[jamn50]

I want to order new front leaf springs. How can I tell if what I have now are stock or lowered? I want it to be the same height as I have now. There is no arch in them,straight across. Running 283 small block. Can't find a measurement on stock set-up.

[packratwrecker]

I'd bet they are stock springs. The ones in my 51 were pretty near flat. Of course, after 50 years of sitting on them, they will be sagged some.

Chances are, new stockers will make it sit at least a little higher.

And, sorry, I don't have the measurements anymore.

[willys36@aol.com]

Why do you want to get new ones? If they are just sagged but otherwise in good shape, you can take them to a spring shop and have them re-arched then have them powder coated, all probably less expensive than new springs alone. Better than new 'cause powder coating acts like the slick Teflon liners but doesn't squeeze out.

[jamn50]

Originally Posted by willys36@aol.com

Why do you want to get new ones? If they are just sagged but otherwise in good shape, you can take them to a spring shop and have them re-arched then have them powder coated, all probably less expensive than new springs alone. Better than new 'cause powder coating acts like the slick Teflon liners but doesn't squeeze out.

It rides a little rough.Some of the spring places say they can soften the ride. Don't know if this is a lot of hype. New shocks didn't help much. Thanks for the reply.

[willys36@aol.com]

The way to soften the ride in those old trucks that were designed with 4.11 gears for driving slow with big loads over plowed fields is simple. Just have them re-arched and take out 1 or 2 of the shortest leaves in the stack. It is the short leaves that give the stiff ride and the long leaves that hold up the load but left alone give a softer ride. I would still stick with the stock spring and experiment. May need to toss two short leaves and add one long leaf to get the load carrying, soft ride you want. I kept the full stack of leaves in my front springs but tossed 3 sort leaves in the rear of my pickup. Experiment.