Leafspring differences

[dw8]

Needing to replace one of the leafsprings on my 2000 Supercab flareside bed 2wd. Are their differences in leafsprings? Does it matter if they come off a long or short bed? And I am assuming 2wd is different than 4wd.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

AFAIK, Physically they are the same on how they mount, but the spring rate is different between different style trucks. Check the tech section on how to read door tags, it will help you if you junkyard shop.

 

[2Krngr]

Leaf springs are cheap as dirt, replace both. Even if you have a matching model they will be at a different points in their springrate lifespan.

But yes there are a few different spring models. 2wd, 4wd, supercab, extended cab, splash, edge, fx4 and the various combinations those make dictate different ratings. They all fit, even explorer springs will bolt right on, and have their own lineup of spring rates.

In your case, any version of 2wd supercab spring would likely be fine it may +/- your rear ride height a hair. But again do replace both at the same time with a matched set.

 

[MikeG]

Take the spring pack apart, and turn the main leaf over so you can stand on it. Have someone measure how far it goes down when you stand on it. That will give you a rough idea on spring rate (divide your weight by how much it goes down, if you weigh 150 pounds and it goes down half an inch, the main leaf gives you 300 pounds per inch). More leafs change it, a little, depending on how many, how long they are, and if they have the same curvature. Spring rate for the truck is of course double what it is for one. If the center bolt holes are all the same and the center bolt is long enough, you can fiddle with it till you get what you want. Springs are HARD and I can speak from experience, you do not want to try to enlarge the center hole without carbide bits! I had some free leaves from a Cherokee spring pack and did just that, mostly to add height not capacity.

Example, the tired, worn out leafs in my original 97 truck were sagging pretty bad. I think that one leaf was about 150 lbs/inch. Got a set of springs from a 4-door explorer (no idea what year). Length is the same, had to flip the center bolt, but the explorer springs were about double the spring rate. They are a little 'flatter' than ranger springs and I did add some more shorter leafs that had been given to me, but the first three leafs are from the Explorer. Truck rides a little rough but you can't overload it. Have had upwards of a ton in the back, for a short drive from the home improvement store. Note, I have an 8.8 rear end, NOT the 7.5, and already had the towing package so one set lower rear end gears.

I would *assume* that long bed vs. short bed, towing packages, etc., will all change the spring rates but no idea on specifics. Since I needed my truck for a work truck (at the time) I just went on the theory that an Explorer is a heavier vehicle and the springs would be stiffer (they certainly are).

A little dumpster diving at the junkyard is in your future.....