leaf spring qustion

[maddog]

hey guys I am wanting to get some better leaf springs on Eagle Eyes and I wanted to get your thoughts on some that I found for the front of a 88 to 97 frod super duty. The specs for them are 23 7/8" X 28 3/8" X 2 1/2". My question is do you think that they will work on an Eagle?

[amarshall]

I recently replaced my rear leafs with the "standard" ones from this site:  http://www.stengelbros.net/AMC-Eagle-Leaf-Springs_c_438.html

They show the Eagle leafs as 23x29, so a little different than the ones you mentioned.  I think the 23" dimension is from the front to the axle mount, so the Ford ones would push your axle back by 7/8".  You might get away with this with stock size tires, but the driveshaft, brake lines, shock mounts, etc would all be affected.  Not work the risk for me, but you may decide otherwise.

Also, what is the arch dimension for the Ford springs?  Eagles are pretty flat.

If your stock leafs are in good shape, consider adding a helper leaf from a Jeep Cherokee to get a little lift.  I added a full length Cherokee helper spring and combined with the new rear spring pack I got a 2" lift in the back.  They also make half length helpers if you don't need quite that much.  I got mine from Iron Rock Offroad but there are several Cherokee kits out there for less than $100.

I was just planning to add the helper to my stock springs but once I got under there I found a snapped eye on one main leaf.  I ended up with a bunch of spare bushings since the new springs came with pre-installed stuff.  I may have some parts available if you are interested.

[DAVE]

the spring rate will be a lot stiffer for the ford vs. the eagle probably make for a very harsh ride
but if that's what you want

[maddog]

i replaced my leaf springs about five or six years ago with some jeep Cherokee leaf springs (they are an inch shorter than the Eagle springs)  I got at the junkyard after snapping one of the middle leafs and horribly bending one of my top leafs go the point of almost breaking it. I might try the one local yard here that has a couple of eagles in it and see what they want for them but most of the time their prices are what you would pay for something brand new if not more. I am just trying to see what Lol might work.

[maddog]

well I finally got ahold of the local yard and they told me that it will cost about $35 each for the leaf springs so long as I do the pulling and not one of their guys, so it looks like I'm going to go that route instead of getting new ones that I can't afford. Thanks to they guys who posted their thoughts and advice, if I came off a bit rude I apologize, I've just been dealing with a lot of bull hockey.

[maddog]

hey amarshall what all do you have because I ended up having to torch the springs out of the car at the junkyard and now have to replace the cooked bushings in the front of the leaf springs.

[amarshall]

I'll check the numbers on the ones I've got and PM you, maddog.