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.

The ATS looks good to me. I've only bought leaf springs from the local alignment shops that sold suspension parts too.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.