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Broken leaf in leaf springs

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Old 04-24-2010, 03:47 PM
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Broken leaf in leaf springs

I just noticed that one my leaf's broke off. Are there shops that will just repair that one leaf.

I'm not looking forward to buying two sets of leaves and replacing both sides to level out the truck. I can see that be a frustrating battle trying to remove the 19yr old rusted/corroded bolts.
Old 04-24-2010, 03:52 PM
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Any time you break a leaf spring, it's a good idea to replace the set. The reason that they break is that they have been cycled so many times that they have finally fatigued. If you only replace the leaf that broke that one new one will put more pressure on the other old ones and will just cause them to break faster.
Old 04-24-2010, 04:24 PM
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As big of a chore as it is to get them in/out, I would not even consider only replacing the one.

Before you start, EVEN with a shiny new set of leaves, find the write-up that is maybe in our "sticky" that explains how to install the plastic lubricating sheets between all the leaves, thus making the truck ride much better and the springs last much longer.
Old 04-24-2010, 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by BearKiller

Before you start, EVEN with a shiny new set of leaves, find the write-up that is maybe in our "sticky" that explains how to install the plastic lubricating sheets between all the leaves, thus making the truck ride much better and the springs last much longer.
Did you mean the plastic sheets or the "pucks" on the end of each leaf? The ones that Jim spent a lot of time drilling each leaf spring so they can be installed.
Old 04-24-2010, 05:35 PM
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Junkyard and you do the work yourself? BTDT. Front or rear? Main leaf or in between? Generally you're only out a new u-bolt. I've taken them out and have added leaves to sets where previous owners removed them thinking it would help the ride of a 2wd. I keep stacks of leafs from parts trucks just for this. My last job was a front MAIN or top leaf on my 74 W300. It was more than a simple stack breakdown and replace the broken leaf. I sourced a stock set of front springs from a 93 W250 CTD. Replaced the single top leaf in the pack and surprising it still sits level.
Old 04-24-2010, 06:56 PM
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It's on the front and is one of the middle leaves that broke off about 4"s.
Old 04-24-2010, 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by RuralCruiser007
Did you mean the plastic sheets or the "pucks" on the end of each leaf? The ones that Jim spent a lot of time drilling each leaf spring so they can be installed.

I was referring to that high-density ultra-slick plastic like table-saw fences and such are faced with.

I will have to re-read JIM's thread about actually drilling the leaves; I had sort of forgot about that one.
Old 05-28-2010, 03:16 PM
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I'm ready to order the replacement set. I'll do both sides up front.

Napa is the only place so far that can order them, but they show 6 different load ratings for the 6 leaf spring used on the 91w250. He wants the OEM part number off the leaf spring itself. I can't find one.

So, I asked the heaviest spring, and he said it was 2400lbs. My truck on the scale was 7500lbs. So, doesn't that mean that 2400 would barely be enough?

And where should I order the springs from?
Old 05-28-2010, 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by 97catintenn
I'm ready to order the replacement set. I'll do both sides up front.

Napa is the only place so far that can order them, but they show 6 different load ratings for the 6 leaf spring used on the 91w250. He wants the OEM part number off the leaf spring itself. I can't find one.

So, I asked the heaviest spring, and he said it was 2400lbs. My truck on the scale was 7500lbs. So, doesn't that mean that 2400 would barely be enough?

And where should I order the springs from?

I have good luck buying from this guy :

BILL's AUTO SPRING SERVICE

827-833 South 15th Street

Louisville, Kentucky 40210

Ph.# 502-583-3408

Ask for BILL; he has probably forgotten more about springs than most people will ever know.

So far, he has always had what I needed in stock.


Another really good place that I have dealt with, and they even have the capability to custom-build from scratch or re-arch/re-build is :

Louisville Auto Spring

Located corner of 15th and BroadWay

Sorry, I have mis-placed their number; but, they have been there since the beginning of time, so surely a quick googlesearch will find it.
Old 05-28-2010, 05:51 PM
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you can get 2" (or 2.5, i cant remember) Skyjacker springs from summit, jegs or anyplace like that and they will level out the front end. just another option.
Old 05-28-2010, 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by BearKiller
I was referring to that high-density ultra-slick plastic like table-saw fences and such are faced with.

I will have to re-read JIM's thread about actually drilling the leaves; I had sort of forgot about that one.
he replaced those plastic strips with the polyurethane pads at the ends of each spring due to the plastic wearing too quickly. putting him back at square one.
Old 05-28-2010, 08:29 PM
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I've used general spring of kansas city good quality and service with a fair price.
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