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By Metal Ghost - 14 Years Ago
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Hello all. Wanted to throw this by the community for some input before making a final decision. I'm putting going through my '55 Fairlane's suspension on my summer list. That's going to include replacing the rear leaf springs. So far the only two places I can find the rear leafs are at Kanter and this place I had never heard of before called the Suspension King.com. Here's the link:http://thesuspensionking.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_22_99_386&products_id=997&osCsid=5vtkuio90dk0so3d2d06t87l80 Didn't see them at Mac's or Dennis-Carpenter. I've never dealt with Kanter, but they seem to have a good reputation. That having been said, their springs are 57% more expensive!! I like to buy American where I can find the part, but neither Kanter nor the Suspension King say where their springs are made. So, has anyone dealt with the Suspension King and if so what was your experience? Also, any other suggestions?
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By Nathan Soukup - 14 Years Ago
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I have bought from Kanter before ,and I can tell you there stuff is junk!Made in china,worse than the worn out parts I removed.I ended up putting the original parts back on,and that was on a 55 fairlane.
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By Daniel Jessup - 14 Years Ago
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Don't rule out JC Whitney. I thought it odd that they would even have anything made in the USA, but after some investigation and speaking with others who have purchased from them, I bought a set for my 55 Sunliner. They were made by some company in Wisconsin I believe, and the price was just a tick lower than suspension king, BUT they both came with the front bushing installed. And the ride is good according to testimony.
I found out about this over on the HAMB site where all of us 52-56 Ford nuts talk to each other. You can find more info there. As a matter of fact, my deal was so good...I paid $0 shipping cost!  ...one of JC Whitney's specials.
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By 29abone - 14 Years Ago
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 You might want to look into Eaton Springs in Detroit, I think they make springs for any thing. Their ads can be found in many Rod mags. American made and high quality, don't know about prices.
Larry
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By Metal Ghost - 14 Years Ago
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Danial Jessup - well, I have to admit that I would not have considered JC Whitney. I've never had experience with them, but just based on some testimony I've read over the years I thought they were pretty well down the quality list. However, it's really all about what they stock, and if it's a quality American item then I'm willing to give anyone a shot. I'll definitely check them out. 29abone - I did check out Eaton, but for Ford's they only seem to go back as far as the mid-60's. Much further back for GM, but not as much love for the Fords.  However I did send their sales team an e-mail asking if they could refer me anywhere, so hopefully I'll hear back from them. I have to admit that I'm surprised to hear that about Kanter. Very disappointing.
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By Jeff - 14 Years Ago
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I have had very good luck with have rear leaf springs rebuilt. If you desire, they can alter the ride height and still retain a decent ride. The cost is reasonable, approximately $300 for the last set I had done.
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By Metal Ghost - 14 Years Ago
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Metal Ghost (4/18/2011)
Danial Jessup - well, I have to admit that I would not have considered JC Whitney. I've never had experience with them, but just based on some testimony I've read over the years I thought they were pretty well down the quality list. However, it's really all about what they stock, and if it's a quality American item then I'm willing to give anyone a shot. I'll definitely check them out. 29abone - I did check out Eaton, but for Ford's they only seem to go back as far as the mid-60's. Much further back for GM, but not as much love for the Fords. However I did send their sales team an e-mail asking if they could refer me anywhere, so hopefully I'll hear back from them. I have to admit that I'm surprised to hear that about Kanter. Very disappointing. Good news....Eaton got back to me and let me know that they indeed did carry springs all around for the '55 Fairlane. Best part: Made in the USA (coils in Mississippi, leafs in Detroit). I was very excited. Just wanted to post back to let everyone know about Eaton in case it comes up again in the future. A bit more expensive than the Suspension King, but for me it's worth it to have American quality....and it's actually less expensive than Kanter!
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By Daniel Jessup - 14 Years Ago
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here is a link (well, two links) to the HAMB that discusses those leaf springs from JC Whitney... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?do=discuss&group=&discussionid=17753 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?do=discuss&group=&discussionid=13622 I don't think you can beat the price, and this set is definitely made in the USA...
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By lowrider - 14 Years Ago
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I just walked in the door back from a road trip to McVeigh Springs in Mio Mi. I ordered 2 rear springs for my 57 Ford (4 leaf) and picked them up myself since they where located in an area where I used to have a weekend home. 215$ w/bushings made in U.S.A. He didn't have coils so I'm going to Eatons for those. 989-826-3682 if you care to call them. Ted was the person I talked to.
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By Metal Ghost - 14 Years Ago
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lowrider (4/18/2011)
I just walked in the door back from a road trip to McVeigh Springs in Mio Mi. I ordered 2 rear springs for my 57 Ford (4 leaf) and picked them up myself since they where located in an area where I used to have a weekend home. 215$ w/bushings made in U.S.A. He didn't have coils so I'm going to Eatons for those. 989-826-3682 if you care to call them. Ted was the person I talked to.Was that $215 for the pair, or each?
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By lowrider - 14 Years Ago
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Metal Ghost (4/18/2011)
lowrider (4/18/2011)
I just walked in the door back from a road trip to McVeigh Springs in Mio Mi. I ordered 2 rear springs for my 57 Ford (4 leaf) and picked them up myself since they where located in an area where I used to have a weekend home. 215$ w/bushings made in U.S.A. He didn't have coils so I'm going to Eatons for those. 989-826-3682 if you care to call them. Ted was the person I talked to.Was that $215 for the pair, or each? 215$ for the pair
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By paul2748 - 14 Years Ago
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If you have a local spring shop, you might try them. Depending on the shop's size, they might make them to order from their spring metal stock.
