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?

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.

55 fairlane gasser 312 /c4, 57 f100 292/c4, 52 mainline gasser 302/t10 4speed

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.

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

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

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.

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.

Jeff Petersen

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!

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...

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

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.

Dan      Kingman Az.      86409

Was that $215 for the pair, or each?