36 replies to this topic

[pods8]

What does a custom set of springs run ball park?

[Cort]

What does a custom set of springs run ball park?

$1,000 installed so for the spring pack on its own...about $800

Cort

[ski3pin]

After some initial driving, I like these springs! Cost for us was $650 for the two leaf sets, S. Cal sales tax, and $75 shipping. Total was around $788.

[Cort]

I was wondering if you ever got that done. I am still loving mine. I would say that my only complaint is that get a bit squeaky......but when I clean them it goes away.

Cort

[Meach4x4]

For anyone who wants to install their leaf springs themselves, here are a couple of hints to make the job a lot easier.

1) Get custom bolts made to mount the springs to the axle. You will need them, so get them bent before you start the installation. Don't plan on reusing the old axle bolts, as they will be junk after you take them off.

1a) Put some penetrating oil on your shackle bolts a couple of times before you do the install. Don't bother putting penetrating oil on your axle mounting bolts...

2) Make sure your truck is on jack stands under the frame with the tires just slightly off the ground, then put another set of stands under the axle and remove the wheels. This way, your axle won't drop down when you do the next step.

3) Don't waste time trying to remove the nuts off the axle bolts. Cut the bolts with a hand grinder and cutting wheel. It will only take a few seconds to cut them, and you don't want to reuse old axle bolts anyway.

4) Remove your shackle bolts after you cut the axle bolts. Drop out the springs and lube up the shackles. You may want to install greasable shackles to make your suspension work better.

5) After you install the shackle bolts, position the axle and then put on the axle bolts. Tighten them equally to ensure they are squared up on the spring and axle. Once they are torqued down, use the hand grinder to trim off any extra length of the bolts. This will help you keep from catching the axle bolts on rocks and bending them.

6) Take the jack stands out and enjoy your new springs!

Gil(will be installing new Alcans this week)

[Tradmonkey]

Hi Tradmonkey. Being local to National Springs as well, curious if you got yours installed and how you like them? I am considering using NS for my Dodge and just talked to them today. I need to get the front and rear weights so we can work out springs.

Anyone else with National Springs want to comment?

Well, 9 months later, and I'm still very happy with my springs. I've done some pretty solid off-roading on them with the camper - multiple trips in and out of Valley of the Moon (I-8 at In-Ko-Pah Road, then head South) and a New Years trip that went down the Arroyo Seco Del Diablo Dropoff into Fish Creek. They perform great with the camper on, flexing the right amount, and giving a nice ride on the highway. The adjustable shocks make a noticible difference too. The ride without the camper is stiff, but tolerable. My the camper almost never leaves the truck.

One issue that needs fixing though... I noticed about a month ago that somewhere in my off-roading, the spring was flexed so much that one of the brackets dented one of my shocks. I showed the guys at National Spring, and they were surprised and said they'd never seen that before. They ordered a new shock and said they could just remove the bracket so it won't happen again. I haven't had a chance to get back over there for the new shock & resolve the issue. I 'll see if i can get a photo of the damage.

I paid about 1250 for springs and shocks installed on my rig.

[M1010 Mike]

Thanks for the feedback.

I actually got out to NS and they are building me a custom set of front coils and a rear spring pack. Lifting 1" in the front and 2" in the rear, at my current ride height with the camper. Camper will be on 99% of the time so I want it setup for it.

Should be any day that they are ready.