leaf springs for a 91

[DThibault]

I have a 91 W350 single reqr wheel and the springs are shot. Even when it came from the factory it never had that large block in the rear and the back of the truck was always lower than the front. About 6 months ago I remember a thread about springs and they just had ones with more arch and no block and it gave more travel and softer ride. I did a search and no luck. ANyone that can shed some ligaht on this or dig up the old thread can save me so time. Where did the springs come from and how much arch is in them. I have snowplow and the tires will rub the fenderwheel on the corners. Thanks Dave

 

[DThibault]

1st gen springs

I rememer mmore about the thread. The guy had two first gen trucks one red and one blue both two tone and one was on a trailer being pulled by the other. The tow vehicle was the one with the springs kit and it looked great. Thanks again.

 

[Hunter4x4]

Dave -



Can't help you on the thread but I can share my experience. I re-sprung my '91 last summer right after I got it. I'm in the Detroit area and there are several reputable spring shops around here.



I started with a replacement set of springs, had them re-arched 2" and a leaf added, and they sit perfect for my 33x11. 50 (really 285R75-16!) BFGs. The ride is 'firm', but very managable most the time. A real bad road will still pound you somewhwat. You gotta remember a leaf-sprung truck is never going to ride like one of the newer coil-sprun Gen-IIs or IIIs!!! (I replaced the old shocks -prior to the spring upgrade- with gas-charged shocks, too. Big ride quality improvement just in that alone!)



If you go to a spring shop just check 'em out with previous customers before letting mess with your truck. And I also did the spring install myself - I just let the spring shop build the springs. After working with Dana 30's, 35's and 44's for years on my Jeeps those big Dana's are son-of-a-guns to play with!!!!!



Good luck!



Mike

 

[bgilbert]

Dave you're thinking of Marty1's trucks. The blue one he said he just had it rearched, I think. You can have them rearched, as Mike said, investigate the spring shop, see if you can go in and watch or look at customers rides, some shops will have pics of customers rigs. As Alan, Payck said it takes a older experienced shop to do the rearch the 'right' way, if you want it to lasts, it takes more than just adding a leaf. I had my fronts rearched in my 89. Added 6"blocks to the rear saggers.

Or you can search for Skyjacker lift springs. Make soft ride systems, where u eliminate the rear block and supposed to make ride softer. If you use your truck to work, haul heavy loads, I don't think the skyjackers have the weight capacity as stockers.

 

[BCook1]

Soft ride springs

I put syjacker 6" springs in the back of my 92 and took out the factory 6" blocks. I put 2. 5" skyjacker springs in the front. After the sag in period, the truck sits perfectly level at about 1" over stock height. The ride is much better and the cargo carrying ability is not lowered unless you haul REALLY heavy. The stock front shaft will fit after the springs sag in. This is one of the best things you can do to your truck. Springs and bushings cost about $800 plus install. If the truck leans to the drivers side, swap the front springs side for side to even it out. You will be able to clear a slightly larger tire (wider and taller). I will email you pictures of my truck if you want to see the result. -- email address removed --

 

[MMiller]

I have the skyjacker 2. 5" on the front and have run 33X12. 5 BFG Mts. Ride improved greatly. I have wheeled the truck and only once in a while with the locker locked and completely flexed up did the tires hit, while turning. I have been running a 300# front bumper the whole time too. Don't know what would happen with the plow though.



The rears, I would eventually like to install the skyjackers and eliminate the huge rear blocks. I do already have air bags+the kelderman air ride. I installed the air bags with the lift in the front to keep the headlights out of the trees when loaded. I tow heavy though too.



I have never regretted the new front springs, would do it again in a heartbeat. Don't get the skyjacker shocks though. Mine showed up a week after the springs. Ride was great then I put the shocks on a the ride stiffened up a BUNCH. I run adjustable ranchos now. Like em except laying under the truck adjusting them every time I hook/unhook from the trailer. Gonna get some bilsteins next time.



Michael