Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train Advance design suspensions

Hello all, I was wondering who maes the best springs to replace the worn out ones on old chevys 47-54 series? I don't plan to lower it as I want its stock all around capabilities and not a grader, tho i do love that look. I know patricks and carters have springs, but I was wondering what have you folks used? And how it turned out for.
As stated before i don't plan to either lower it or install a modern front clip, just old style leaf springs hopefully with modern engineering for the betterment of ride quality. It will haul some loads and do some towing as well. Any suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated--yadao

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Thanks,
ybi, northern california

I went through this with my '51 1/2 ton and although I ended up with monoleaf springs from Patrick's, I also considered having my original springs reconditioned. If you want everything to mount to original brackets, maintain ride height, and not lose any load capacity, try finding a local shop. They will be listed under "Springs- Automotive" in the yellow pages. You may not need new ones - in many cases they can re-arch your old spring leaves to restore the original load rating. But if originals are badly rusted or have broken leaves, they can get replacements. Whether this would save any money over new replacements from Carter's, it's hard to say, it would depend on how much you need done, labor etc. But these guys are very good at re-springing everything from big trucks to boat trailers, and if you find the right shop, will work with you to get your truck re-done. Just keep in mind that most of their customers are commercial users who need their vehicles back on the road, so don't expect them to drop everything to do an old truck.

If you can't find anything suitable locally, I have bought new main leafs from Chevy Duty in the past. They list both complete springs and main leafs only. Also all of the other stuff to go along with them. Take a close look at the eyes of the main leafs. If the shackels or main bolts have worn through the bushings and into the spring, get new main leafs.

Jack, re. those springs from Patricks, when truck is under it's normal load are those mono leaf springs relativly flat??? My original leaf springs worked great until I had the re-arch job done now way to much spring!

Yes there probably isn't more than inch or so arch total in the rear springs. That's why they lower the rear of the truck like
3-4"! These things definitely work different than multileaf springs, there really isn't much "give" in that single leaf. It is thick in the center and tapers out thinner on the ends. I have hauled a 600 lb motor and there was hardly any sag at all. I have the monoleafs on the rear only, but a friend put them all around on his '54 truck and says the ride is pretty stiff. You really need some good gas shocks with monoleafs.

I've had my '46 on the road since complete body off resto for 10 years now and only real unsolved problem is FRONT leaf springs. Newly re-arched springs cause bumpsteer, old pooped out front springs were better. All was fine until original springs began bowing in th wrong direction and breaking leaves. Maybe the monoleaf is the answer.