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Old 08-26-2014, 11:37 AM   #1
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1961 22' Spaceliner
Portland , Oregon
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New leaf springs shorter than original - what to do?

So I ordered a complete new axle from Dexter for my 1961 Safari. It was built with a Hadco/leaf spring axle not the Duratorque.

But the leaf springs they sent are for hanger spacing of 25.8" and the original spacing was ~35". Dexter doesn't even make leaf springs that long.

The shorter ones they sent are rated for 3000lbs, so should I just get new hanger kits to mount them to? Or do I hunt around and try to find longer leaf springs?

I am clueless.
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Old 08-26-2014, 12:12 PM   #2
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Are the old springs shot? I would take them to a local spring shop, where they can re-arch, replace individual leafs or build you new ones.
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Old 08-26-2014, 08:08 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by dznf0g View Post
Are the old springs shot? I would take them to a local spring shop, where they can re-arch, replace individual leafs or build you new ones.
Right on!

I had the springs on a 3/4-ton van rebuilt several years ago at a spring shop. I drove in and waited while they did it. They even added another leaf to it, and the result was a stiffer more controlled ride. As I recall, it was not a particularly expensive job - I was in and out in about 2 hours. Being a truck center, they work all night, so this was done in the evening.
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Old 08-27-2014, 01:00 PM   #4
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1961 22' Spaceliner
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Thanks all. I don't know for sure that the old springs were shot, but this Safari was sitting uncovered in an Oregon rain forest for at least the last 35 years. They were rusted solid. I have big travel plans for this baby and am replacing everything but the frame and shell.

I'm also racing to get this done so I can get the shell back on and get it water tight before the fall rainy season hits. Plus I already bought the new shorter leaf springs.

My local AS service shop says they can make the shorter ones work fine by welding them onto the appropriate spots on the frame so I am going to trust them.

I'll let you all know how it goes.
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