I need new leaf springs, right?

[LambertLambert]

I'm a noob, so forgive my ignorance. I just got my 87 Comanche last year and love it. It's the Metric Ton I6 automatic with 230K miles. I was doing some concrete work this weekend and had 800 lbs of concrete in the bed when I took this photo. It seems to be really low to me, but I wanted to hear from the experts if this is normal. If I need to get new springs, I'd like to go with as close to stock as possible. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance for your ideas. This is an awesome forum!

[LambertLambert]

Toldya I was a noob!

 

[jimoshel]

Where is the load located? If it is between the axle and cab you need new springs. If it is between the axle, or over the axle, and tail gate that looks about right.

[mkbruin]

With that many miles, I wouldn't be surprised if your springs aer fatigued and not up to factory load spec.

 

For $300 you can get a new set from Hell Creek....

 

For some, thats more than the truck is worth. For others, that's an inexpensive refresh of a 20yo wear and tear part.

[LambertLambert]

Yeah, the bags of concrete were mostly between the axle and the tailgate.

[Geonovast]

I've had 800 lbs in the back of a non- metric ton and it didn't sag that much.

[SW86]

just go on and throw in a couple more and drag it down the road like those low riders :yes: :shake:

[jpdocdave]

is that 800 lbs all the way at the back behind the rear wheels or did you put it towards the front half of the bed? if all 800 is behind the rear wheel that's what it will look like.

[kyleag89]

This is 1800lbs in a non metric ton.

 

[LambertLambert]

Yup, I guess new springs are in the cards. Maybe they'll be under the tree! I got a recommendation earlier for Hell Creek (which I appreciate.) Anyone go with Motion Offroad? Any other recommendations?

 

Thanks to everyone for your replies!

[HOrnbrod]

Highly recommend Hell Creek mate. :thumbsup: Tom makes his own springs and stands behind them 100%. And you get the Comanche Club discount.

[91coMANche]

I ran over 1,000lbs today a couple times and I wasn't sagging much if any at all. I do not have the metric ton either. If I were you I would look into distributing the weight better or proper springs for the job.

[jeepcoma]

I'm happy with my Hell's Creek MT springs, and I got mine before there was a CC discount! Consider giving them a good coat of anti-rust paint before you install, mine quickly got a surface layer of rust after just one salted-roads winter.

 

Also don't forget quality u-bolts and check the condition of the shackles and shocks! If you're going to be hauling in it, you don't want to cheap out on critical components.

[Comanche County]

You've got a good looking truck dude.

[LambertLambert]

Hey, thanks. The p.o. had just repainted it about 3 years before he sadly passed away. I bought it last year from his neighbor.

 

Thanks to all for the advice. I'll probably go with Hell Creek springs.