Wondering if several of you could measure the distance on the rear springs between the center bolts down by the rear axel and post here? It seems the PO welded on brackets somewhat haphazardly and I want to double-check the measurement. Thank you in advance, Haasman
I'd be glad to help, but I'm not real clear on which dimension you're seeking. I have a half ton pick-up with factory rear springs, but I'm using a mid-1980's S-10 rear axle. If I can be of assistance, please spell out exactly what you need in itty bitty words I can understand. If I understand correctly, you need the width of the leaf springs down at the axle level... is that correct? If so, I can help with that. My axle is mounted, so I can provide the with at the inside and outside of the springs, then we could figure out the center point from there. I believe the springs are 1 3/4" wide, if memory serves. Damon
I never go by what a book says or what another truck has. I like there to be no binding of the springs so when the U-bolts are off I raise it by the frame and let the springs hang free. Measure between the center bolts of the springs and this is your bind free position. If the front eye bushings and rear shackles are worn badly the springs will push from side to side quite a bit and this needs correcting for a good measurement.
Evan, I've replaced all of the bushings in my springs. So if I drop my axle, would that give a better measurement to work from? If you recommend it, I'll do it. Or do you still not feel good about using the measurement from another truck? Damon
What I need is the distance between the two rear springs centers at the rear axel attachment point (for my 51 3100 1/2 ton pickup). Hopefully I am a bit clearer with this. Thanks, Haasman
I will measure from spring center to center tomorrow which will be what the factory used and is good. I was speaking of a rear housing that has no perches (saddles) on it at all. By welding the new perches on using the center bolt to center bolt "hanging free" measurement it assures no binding. The housing also needs centered from side to side and I like to snug the U-bolts with the perches not welded to make sure they are at the same angle. When going to an open rear end instead of the torque tube this is also the time to adjust the pinion angle.
Thanks for doing that Evan. I think your suggestions are right. I will follow them as I "re-adjust" the spring perches after your measurements. Haasman
Haasman, I took a quick measurement this morning. Across the top of the springs, at the rear of the (adjusted for wheel centering) axle saddles, at the outside of the springs... measures a total of 44 1/4". My rear axle is only mocked up (for several reasons) in place. I plan on working on the front brakes this afternoon, so I will also remove the rear axle while I'm at it and get you the measurement you're asking for in the precise location. I need to take it off anyway to grind off the shock mounts and weld up a few gouges I put in the housing when I cut off the original spring saddles. Since the frame rails aren't parallel, there is a slight taper towards the front of the truck (looking from the rear). The correct measurement should, in theory I believe, be a little more narrow than the one I just took. Heading out to the garage now to get busy. I'll check in soon! Damon
Ok, that was much easier than I thought it was going to be! I realized that I could get underneath the frame and measure from the center of each centering bolt at the bottom end. I had planned on measuring across the top, so that's why I was going to remove everything. By measuring across the bottom, the axle perches, axle, hardware, etc. did not cause any interference. Anyway. The measurement I came up with was 42 1/16". I hope this helps. I'll be removing the rear axle at some point anyway to complete the aforementioned work, so I can remeasure at that time and post an update. May even do it this afternoon anyhow. Depends on how the front brake work goes! Damon
Haasman, My original measurement (44 1/4") was close to the same spot as the centering bolts, but not quite. It was maybe 3" to the rear of the centering bolts. Plus, that measurement was over the top of the springs, and was from the outside edge of one spring, to the outside edge of the other... so it wasn't along the longitudinal centerline of the springs themselves. The second measurement (42 1/16") was at the bottom of the spring packs, on the centerline of the spring centering bolts. All hardware having to do with the springs (bushings, centering bolts, etc. was replaced. Also, I replaced the rear most spring mounts with original units I bought from eBay. I just mounted them in the same holes they were originally riveted to, but this time I used stainless steel bolts and hardware. Would you like me to measure anything else for ya? Damon
Thank you Damon! Very helpful. In working on the truck I didn't realize that the space between the front and rear of both sets of springs is different. I have been using the point where the bolt goes through the springs. I really appreciate you taking the time to get these. Haasman
I realized that I had a building tool that would measure very accurately- Bosch Digital Laser Distance Measurer. I took many measures from multiple locations around the frame. I found- -The rear axel is off by 1/16" -The front axel seems pretty square with the frame (amazed me) Thanks for help and suggestions. I think I can adjust the rear axel a bit and get it very close to square. Haasman
