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all about leaf springs in our Spring
Tech 101. Download your copy today.
The
49 1/2 ton pickup front used 1.75-inch wide springs and either 8 or 9
leaf. And there was a left and right spring. The 49 rears used a
spring also 1.75-inch wide spring with either an 11 or 12 leaf.
The
1949 3/4 ton pickup front used the same front as the 1/2 ton but the
rears had an 2-inch wide spring with either a 10, 15 or 16 leaf
spring.
Now remember
Pat, this is back when trucks were trucks, so we must keep that in
mind when checking it's current ride quality.
A
Cadillac ride it did not have, but we can get it close, but first we
have to find out where the problem lies.
The way
to narrow the problem done is to 1st start by fully removing the
shocks. Do not just disconnect them and leave them hanging by one end
because we don't want them to get damaged.
Now
take her for a ride. If the ride is the same, then the problem is with
the springs. If the ride is a little better then the problem is both the
springs and the shocks. If the ride is greatly improved, then the
problem was with the shocks.
If it
is the shocks then replacing what is there with a pair made to handle
the weight of the truck will do the job. Many times with older or custom
vehicles shocks are chosen just because they fit. The correct way is to
go with a high quality shock that is designed for the weight of the
vehicle. See This Tech Question.
The same theory talked about in the article applies to all vehicles.
Now if
it turns out to be the springs, you have come to the right place. The
1st thing we would do is to ask how your son wants the truck to sit as
compared to stock height. Then how does he want it to ride. Then we
apply our magic and create springs that will do as he desires.
It is
just that simple. - Mike
