Leaf Spring Questions

First technical post, so here goes nothing.
I need to replace the rear leafs on my 98. They're starting to get a bit "W" shaped, and I can easily make the rear end move with just my arms. I'm on a budget, being in college, so I've been trying to find a set of used leafs on craigslist close to me instead of buying new ones. I was looking at generalspringkc.com and noticed that 95-97, 98-00, and 01-04 all have different springs. There are a couple sets of springs I've found near me, but they are for 01+. I looked at the specs on the general spring website and the only difference I could see was that the 01+ spring pack was an extra 1/16" thicker than the 98-00. I was just wondering if that was the only difference and I can swap them onto my truck, or if there's some weird fitment issue that wont let it work.

 

why not buy new?

you don't want someone elses worn out springs and they are not that expensive.

look here: http://www.generalspringkc.com/product_p/90-203hd.htm

$320 for a set of two brand new leaf springs and they add an extra 400 lbs load capacity over stock while not giving any lift at all

 

There are a couple near me that are supposedly low mile take offs that were swapped for lifts, but who knows how legit that is. It doesn't help that I'm a cheap SOB and am splitting $ between the truck and a couple motorcycle projects I have going. I was also considering a used set as something to last me the next couple years until I graduate and have a career to pay for a nice new setup all around. However, just band-aiding it with another set of used springs probably isn't the best plan.
I've looked at the standard and heavy duty options at KC already. The heavy duty would be nice, especially since it seems like at least once every couple of months I'm hauling a motorcycle somewhere.

 

The '95-'97 springs are shorter than all the 1st gen models. '01 springs are the same length as your '98 springs and will fit.

 

Great. Thanks for the info!

 

Depends where you live but figure on new U-Bolts .

After fighting with the first set for about 4 hours I no longer try just cut them off and replace.

Then there is also the fact more then likely you will end up cutting the bolt out of the spring hanger .Have two new ones just in case.

If your truck is in any area where it sees winter chemicals.

 

I've heard getting everything apart is a serious pain. I was planning on buying new U-bolts and hanger bolts/bushings just in case.
Truck has been in Seattle and Central Coast of California it's whole life.

 

Myself just that frustration I would never install used springs.

unless you can look at them still installed and see how they look and handle some weight .

Once there off cleaned up some there is no way to tell until there installed in your truck only to see they are worse then the ones you removed.

Granted that is worse case but I am sure you see my point.

 

Yeah, I see what you're saying. Honestly I was on the fence about it (buying used springs that is) and figured I'd ask, and it gave me an excuse to finally join

 

Let me find a link but the omd or something mod might be helpful to you

 

you "should" be fine then as long as it doesn't look very rusty under there. I doubt you will need to replace anything but the springs themselves. as for the u-bolts, if the threads look clean and unmolested from hitting anything then they are going to come off without much effort and will be reusable.

a quick test is loosen the front nut a few turns and then see if the bolt will turn, if it turns you are going to be ok, if it wont then you will be cutting bolts.

as mentioned, those used springs were taken off for a reason and even if somehow they were "ok", there is no way in hell I would ever do that much hard work and reinstall weak ass oem springs, it just makes no sense to do that. if you are going to risk used springs then find aftermarket "upgrade" springs for it.

the oem springs and the oem exact replacement springs are made very weak and wimpy like car suspension and not "really" designed to haul anything but groceries from the store.

 

Didn't realize the OEMs were that weak. If even the standard KC ones are going to be better than OEM I'll just do that. I'll check out how rusty everything is tomorrow before class. Thanks for the help!

 

Go with general springs HDs and some 5100s in case they take a long time to settle in like mine are. Hauling motorcycles should speed up the process.

 

well the standard general springs (as well as other after market non-upgrade replacements) are going to be set to the same strength as oem (weak) so that's why everyone gets the hd springs or other after markets that specifically say they are upgraded for more load capacity.

its hard to understand what toyota was thinking when they set up the oem suspension to be so weak but I guess they were more worried about a smooth soft ride then hauling anything

 

Good to know.
I've looked into the 5100 swap, was planning on putting that off until I have a bit more spare $ to spend.

 

the first time you load up your bike with those general hd springs you will be so happy you got them and say to yourself, that's how a truck is supposed to act when you put something in it

 

Like I said depending where you live Here in Pa I have never been able to get used U-Bolts off

You name It I tried it

People living Down South are spoiled in this respect

Give me my 30" blizzard and crisp 10 Degree days

 

got mine off with a little bit of heat and an impact

years of coating the underside helps keep things clean where you can't see

 

I still need to check the condition of everything, but I think I'm going to end up pushing this back a little while. Unfortunately I blew the motor on my motorcycle, which is my main mode of transport in town (parking on campus in a car is absurd!!) so I'll probably be sending money there first. My leafs aren't totally shot (seen much better days though!!) so I don't feel too bad about putting it off for a little while. Thanks for all the advice guys!

 

Not 100% related, but it's about suspension so I figured I'd put it on here instead of making a new thread. These 5100s just popped up on Craigslist a couple hours from me. http://ventura.craigslist.org/pts/5448909818.html Just wondering if I can run these with the stock springs, if they can be rebuilt (in case I get them and they're a bit beat or leaky) and if they look decent. I figure at $25 it's really hard to pass these up.