Air bags or re-arch the leaf springs?

[BBBTree]

or both? My dump truck has shot leaf springs, and the box it hitting the tires now. I'm wondering if re-arching the leaf springs would be all I need to eliminate the sway and raise the box a few inches. I know bags will get it up there, and do something about the sway, and I know air bags install quickly, so maybe I don't need to have the springs re-arched.

 

[DOOLEY]

I have air bags on lots of trucks , They work well.

 

[BBBTree]

Okay, that's what I had to hear. Someone was talking to me about them and was suggesting that a mechanical method like additional springs would be more reliable than the air/rubber. I was 50/50 about that info since I've seen the air bags under the biggest dump trucks that go into the city dump around here.

What kind of air bags do you have on your trucks, Dooley? The best ones I've seen are rated for 5k lb for $300 a pair.

 

[DOOLEY]

firestone

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Air bags are meant as add-ons not exclusive suspension.

If your springs are gone adding bags isn't a good idea. You might find some springs at a you-pull-it parts yard.

Talk to a spring shop, you'd be surprised how cheap new springs are. If they're big springs they might be able to heat and re-arch them.

 

[BBBTree]

I'm slightly against pulling the springs off of something at the junk yard because they probably are shot too.

But I'm thinking about what you said; no bags without refurbished springs or new ones.

Thanks, TD

 

[mark_sauls]

Just like everything else springs wear out. When they do replace them. Scrap the old ones and the total cost won't be so bad. Get the torches out and cut U-bolts. Cut them in the right spot and you weld them back on somewhere for hanging your tire chains.

 

[BBBTree]

Mark,

I usually would DIY all of that, and put the air bags on myself too, but I have to get some chainsaw parts, so I can DIY the chainsaw work I need to do at home this week. I'm just going to drop off the dump truck at the shop, and let the pros get it right the first time. I like to do my own mechanic work though :/

 

[BBBTree]

I know the springs are shot because of how the truck sways much too much, but I actually crawled under there and behind the tires today. The springs are completely flat! And the top/longest spring on the passenger side is bent backwards at the bushing. No wonder it sags on the right side.

I learn something every day. This weekend was chainsaw clutches (mine broke) and suspension. I feel richer already. hehe