Mono Leaf springs


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By Doug T - 16 Years Ago
My truck needs to be properly re sprung (if I do not sell it) and I am considering mono leafs all around.  Going back to pure stock is another alternative.  I don't carry heavy loads and want to improve the ride which is most uncomfortable. The front springs are too long so the shackles are against the frame which is why the fronts need replacement, although probably new main leaves would suffice.  The rears have some huge overloads on them which keeps the whole thing jacked up and of course hurt ride also.  Maintaining stock equipment is not required but I am not interested in a sub frame and IFS.

 I have heard bad things about monoleaves which seem to boil down to if they break you are toast.  This seems to be a bit overdone in my view because there are millions of vehicles out there with monoleafs.  But I just don't know enough guys with upgraded trucks to know what would be better: good old fashion leaf springs or monoleaves?   What is the current thinking?

By 46yblock - 16 Years Ago
I have monos all around and like them a lot.  Front solid axle similar to yours.  If you go to the HAMB and do a search, there was a recent thread with experiences from many.  Only one had a breakage, and he drove the vehicle home after breaking.  I dont know who is selling them or making them now, but go with someone established and reputable, no Chinese junk.

The ride is still stiff, like a truck, but much better than the spring stacks.  The stiffness may be due to the relative light weight truck, because it smooths out some with a passenger. 

I dont smoke the tires much, but when I have, there hasnt been any wheel hop that was noticeable.

They shouldnt be used if you are on many unpaved roads, according to Sacramento Vintage Ford, who supplied my rears.  Fronts are Durant.

Make sure your shackles and bushings are in top condition.

By Pete's Panel - 16 Years Ago
I too can't see why the risk of breaking a spring is any worse with a single set up, after all if you break the main spring in a pack it's the same result. Advantages with a single are no worries with broken centre bolts or leaves rubbing together wearing each other. Because there is no friction with a single spring the selection of shocks would probably by closer to a coil spring rates.
By Unibodyguy - 16 Years Ago
I have a fiend that did a Mono-Spring conversion on his 57 Chevy pickup all the way around and also put on a 79 Camero front clip so he have P.S. and a more modern front end. Well after 5 years and about 30,000 miles truck handles like crap because the Mono's are way too soft. He changed out the shocks with some real stiff ones and no difference. He's going to air bag it this fall and hopefully that will end that. The truck started out fine but in time got real bad.