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By Grizzly - 14 Years Ago
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Metal, Have you considered getting you original springs re-tempered and reset? I'm not close enough to offer a company that provide this service but when I have had it do before I have found it cost effective and an effective alternative to new. Mostly leaf springs do not wear out they loose tension. Only in extreme situations does the rubbing of one leaf on the other cause sufficient wear to consider replacement. Most spring resetting companies offer a range of services or if you are having problems or wish to change other things they can offer advice. Even add or remove leafs to adjust ride. Cheers Warren
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By Ys Guy - 14 Years Ago
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I got the leaf springs for my '59 from ESPO Springs 'n Things. Good price and great fit. Their site doesn't list all models and year available so you might have to call.
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By Metal Ghost - 14 Years Ago
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Grizzly (4/19/2011)
Metal, Have you considered getting you original springs re-tempered and reset? I'm not close enough to offer a company that provide this service but when I have had it do before I have found it cost effective and an effective alternative to new. Mostly leaf springs do not wear out they loose tension. Only in extreme situations does the rubbing of one leaf on the other cause sufficient wear to consider replacement. Most spring resetting companies offer a range of services or if you are having problems or wish to change other things they can offer advice. Even add or remove leafs to adjust ride. Cheers Warren Hi Warren....yes, I had been thinking of that. One of the hinderances to that is the time I would then need to have the springs off the car and the fact that I'm doing the work at my father-in-law's shop. So unless I do it at home on jackstands, I need to be able to get it on the lift and replace everything in a day. Now, not that I refuse to go the 'at home' route. BUT...what I plan to do is to buy replacements and then have the current springs reset. Then I'll keep them on hand for the next car that I get  . Eventually.
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By Metal Ghost - 14 Years Ago
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Hey all....quick question: any recommondations on what brand of shocks to purchase? I'd like to, if possible, take advantage of a H.A.M.B. memborship and utilize Jamco Suspension. I saw that they had these Bilstein's available http://www.jamcosuspension.com/products/sfID1/30/listPage/2/productID/847 but wasn't sure if the brand was good or not.
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By flathead_jr - 14 Years Ago
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If it was me I'd go have the originals re-arced if you have access to a place that does things with springs and overload springs in your area. It would be cheaper more than likely, and you get to keep the original parts.
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By Metal Ghost - 14 Years Ago
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Hi all....I have to chime back in with a question. But for a quick update....I did end up purchasing those Bilstein shocks, as well as the leaf springs from Jamco. So I'm eagerly waiting for those to arrive. Granted, with the weather the way it's been up here, I'm in no rush! I want to get the front coils from Jamco as well, but now I'm having a heck of a time reaching anyone on the phone *sigh*. Regardless, here's my question: has anyone removed their coil springs with a MAC tool and if so, can I get a part# for that tool? The son of one of our engineer's is the local distributor and he gave me two part#'s that would probably work. But he cautioned that the clearance with the A arms could be an issue in selecting the right one. I'm hoping that if anyone has any insight it will save me the issue of picking the wrong one! The one tool has a picture while the other one doesn't on MAC's website (links above). I guess the one is technically a macpherson strut tool while the second one is actually a coil spring compressor, so I'd want the CC622B??
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By aussiebill - 14 Years Ago
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Metal Ghost (5/17/2011)
Hi all....I have to chime back in with a question. But for a quick update....I did end up purchasing those Bilstein shocks, as well as the leaf springs from Jamco. So I'm eagerly waiting for those to arrive. Granted, with the weather the way it's been up here, I'm in no rush! I want to get the front coils from Jamco as well, but now I'm having a heck of a time reaching anyone on the phone *sigh*. Regardless, here's my question: has anyone removed their coil springs with a MAC tool and if so, can I get a part# for that tool? The son of one of our engineer's is the local distributor and he gave me two part#'s that would probably work. But he cautioned that the clearance with the A arms could be an issue in selecting the right one. I'm hoping that if anyone has any insight it will save me the issue of picking the wrong one! The one tool has a picture while the other one doesn't on MAC's website (links above). I guess the one is technically a macpherson strut tool while the second one is actually a coil spring compressor, so I'd want the CC622B?? You dont need any special tools to remove front coil springs, hardest parts is cracking lower ball joint. Remove shock, disconnect tie rod end to gain more access to ball joint, crack joint with jack just below arm and remove nut. then slowly release jack to lower arm down, it helps to loosen the 2 lower control arm pins to let arm rotate easily. then pop spring out, theres no pressure on it by then. The cars actual weight will counteract most of the upward pressure when reinstalling new springs. just go slowly and think it out . Do not tighten lower pins until car is on its own weight, i.e, the arm is in normal onroad load position. . regards bill.
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By Hoosier Hurricane - 14 Years Ago
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To add to Bill's post, I highly recommend you put a chain through a coil of the spring and around something stationary, like the frame or an A arm. If the jack slips, you have a steel missile headed your way in a hurry. I recommended the chain to someone a couple years ago, and received a "thank you" from him a few days later.
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By aussiebill - 14 Years Ago
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Hoosier Hurricane (5/17/2011)
To add to Bill's post, I highly recommend you put a chain through a coil of the spring and around something stationary, like the frame or an A arm. If the jack slips, you have a steel missile headed your way in a hurry. I recommended the chain to someone a couple years ago, and received a "thank you" from him a few days later.John, the chain is a good point for the inexpeirenced and forgot theres quite a few new members attempting all sorts of jobs for the 1st time here.
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