Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


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#482406 06/05/23 09:43 AM
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ABowlin Offline OP
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My leaf springs are flat- giving virtually no spring any longer.
A couple places in town go as early as 1936 for 7-leaf replacements- so long as the length matches, is there any risk from dropping from my original 8 leafs to 7 leaf? Filling Station is incredibly pricey, would love to find a local alternative.

This is for my ‘33 1.5 ton truck

Last edited by ABowlin; 06/05/23 09:43 AM.
Filling Station - Chevrolet & GMC Reproduction Parts


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What is the load capacity of the 7 leaf spring? That is the most important characteristic in your search.

A spring with many thinner leaves will give a softer ride than one with fewer thicker leaves for the same load capacity.

Unless you are planning to use your vehicle as a 1 1/2 ton truck you can probably get by with lower load capacity springs. The trick is finding a set with the correct length and arch that gives the ride height you want.


Rusty

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ABowlin Offline OP
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Thanks Rusty. I do not plan to use my truck to load much of anything. Just a driver. I’ll take it up to the local leaf springs shop and discuss the above with them. It’s noted as a 7 leaf spring for a 1/2 ton truck but does match the length. I’ll be sure to inquire that it will adequate support for the truck.

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I don't have access to the specifications data for '33 trucks. I suggest that you need to check the empty weights of the 1/2 ton truck compared to a 1 1/2 ton.

Whatever spring you use will have that weight difference on it all the time. You might need to have them re-arch the springs or add lift blocks to make the truck "sit" right.


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My parts book lists 8 leaves foe a 1933 1/2 ton trk and 9 for a 1 1/2 ton.


Gene Schneider
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ABowlin Offline OP
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Just recounted. Looks like I have 9 in the rear and 8 up front. Couldn’t tell you how original they are. I also am not sure the weight capacity it should handle - can’t seem to find that in my book. It’s. 131” wheelbase, duals (but I took the outer wheels off).

The local shop has 7 leaf springs for a 36 1/2 ton in stock that match the dimensions of the front.

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Bought mine from EATON Detroit Spring. Fit perfect

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ABowlin Offline OP
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Thanks for the info on Eaton. I’ll check them out. The more I’m looking into it the more I’m finding my springs aren’t consistent wheel-to-wheel. Looks like someone made due over the years.

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I think the 7 leaf spring would be fine on the front of your truck. It could improve the ride a little and would still be capable of carrying a load when necessary.
I had spring work done at K.C. Spring several years ago. At that time they were full service. They could re-arch old springs or make new ones from scratch. Are they still in business?

Mike


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ABowlin Offline OP
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Mike- KC Springs no longer has a furnace running, and only goes back as ‘47. They did connect me with Atlas Springs in Wichita, looks like if I bring my originals in- they can build and match them.

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I had a set of front springs made for my 38 a few years ago, someone here on Chat provided me with the manufacturing specifications and a company in Adelaide Aus were able to replicate those details with the exception of the threaded bushes which I forwarded to them. All up from me posting the bushes to the springs arriving on my doorstep was only 5 weeks, a week earlier than estimated.
Tony


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I would really consider that set of 1/2 ton front springs. The weight on the front springs of your 1-1/2 ton truck should not be much different from a pickup. You should get a softer ride. You could add a spacer to get back to the original ride height.
Too bad about K.C. Spring. Nice folks back when I was there. I hope that is still the same.

Mike


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I agree with Mike. Using those 1/2 ton springs is not going to be the end of the world.

Just make enough measurements now so you can re-establish a similar ride height with the new springs.


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Rusty,
If his current springs are flat, as he described in his original post, he will not be able to get any meaningful information by measuring his ride height. Some original literature could provide this data, but I would anticipate a noticeable improvement in appearance and ride quality with those 1/2 ton springs.

Mike


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ABowlin Offline OP
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For not much more then the 1/2 ton option, I can bring my original springs to Atlas Springs in Wichita and have them build a brand new set. Thinking of going this route instead of taking my chances with the 1/2 tons. Much cheaper than Filling Station.

Last edited by ABowlin; 06/09/23 10:27 PM.

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