Rear spring replacement resources?

[Starliner]

I looked in the document section, and the Ford numbers are legit to the catalogs.
My question is, based on that part number, where would I find a correct replacement?

The catalogs I have seen offer pretty generic 3+1 1650# etc.

My top spring is good, and the +1 is good. The middle ones are broken.

I think my choice is either replace both sides with matching springs, or do you think that based on the specs in the Doc section, a qualified spring guy could repair the one side?

Thanks.

[ArdWrknTrk]

I do think a qualified spring guy (40 years ago that guy was named Leif! ) could could repair/replace just one spring, but would likely need both (or the whole truck) because they can't know how much set the other side has taken and any numbers they might have are going to show the original arch, like it came the day it was sold.

[85lebaront2]

Years ago there was a company in Chesapeake VA, Spring Specialty that manufactured leaf springs to order. Apparently they are no longer around.

[Starliner]

I found this website.
They are very specific about what is available for my truck.
Load capacities, bolt holes, stack height, etc., unlike other sites that just offer one universal replacement. I figure If I get this right, I can do just the one side. Worst case, I order the second one. No loss in  shipping.
I am taking the measurements and ordering from them.

Because mine is a regular cab short bed, I bet that the lightest load rate after 2wd will work. Reasonable prices. Less that $200 including shipping.

https://www.generalspringkc.com/pages/search/?Number-of-Leaves/4(3-1)

[Starliner]

The arch is definitely an issue, but their specs and even specific as to sprung and unsprung bolt hole distances.

Example shown.

[thelastkeg]

I bought Husky springs from RockAuto in 2017 and put them on my F250.  I wanted a little stiffer spring, so I got ones that were rated higher.  It looks like RockAuto has some 1655#, 1700#, and up available.  No complaints about the Husky springs to date, although the truck only sees occasional use and towing.  

On RockAuto's site, the Husky springs that I put on my 2wd F250 do have an part number interchange listing, so you may be able to locate the Ford part numbers in the catalog for your truck:
OEM / Interchange Numbers: 20260, 431111, E3TA5560UA, E3TAUA, E3TZ5560M, E4TA5560SA, E4TASA

[ArdWrknTrk]

This is exactly right, but springs will flatten out over time, so even if the length of the leaf (Leif? 😉) itself is correct eye to eye it will never be properly set wrt ride height if it isn't made to match the surviving spring.

[Starliner]

Wow, great. The numbers really help.
Thanks.

[thelastkeg]

Just for clarification, if you're talking about the numbers that I posted, those were for the Husky 43803 springs that I bought. The Husky 43803 have a 2810# rating.  

I did see these listed on RockAuto for an 83 F150 with the 5.8:

HUSKY SPRING 43965 Includes Bushings For Both Ends; 1655 lb Load Rating Info One of our most popular parts
Rear; 4WD; 3/1 = 4 Leaf, w/ 32-1/2" Back Half Spring Length (Only 2 Remaining)

And if you click on Info, you get measurements and OEM cross reference numbers:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6402285&cc=1121375&pt=7544&jsn=1088

[mat in tn]

regardless of which direction you chose to take. it is best to replace in pairs. the same exact spring new on one side with an aged one on the opposite side will NOT be the same. and bushings will all be new also. remember to do final torque after all is installed and sitting on the ground. hopefully with a few hundred lbs of weight sitting in the bed.

[Starliner]

Ah, great tip on re-tourqueing.

Ok, I agree, do in pairs ideally.

For me, ideally is eventually.

I haven't driven it more than 30 miles since I got it.

In the 2 or so months that  I have had it I:

Put a new carb on, (didn't have one), new distributor (HEI conversion), STARTED it! Recovered the seats, replaced a regulator, replaced rear drums, painted a junkyard dash pad, replaced the door felts and panels, new tires, vac lines, new kick-down, modified the EGR spacer plate to accomodate the rear exiting vac line on the Holley, .  .  . (add 10 etc's)

And I still havent fixed the spring, and STILL need a rear hitch.

I will spare you with the to-do list.

I AM RUNNING OUT OF MONEY!!!

So I will order one correct spring tomorrow, get the truck inspected, then unfold the to-do list again. On it, will be the other spring.

[Bronco638]

Eaton Detroit Spring will build what ever you want to your specs. Or, they can supply the entire spring packs with OE like replacements. They answer the phone and respond to emails.

[mat in tn]

one can only do what one can do. I think you have done a lot. resurrecting a forty year old truck to become a daily driver or show piece is no small task. whatever brand you chose. there seem to be Gremlins that show up one piece at a time.  "Peeling the onion" Gary says. money is not unlimited for all of us.

[Bronco638]

mat in tn wrote

money is not unlimited for all of us.

Point taken. I was just trying to provide the OP an alternative source.

I went thru a bunch of suspension modification stuff with my '96 Explorer trying to make it more off-road worthy. I ended up using an F-150 main leaf with the remainder of the original leaf pack. That was a real cheap way to get about 4" of lift without resorting to shackles. The owner of Eaton Detroit was very kind to trade emails and phone calls with me. He understood what I was trying to do and was willing to build Explorer leaf packs with F-150 main leaves, if anyone wanted them. I do not recall the cost of the packs though ($250/each?). That was quite a while ago.

There's nothing worse than trying to cobble something together only to discover that what you thought was the 'magic sauce' was just a bunch of time & money tossed out the window. We've all been there. Sometimes you end up saving money by going with the expert's engineered solution even though it seems pricey at the time. Just trying to help out.

[Starliner]

I smartened up and ordered the pair of springs. I just couldn't bear to half-ass it.
The 1650# ones looked right.

Thanks guys.