my truck has 250,000+ miles on it, just recently, I found one of my rear leafs is broken. I use this truck heavily, mostly hauling. Many long trips out of state. I was planning on putting Air Lift airbags on the rear, but now I have to replace the springs. I'd like to keep the truck for awhile. My question is:

What do I buy? New spring pack for $250 per side vs junkyard spring pak for 75 per side? (junk yard truck only had 79,000mi on it)

IF i go junk yard, should I take the money I saved and and buy air bags(approx $250 for manual fill)

Or should I buy New Heavy duty for $265 per side (a couple extra leafs per pak). it has a higher weight rating and forget about air bags?

Sorry if this is getting long. I'm ready to get back on the road. Thanks.

 

i say junkyard and airbags!

brett

 

You could use the junk yard springs and save money over new and be just fine. You might also go to a local spring shop and just replace the one broken leaf.

 

D2, I thought about replacing just the one leaf, but chances are, another might break, plus with 250K and a history of towing HEAVY stuff, I don't want to chance it with just one new leaf. Here's my math:
150 junk yard springs + 260 air bags = 410
Just new springs are over 500.

Anyone have any suggestions for removal and installing new springs? Thanks

 

Go with the best setup for what you use the truck. Math goes out the window once the check is written. They you're stuck with whatever equipment. Don't let your cheapness cause a bad decision. Will HD be a benefit? Would HD with air bags help? Now is the time to upgrade if it makes sense. You can add the bags later.

 

Junk man, thanks for the Input, I don't usually go the cheap route on anything, because I've learned my lesson and had to go back and RE-repair what was just fixed. ie burned up clutches, transmissions..espically that 5th gear problem, etc.. I hate being stranded.
However, a new truck is in my future and this one will probably semi-retire and just be used to and from town and farm to farm. Thanks, I'll keep it in mind, espically if I am stranded in No-where-ville with broken springs......can I call you if it happens? LOL

 

it's up to you. I would buy new springs from a spring company like atlas. this way if you haul heavy all the time you can tell them you would like a different spring rating. they could make you what you wanted. and if it wasn't enough, add the bags.

 

Yup!!....what he says.

 

FWIW , if you ever drive the truck empty , not towing , you DO NOT want to put in heavier leaf springs , My truck ,at some point in it's life , had two extra leafs added per side , and granted , i think i could load an elephant in the bed of my truck and it would still sit level , it sure is a kidney beater when it is empty.