Re-Arch or Re-place Springs?

[Pavegel]

The springs on my '60 are flat as stale Pabst. I was wondering if they would be worth re-arching and adding a leaf, or should I spend the extra scratch to replace them altogether. I was looking at the Safari kit at Man-e-fre.

I'm on a budget and need to start saving for my daughter's tuition.

 

[nathan hj60]

I just picked up my HJ60 today after having a rearch and a leaf added. It looks and rides great! I can't report yet on longevity, but I'm happy so far. I also replaced all the bushings with energy suspension polyurethane bushings. So far, very very pleased. I only had the rears done as the fronts had already been replaced by the PO. Don't know why the rears weren't done at the same time. Now I just need some bigger tires! measures 32" at the bottom of the rear wheel well on Toyo Open Country All seasons. Tires measure 28" tall. Just wondering, anyone know how this compares to an OME medium? I just want to get an idea because I want to make up my mind between 31x10.5 or 33x9.5 BF goodrich tires. Not trying to hijack!

By the way, total price for all work including rearch, new u bolts, bushings, pins and labor was $450 taxes in.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I would just replace them. It won't be much more money than having them re-arched the right way. Unfortunately, leaf springs are crazy expensive.

I would not do the Safari springs. OME is more of a known quantity. You could look for some stockers in good shape.

If you want to stay at stock height, look for some FJ62 springs which have a few advantages, and don't seem quite as sag prone.

 

[cody c]

i had the springs re-arched with a leaf added about 6 years ago, theyve worked good, i did eventually crack some springs in the front and replaced with others, parabolics soon to go in.
all in all the re-arched springs worked good and have been a bit stiff but no complaints. i do think however you would enjoy the ride of a decent aftermarket spring like OME or HFS or something over a re-arch if you do a lot of highway driving.

If you do get the springs re-arched i would look at greasaeble extended shackles and new bushings while your at it.

 

[A2B in a TLC]

I re-arched the springs, added a leaf, and replaced bushings on my 70 series a few years ago. I think the total price was about $1500. For another $900, I could have had a complete OME suspension system with fr and rr springs, shocks, greasable shackles, etc, installed.

If you can afford it, install new. You'll end up doing it in a few years anyway.

Bruce

 

[jpeg]

The springs on my '60 are flat as stale Pabst.

that's some seriously nasty imagery

 

[inkpot]

that's some seriously nasty imagery

Howdy! I thought that was a Federal Offense, letting your beer get stale. The solution is a bunch better than the penalty!! John

 

[87 HJ60]

I had the front and rear leaf springs re-arched last summer. I had an extra leaf installed too. Total price was just under $400. No problems with the springs so far. A lot cheaper than aftermarket springs. But if I had the money I'd go for a complete OME front/rear spring kit with greaseable shackles. I'm running 31x10.5x15 BFG All Terrains on stock chrome rims. Lots of room for bigger tires.

 

[Pavegel]

Like I said... flat.

 

[Pavegel]

OK, upon closer inspection I think my rear springs a fully shot. If you take a close look at the pics you can see where the leafs are pancaked out and worn into each other.

 

[brett76]

I re-arched the springs, added a leaf, and replaced bushings on my 70 series a few years ago. I think the total price was about $1500. For another $900, I could have had a complete OME suspension system with fr and rr springs, shocks, greasable shackles, etc, installed.

If you can afford it, install new. You'll end up doing it in a few years anyway.

Bruce

holy crap canada is spendy. i got all that for 1200 from kurt

 

[nathan hj60]

That photo looks strangely familiar. My springs looked EXACTLY like that. You'd be surprised what a good spring shop can do. I got mine done plus a brand new set of 31x10.5 tires and a fiberglass upper hatch shell for less money than a full OME kit. The truck may not ride as smooth as one with OME springs but it is a night and day difference from before.

 

[MC130GUY]

Hey Pavegel, I think we park in the same parking lot... Would love to swap cruiser ideas with you... I am in the TRS now, are you in the 512th?

 

[CruisinFJ60]

OK, upon closer inspection I think my rear springs a fully shot. If you take a close look at the pics you can see where the leafs are pancaked out and worn into each other.

View attachment 208489

View attachment 208490

mine were worse than yours in the rear they bent down and i have at least 1 broken leaf in each rear pack. I replaced with OME, some greasable extended shackles, and poly bushings freaking rides like a car. cours i also had to source shocks and had some longer brake lines made and my tie rod has a fair angle to it (tho bump steer isnt really and issue.) bt also at the same time my truck is one of the taller SUA trucks i have seen. I think i have Roughly 5in of lift.

 

[Pavegel]

Hey Pavegel, I think we park in the same parking lot... Would love to swap cruiser ideas with you... I am in the TRS now, are you in the 512th?

You must own that gold FJ62.

 

[MC130GUY]

Yes I own a gold 62... Its been an awesome ride but now facing some radiator problems

 

[OswaldtheBold]

My springs were as flat as yours are. I had all 4 re-arched and a leaf added to each one, plus new bushings all around. I had it done by a local spring shop (Springworks in Grand Junction), in and out the door in one day for $700.
It got me another 2 inches of lift in the front and 2 1/2 in the back. After a week long backcountry camping trip, loaded down with about 900 lbs of people and gear, the rears had sagged back down to near their original level (under load). They rebounded a bit with the truck empty, but never back up to where they had been. Still, I would never have made it without getting them re-arched at the time and I had just enough cash to do it, and not enough for new springs. It was the right move at the time.
Now, older, wiser, and flush from working a lot of overtime, I getting a new OME setup this month. If you have the cash, buy new springs. Re-arching is a patch job. It may work, it may not...you just don't know for sure and there are no gar-on-tees.

 

[overhanger]

<snip> Re-arching is a patch job. It may work, it may not...you just don't know for sure and there are no gar-on-tees.

BINGO!

 

[Pavegel]

Roger. Savin' my duckets for the OME.