought my replacement rear leafs from General Spring KC. The best deal I could find on rear leafs. Much less than LMC. Shipping was quick and staff was friendly in answering my questions on the phone. They did develop an awful creaking noise shortly after install and cycling the suspension, but some lithium grease sprayed between the leafs seems to have eliminated that so far. Amazing what a difference new bushings/leafs make for the ride. Not nearing as jarring as the originals.

I haven't swapped the fronts yet. After fighting the old rusty hardware on the rears, I've met my spring replacement quote for the year haha.

Best deal on leaf springs?

ChuckN

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75gmck25

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rusted nuts

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rusted nuts

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ChuckN

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rusted nuts

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1STLS1

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creich68

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