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Author Topic: To replace or leave the old leaf springs, that is the question.  (Read 6695 times)

Offline WhatWouldSeanDo

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To replace or leave the old leaf springs, that is the question.
« on: September 29, 2010, 04:46:22 pm »
I am new at this old truck thing, so excuse me if this seems like a moronic question.

I have a 77 GMC Stepside I plan to do a static drop on. Probably a 4/5, but I am still researching that a bit. I took a glance at my leaf springs and they seemed rusted, but fairly solid. I am trying to determine if it would be a worthy investment to replace them while I have them off for the flip kit install. Any thoughts?


Sean
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Offline Captkaos

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Re: To replace or leave the old leaf springs, that is the question.
« Reply #1 on: September 29, 2010, 05:39:06 pm »
If it is riding normal and there are no broken springs you would be wasting you money just to get un-rusted springs.
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Offline 1980c10

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Re: To replace or leave the old leaf springs, that is the question.
« Reply #2 on: September 29, 2010, 05:52:27 pm »
X2
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Offline WhatWouldSeanDo

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Re: To replace or leave the old leaf springs, that is the question.
« Reply #3 on: September 29, 2010, 06:27:33 pm »
That's what I thought, just wanted to hear it from people who may know more than I, thanks!

Sean
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Offline 1980c10

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Re: To replace or leave the old leaf springs, that is the question.
« Reply #4 on: September 29, 2010, 07:00:25 pm »
Use the money you save to buy some "spinner" hubcaps.
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Offline fitz

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Re: To replace or leave the old leaf springs, that is the question.
« Reply #5 on: September 29, 2010, 07:54:55 pm »
Spend some time and break down the spring pack,wire wheel the leafs, prime them with some Rustoleum rusty metal primer and paint them semi gloss black. You will have them looking good as new in no time.
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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: To replace or leave the old leaf springs, that is the question.
« Reply #6 on: September 29, 2010, 08:56:15 pm »
Your springs are over 30 years old. Replace them. I did a flip kit on mine and after the first rip I snapped them in half.



http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7334.30
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Offline Grim 82

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Re: To replace or leave the old leaf springs, that is the question.
« Reply #7 on: September 29, 2010, 11:03:05 pm »
^^  +1

I would start with fresh steel if you are going to change any of the stress or geometry of the springs. At the very least you will want new bushings, which are included with new springs, so the cost isn't that much more to do it right.
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Offline N2TRUX

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Re: To replace or leave the old leaf springs, that is the question.
« Reply #8 on: October 10, 2010, 08:19:29 pm »
Quote from: Captkaos on September 29, 2010, 05:39:06 pm
If it is riding normal and there are no broken springs you would be wasting you money just to get un-rusted springs.
I have to agree with Chris here. If they aren't broke, don't fix them till they are. Even though VileZambonie  had the misfortune of breaking his, that's not a really common occurrence.
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