lighter duty rear leaf springs M1008

[twomorestrokes]

I am getting ready to install an ORD 4" lift with rear shackle flip. I was wondering if anyone has replaced the rear factory springs with some lighter duty units to get a better ride and better off road performance?

 

[truck1]

I used the stock rear springs in my1028 but removed the overload leafs when installing the ORD U-bolt kit. Basically turned it into a 1008 rear suspension. I also used ORD's 4" lift with shackle flip. Ride is fine on and off road. The factory springs are fine. Just check for broken leafs especially the main leaf.They usually break under the bolt plate.At least mine did. Got a replacement spring pack from Boyce Equip.Co.

 

[twomorestrokes]

I appreciate your input. I don't mind how my 1008 rides unless I'm on some poor roads as I often am on the way up north. The back end is so stiffly sprung that the back axle just likes to skitter around side to side on the chatters. Pretty annoying.

I'll probably just throw the rear flip brackets and super shackles on as is to see how things work before pulling the springs for the new bushings and U bolts. I'm going to have to shim the diff nose down a little I would imagine. Any input on shimming?

 

[Skinny]

Look at my M1031 build, I used a set of aftermarket springs which ride very nice with my heavy SECM box out back. You can get them pretty much any weight capacity you want. If you do not order a standard spring, you will add to the cost and time to delivery as mine were already sitting on the shelf. I think I paid around $600. Worth the money. I didn't read too many good things about the import springs that everyone sells. Mine were made in Michigan IIRC.

 

[twomorestrokes]

Thanks. Since I'm on a tight budget now after the truck's purchase price and the lift kit, I'll see how things go with the stock springs but when the U bolts come off later, I will be considering different springs. Tires / wheels are my next expense. Good used 16" tires seem hard to come by in a 37" diameter so I think I'll be trying for a set of 12 bolt H1's and pick up some spacers.

My lift includes the zero rates for the front for an extra inch up and hopefully an extra inch forward. I've rear that this may cause issues with the drag link but ORD says it's doable. I am trying to avoid any major fender trimming. I may add the zero rates to the rear later. Any insight on this part will be appreciated.

 

[Skinny]

On a budget, just start removing leafs from the rear pack until you get the desired ride.

 

[twomorestrokes]

On a budget, just start removing leafs from the rear pack until you get the desired ride.

Thanks. That seems like the best idea. The intention when buying this old heap was to save money not spend a ton of money on it. I am really enjoying it though. It's a cool old truck and suits my needs mote than my HD did.

 

[WARWAG]

I am getting ready to install an ORD 4" lift with rear shackle flip. I was wondering if anyone has replaced the rear factory springs with some lighter duty units to get a better ride and better off road performance?

Look up TVGUY build thread. It should still be on the first page of the CUCV section. He did that as well as a whole bunch of other cool things to his M1031. He also installed a ORD kit.

As far as better ride it would make a HUGE diffrence. ORD does list a set for you if you want to go that route. See there thread on how to measure your rear leafs so you order the correct length ones. You could also remove some of your leafs as well to help in the ride department. Thats a bit of work though.

Keep us posted on what you do with plenty of pictures!

 

[WARWAG]

I appreciate your input. I don't mind how my 1008 rides unless I'm on some poor roads as I often am on the way up north. The back end is so stiffly sprung that the back axle just likes to skitter around side to side on the chatters. Pretty annoying.

I'll probably just throw the rear flip brackets and super shackles on as is to see how things work before pulling the springs for the new bushings and U bolts. I'm going to have to shim the diff nose down a little I would imagine. Any input on shimming?

Each individual vehicle will be diffrent. Two trucks made on the same day side by side and driven the exact same amount of miles. Now they are sitting in your driveway. One may need a 5 degree shim while the other is just fine as is. Drive it and see how it does. If it has vibration then shim. If not then enjoy it as is and drive.

 

[truck1]

I would highly suggest checking your U-bolts for rust and deterioration.The U-bolt plate on the bottom of the axle traps dirt and moisture leadind to 25 years of rust. The bolts can be half their diameter above the nut. With the lift and 37's your talking more weight. Save the stock shim if you have it on your truck that is on the spring perch. It can be reversed to change your driveline angle IF you have vibration. Also the bushing kit from ORD is well worth the money and will tighten up your suspension. There are many lift threads on this site with pics. The money you save using the stock rear springs can pay for the bushing kit and an ORD U-bolt kit. I like the 1 ton stock rear springs.They add to the beefy factor of these rigs. Have fun and post pics.

 

[twomorestrokes]

Thanks for your comments truck1. All good suggestions. I did do a few searches on here about the lift process. I plan on installing a U bolt flip and a rear zero rate as funds allow but I want to get it together as is to figure out if I need to re-shim the axle first. Then I'll crack it loose and finish it right. I already have the full front and rear greasable bushing kits, greasable main eye and HD shackles along with the front sway bar disconnect kit and steering box frame braces. Going to try my best to reduce the creaks, clunks and rattles on this old soldier.

Really looking forward to this.

 

[truck1]

Sounds like you've done your research well. Those are the same parts from ORD I replaced on my 1028 4"lift project. They make great products and are generous with technical assistance. Although I did not use zero rate's. Up front I used their Tuff Country HD springs.I only needed to trim very small amounts from the front wheel wells. You'll really like the way the truck handles on and off road when your finished. Huge difference! I used balancing beads instead of wheel weights on the 37 surplus humvee radials with excellent results.