seven leaf springs

[okidoc]

O.k. I'm not really up on my year by year I.D.'s but I pulled springs from what I think is an 83-85 possibly. THe only emblem left in place was the "Limited" on the dash. It had all emission stuff, round gauges, plastic grill and wrap around tail lights. It also had what appears to be 229/228 w/ 727 and definitely a 360.

My question is why would it have seven leaf springs when mine has five. They look stock i.e. same road dirt, color, rubber pads etc and are lashed by the same bands?

THey are the same width and length I can't measure height as they are currently off the vehicle and measuring now would not be accurate.

Also I tried to loosen of my U-bolts and they just required a little elbow grease, not torch, hacksaw or even wd40. Do I still need to replace them or is that just rust belt cars that need to worry about that? THis is a SoCal truck.

ANy help would be greatly appreciated.

I'm thinking they were probably stock towing upgrades or something.

[Ralph]

Seven thinner leaf springs offer a cushier ride than five thick leaf springs. They're interchangeable, though. I put springs from a '79 Wag on my '87 Grand Wag, front and rear, with no problems.

You should replace the u-bolts because they stretch over time. Getting mine off with a breaker bar was like a long rowing exercise. I did re-use the old u-bolts on the rear, and haven't had any problems with them coming loose. But I still plan to get new ones someday.

[ClarkGriswald]

I belive that those ubolts are designed to cut in to the threads the first time they are tightened.. and are not to be reused..

Kind of a built in locking mechanism.


PS, the seven leaf pacs are junk.. I have them on my 88 grand wag.. All that they do is wear out prematurly.

The leaves are very thin,, if you saw mine you would loose your lunch ahhaah. ( ok mabye not that bad) but they are REALLY bent up .. just from existing under such a heavy vehicle.

I have an older parts wag that has 6 leaves.. they are thicker and those front springs are still standing up tall..

[ September 02, 2001: Message edited by: ClarkGriswald ]

[Lightnin]

I know this is a stupind question,but if they are seven leaf spring packs is the bottom(or closest to the ground)like a six inch long leaf? I think I have the seven leaf springs on the front of the waggy I have.When you count them,the six are pretty easy to make out(long leafs).Did a little more scratching through the grease,tranny fluid and grim and found on the bottom of the spring pack what apears to be another short leaf.Which would make this a seven leaf pack I assume...or would it?

[ClarkGriswald]

Thats it... In my case.. one of those little short leaves sticks out forward more than the one on the other side.. (my rig is junk ) hahaha

[Coley]

I have the 7 leaf springs on the front. I was gonna put rancho or rough country AAL's all around. Will they work OK with the thinner springs? (I know, I could contact the manufacturer, but I want to hear it from you guys..) :D

[DerJeep]

I don't see why not.

Please report on your findings though.