Leaf Springs

[BPVan]

I tried searching through here on the subject and came up a bit empty. Long story as short as I can make it: I am preparing to deal with what Pat calls my "tip over". The PO pulled 2 out of the 5 leafs out of my front leafs as a poor mans "drop". I am getting new shackle bushings and shocks but the leafs are concerning me.

In doing some research I am debating 3 options: Taking the existing springs in to re-arched and add two leafs, obtain front leaf springs off a donor, or have new leafs made. I have also seen a couple of forums on using a press to re-arch but my understanding is that doing them cold does not product long term results.

The van forums say stick with the originals however Gitts in Auburn is the only local spring shop I can find and its only $40 cheaper to add leafs than it is to replace the entire 5 leaf spring.

Other things I am considering is powder coating and spring liners.

[doghows]

Brian, powdering the leafs is a good option, but remember that the leaf move back and forth on each other and will rub off some of the coating. (unless you have those Teflon pads in between each one) And of course I would be happy to do them for you. Best if they are taken apart so I can do each spring separately.
That is my opinion on the powdering part. As far as the leafs themselves I am all in favor of putting back what was there to start with. Does any one sell a lowered leaf pack for the vans???

[pbrown]

Bag it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrT3_rnabls

[pbrown]

http://www.ridetech.com/store/airoverleaf/

[BPVan]

Wow Pat, cheaper than new springs:cool: I wasn't too interested in keeping the lowered look as I would rather prefer a smooth ride.

Steve - I agree and I plan on putting some liners in-between the springs.

Now, where to put the compressor....

[pbrown]

Now, where to put the compressor....

Yeah I know. Space in those vans is tight. ;)

[Luva65wagon]

So the spring shop on Leary and 15th is no more? Craig's I think it was called? I just Googled and that says they're there on 1535 NW Leary Way. 784-0072

[BPVan]

Roger -

I tried calling them this week, the number was disconnected.

[Luva65wagon]

Another one bites the dust,
Another one bites the dust-a
Another one bites the dust- hey,a,a.....a

Bummer. I was just thinking I might want to go see them.

[cmefly]

I have actually used Gitts years ago and there service was great.

[redfalken]

Another one bites the dust,
Another one bites the dust-a
Another one bites the dust- hey,a,a.....a

Bummer. I was just thinking I might want to go see them.

There may be a reason they're gone. I've heard several people bad mouth them over the last 20 years. No personal experience though.

I would opt to pay a little extra and get some good quality new springs. And all the other usual new stuff like bushing and u-bolts. I put a new set in (JC Whitney I believe) about 10 years ago and they still in great shape.

[64racer]

I had a set made for my 64 years ago at Benz Spring in Seattle. They are on S. forest st. I also had some spring work done at aalbu brothers in Everett.

[SmithKid]

I also have used Aalbu Bros. in Everett. This was quite a few years ago, but I was satisfied with their work (I added a leaf).

[BPVan]

All right Pat, I set the van up at the ride height I want and took some measurements. It looks like the coil height will be about 7" at ride height but can go below 3" to over 10". According to their documentation I'll need to use a F6908 Double Convoluted under frame mount. Thoughts?

http://www.rainierfalcons.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=8&pictureid=60

http://www.rainierfalcons.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=8&pictureid=61

[pbrown]

That seems right to me. Is the spring inline with the frame rails? No offset?

[BPVan]

No offset, they sit directly below them. The rear shackles bolt right to the frame.

[pbrown]

Are you going to do the rear at the same time?

[BPVan]

I was not planning on doing the rear, that seems to be fine as is.