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Leaf springs for w150 #3088624
10/23/22 07:34 PM
10/23/22 07:34 PM
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,167
clarks summit pa
73cuda340 Offline OP
super stock
73cuda340  Offline OP
super stock

Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,167
clarks summit pa
I need to replace the rear leaf spring hanger on my 85 w150 and I'm considering just changing out all the leaf springs and hardware while I'm at it. Any recommendations? I'm not looking to lift the truck like most of the 4" lift springs that I've seen, maybe just an extra inch for tire clearance. I was considering ats springs, it looks like they're made in america.


1973 Cuda 528 all aluminum Hemi, 4 speed, 3.23 Sure-Grip, (JA5) Silver Frost Metallic 1973 Challenger Rallye 340 1985 W150 Power Ram prospector 1986 Camaro IROC-Z 305 tpi
Re: Leaf springs for w150 [Re: 73cuda340] #3091927
11/06/22 06:46 AM
11/06/22 06:46 AM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,946
Greenville, PA
redraptor Offline
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redraptor  Offline
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Greenville, PA
The ATS looks good to me. I've only bought leaf springs from the local alignment shops that sold suspension parts too.

Re: Leaf springs for w150 [Re: redraptor] #3094950
11/17/22 12:39 PM
11/17/22 12:39 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,783
Corpus Christi, TX
shanker Offline
master
shanker  Offline
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Corpus Christi, TX
here's my experience based opinion.

relocate the front/rear hangers and get some of the longest springs you can fit under there that give you the spring rate you want in conjunction with the ride height you want. It's possible that could you achieve the lift you want, with no blocks between the spring and the axle, with longer springs than factory and it ride like a modern half ton 4x4 leaf spring truck.

I have 56" two stage, one ton springs under a Ramcharger and the ride is fantastic and leaps and bounds better than stock.

RearHangersSpringsInstalled01.jpg

The Federal Government has not yet learned that you cannot legislate morality 1970 Coronet R/T FF4/FF8/V85/V1G 440/Auto/3.23 1970 Coronet R/T FK5/FK5/V8W/V1W 440/Auto/3.55 1970 Super Bee TX9/TX9/V8W/N96 383/Auto/3.91 1975 Duster 360 VS29L5 Daily Driver
Re: Leaf springs for w150 [Re: shanker] #3095252
11/18/22 03:13 PM
11/18/22 03:13 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19,237
north of coder
moparx Offline
"Butt Crack Bob"
moparx  Offline
"Butt Crack Bob"

Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19,237
north of coder
my understanding of springs is, the short side for handling/traction, with the long side for height/ride.
don't forget the shocks in whatever you decide for springs.
beer

Re: Leaf springs for w150 [Re: moparx] #3095981
11/21/22 11:41 AM
11/21/22 11:41 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,783
Corpus Christi, TX
shanker Offline
master
shanker  Offline
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Posts: 5,783
Corpus Christi, TX
Originally Posted by moparx
my understanding of springs is, the short side for handling/traction, with the long side for height/ride.
don't forget the shocks in whatever you decide for springs.
beer


in car's yes that's true, but the trucks have the axle centered, so it's a tad different hence why I like dual rate (or two stage) leaf springs to get the best of both worlds.

You're dead on with shocks too...in order to have a system that's both comfortable and functional, the shock valving has to be engineered to work with the spring rate.


The Federal Government has not yet learned that you cannot legislate morality 1970 Coronet R/T FF4/FF8/V85/V1G 440/Auto/3.23 1970 Coronet R/T FK5/FK5/V8W/V1W 440/Auto/3.55 1970 Super Bee TX9/TX9/V8W/N96 383/Auto/3.91 1975 Duster 360 VS29L5 Daily Driver
Re: Leaf springs for w150 [Re: shanker] #3100510
12/07/22 07:44 PM
12/07/22 07:44 PM
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 201
Green Bay
Andyvh1959 Offline
enthusiast
Andyvh1959  Offline
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Posts: 201
Green Bay
Interesting. I plan to use my 2001 Fakota as the donor chassis for my 56 C3 pickup. I also plan to splice the 56 rear frame to the 2001 front frame. I'll need to rebuild the rear suspension as my 01 Dak has high miles,so I'll set up the rear suspension as new as possible. That could include longer leaf springs.


My 56 C3-B8 Dakota build
Re: Leaf springs for w150 [Re: Andyvh1959] #3100524
12/07/22 08:55 PM
12/07/22 08:55 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,483
Freeport IL USA
poorboy Offline
I Live Here
poorboy  Offline
I Live Here

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Posts: 10,483
Freeport IL USA
Andy, you might want to put a tape measure across the width of the leaf spring on the back end of that 56.

My original 49 still had the narrow 1 3/4" wide springs (a lot of them). If your going to upgrade the rear springs, buy the frame brackets and go with the wider modern springs, if Dodge still had the narrow springs in 56. Not sure what model year Mopar started using the wider leaf springs.

Re: Leaf springs for w150 [Re: poorboy] #3100537
12/07/22 10:28 PM
12/07/22 10:28 PM
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 201
Green Bay
Andyvh1959 Offline
enthusiast
Andyvh1959  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 201
Green Bay
Good advice as always. I plan to use all new suspension bushings, hangers, shackles etc. I want it all new when my 56 is back on the road.


My 56 C3-B8 Dakota build






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