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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: dbusher on February 20, 2014, 01:39:15 pm

Title: 87 Scottsdale Front Leaf Spring question
Post by: dbusher on February 20, 2014, 01:39:15 pm
Front left leaf spring broke. Trying to find a good replacement. Learning alot about how to measure them but am not sure if this one will work : http://www.generalspringkc.com/product_p/22-402hd.htm

From this same site I used measured A-B and it was around 24 in but I am guessing 23 1/2 is probably correct. 
Says nothing about how high the lift is. See pics and let me know if I am way off base
Title: Re: 87 Scottsdale Front Leaf Spring question
Post by: dvdswan on February 20, 2014, 02:00:04 pm
IMO, I would just buy new front springs since they are aftermarket spring lift.  you should get a set pretty close to what you would pay for one to be made.
Title: Re: 87 Scottsdale Front Leaf Spring question
Post by: dbusher on February 20, 2014, 02:05:24 pm
Hi.  Sorry for being ignorant on this topic but isn't that what I have listed in the link. Front Leaf Spring?   
Title: Re: 87 Scottsdale Front Leaf Spring question
Post by: Captkaos on February 20, 2014, 10:00:15 pm
23.5" would be correct for a non lifted truck.  How much on another would be difficult to know.  It is lifted thought as factory springs are almost flat.
Title: Re: 87 Scottsdale Front Leaf Spring question
Post by: bake74 on February 20, 2014, 10:45:40 pm
Hi.  Sorry for being ignorant on this topic but isn't that what I have listed in the link. Front Leaf Spring?

     The link you posted for the spring is listed as a 4 spring pack.  You have a 5 spring pack with what looks to be a helper spring on the very bottom.
     As Capt. and dvdswan mentioned, you have a lift spring.  The spring you posted will not work (it is a stock spring pack, and for a 1 ton truck, your truck at least does not have the front axle of a 1 ton ).  It looks to me that you have a 4" lift.  What kind of shocks are on there ?  Most of the time shocks are put on with the lift unless they have been replaced.  ( like if the shocks say Rancho, then most likely you have a Rancho lift ).  Sometimes even the springs will have a stamp on there with the lift brand, but you will have to clean and search to see if that is the case.
     If you can not find anything that says a brand then the next best option is to take it by a spring shop and see what they say.
     In reality though, depending on how long those springs have been on there, I personally would not replace just 1 spring.  The reason being is your truck is most likely going to lean lower on the old spring side because you replaced 1 spring with a new, tight spring and left 1 old saggy spring on.  Does this make sense ?

      Here's a thread on how to measure your spring pack.  http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7415.msg44150#msg44150
Title: Re: 87 Scottsdale Front Leaf Spring question
Post by: dbusher on February 21, 2014, 05:53:14 pm
good info thanks.  the shocks were spraypainted ! I started looking for a lifted leaf kit and I see skyjacker carries some up to 8+ inches.  I think I can get a pair + bushings for under $500.  I am guessing at the lift height but will use your link to get it.  Thanks.
Title: Re: 87 Scottsdale Front Leaf Spring question
Post by: dvdswan on February 21, 2014, 08:53:22 pm
what size tires are on the truck right now?  if they are 36" I wouldn't go over a 6" lift.
Title: Re: 87 Scottsdale Front Leaf Spring question
Post by: Irish_Alley on February 23, 2014, 12:02:24 am
want to see more pics of the truck. nice mod to the doors
Title: Re: 87 Scottsdale Front Leaf Spring question
Post by: dbusher on February 28, 2014, 02:23:14 pm
here is one.  got a few others coming through. will post of door.    Does this look like a 6" or 8" lift to you?
Title: Re: 87 Scottsdale Front Leaf Spring question
Post by: Irish_Alley on February 28, 2014, 02:40:54 pm
tire size?
Title: Re: 87 Scottsdale Front Leaf Spring question
Post by: dbusher on February 28, 2014, 03:25:46 pm
35x12.50 mickey thompson
Title: Re: 87 Scottsdale Front Leaf Spring question
Post by: Irish_Alley on February 28, 2014, 08:04:19 pm
i would think 8" then.