How to test springs?

[harriw]

Anyone have any suggestions on how to "test" your existing front coil springs (stock '94 4x4 w/ 4.0, ext. cab)? I'm OK with compressing a corner and watching rebound to check the shocks, but am wondering how I can tell when it's time to replace the front coil springs? Or do you generally just go by miles/years?

Thanks.

-Bill

 

[martin]

Don't usually change them unless they are broken or if you want to change the ride height.

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

unless theyre broke or the front end is sagging badly then i wouldnt bother changing them unless you want to change the ride height like martin said.

 

[harriw]

Great - I think you guys probably saved me $75

When they go, is it usually obvious (as in, the coil cracks in two), or should I be looking for hairline cracks and such? Ride height looks fine to me, and I have no plans to raise (or lower) at this point.

Thanks again!

-Bill

 

[railman]

springs can wear out, not just break.... you have to know the free height between a new spring and what the manufacturer says is beyond its "useable" height....

to find cracks in a spring, i would say you need to Magna-Flux them ..... but generally springs are hardened enough that they just break, not crack and split...

but, as long as you like the way the truck sits and it isn't bouncing off the bump stops.... your good

l8r, John