Tired coil springs?

[BCS]

So I've put about 10K on this truck. It's bone stock, 180K miles, & have just been taking care of things as they arise (some things have risen & are still waiting..).

The tires were shot when I got it, so I put on a set of 265/75-16's Winterforce w/ out studs I had from another truck. It rode fine, no rubbing. So after sliding down an icy hill, I got a fresh set of Hakkapelitta's, studded. With the road's sporting lots of potholes now, the truck's front end rides like it's had a couple of coils cut off the springs. It takes nothing to hammer the bump stop (I'm pretty sure), especially the left front. I don't have a level place to measure, but just glancing, it the front doesn't seem to be sitting low. Has anyone had to replace the front springs just for wear (not to lift)? I don't want to lift it, stock height is fine. Any recommendation's for a replacement stock height spring? I'm sure it's due for some shocks too, but that wouldn't affect the travel, would it? I'm talking 20-35mph on a frozen dirt road I'm avoiding potholes like they were deer...

 

[XJman]

The dampers could be completely shot. Even if the springs are new if your dampers are blown they won't dampen the ride and you will just bang the spring to the bottom of the suspension travel with little to no resistance.

 

[BCS]

I don't doubt they done even if they aren't totally blown. I'm just wondering what's the expected service life of those stock springs after carrying the 4WD & the Cummins for nearly 200K..

 

[Joe Mc]

Next fuel stop get to a level area and measure from top of the tire to the top of the wheel arch to compare. Sorry, I have 2” leveling inserts on my front so my measurements won’t be a good comparison. Perhaps another member without leveling inserts can give you a better comparison measurement. As far as life expectancy on the springs, there are way to many variables = did it ever have a plow and etc. The springs are rated for the truck so you should get long life. I agree with XJMan = dampers (shocks) for sure will allow more than desirable suspension travel both up and down even if springs are good/bad. May I suggest getting some Bilstiens from Geno’s Garage. I’ve had mine for - WOW, just realized how long = since 2003 and about 135k miles - presently 235k miles - on the same shocks and it still rides great!

 

[JR]

If they are original at 200k they're likely due for replacement. Wether it's your issue or not is questionable, I'd be looking at everything else first including shocks. Truck should sit lower in the front than rear if stock, if it sits level you've got some kind of lift or leveling kit.

What type of wear was on your tires? Irregular wear on the inside or out or choppy wear are all indicators of worn front end components. Park the truck on asphalt or concrete and have a helper turn the wheel back and forth while you look for sloppy steering components. Disconnect the steering stabilizer and check resistance. The harder you push the more resistance should be felt.

 

[XJman]

Age and mileage both kill springs. A 40 no year old vehicle with 20k miles and a year old vehicle with 300k miles may both need springs.

 

[CumminsPuller]

I am beginning to wonder if I have a leveling kit on mine. I am not sure what I would look for? On level ground, standing back it looks pretty level.

 

[Joe Mc]

Typical leveling parts are a spacer on top of the springs bolted to the spring seat.
EXAMPLE:
https://www.hellbentsteel.com/shop/...MIvaro4aKe2QIVmYuzCh3KiAHsEAQYBSABEgLJqfD_BwE

 

[CumminsPuller]

Thanks Joe Mc. The flu hit me yesterday morning. Once well, I will take a look at the situation.

 

[JR]

They could have also put longer coil springs in, if you want I have an OEM set off my 98 i can get a measurement to give you an idea of what they should be.

 

[BCS]

So does anyone know what the spec would be to measure the height of the frame (to the ground) as a way to measure if the springs had in fact compressed for just a static “curb height”?
I haven’t had enough miles to really establish a new tread wear pattern on these tires. But I’ve put on tie rods & know the ball joint have been replaced at some point (or at least I think so as I’ve seen the “Moog” on them).
New shocks sounds like a plan..

 

[diesel DOG]

Why would age affect coil springs? My truck has 185+ rides great. Needs shocks possibly. Will be 4th set I think possible 3rf Bilstein.

 

[XJman]

As the material moves over and over and over it softens and in some extreme use cases can actually move enough to get hot and work hsrden and crack.

Age alone causes corrosion of the metal that affects it's strength and resilience. Believe it or not the finish on a coil spring is a critical tolerance to it's function.

 

[diesel DOG]

So you just told be it's not age like I thought. Thanks.

 

[diesel DOG]

So you just told me age doesn't failure of coil springs.

 

[XJman]

So you just told me age doesn't failure of coil springs.

Sure if you store them in a sealed environment free of moisture. You don't, age matters.

 

[JR]

So you just told me age doesn't failure of coil springs.

I'm sure the weight of a vehicle alone affects the spring rate over the course of several years or decades. How much that is or wether it's quantifiable is above my pay grade.

 

[XJman]

I'm sure the weight of a vehicle alone affects the spring rate over the course of several years or decades. How much that is or wether it's quantifiable is above my pay grade.

Basically that. We are not talking about a spring sitting on a shelf in a temperature controlled warehouse.

It is sitting in ever changing temperature and humidity with weight loaded on it. Just sitting there it eventually goes. Springs are typically peened and coated to make a certain hardness and prevent cracking. As a spring sits outside in the weather just with time the surface gets damaged altering the rate and longevity of the spring.

 

[diesel DOG]

Mine have been covered in paint with no rust in New York since 2001 no bags.

 

[BCS]

I appreciate everyone’s input on this. I think like most components, the springs have an expected service life given how many work cycles they are put through along with environment. Sure, some will last longer, some not. Seems to me these front coil springs are called do a lot w/ the weight of the Cummins and all the more so w/ 4wd, plow, etc..