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57 New Yorker Leaf Springs
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billy
Posted 2018-05-14 1:30 PM (#563351)
Subject: 57 New Yorker Leaf Springs



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Location: upstate new york
Hey Forward Lookers,
I have a couple leaf springs that are broken on my car. I'm going to replace both sides. I am getting pricing all over the map for replacement leaf springs...from $400 to $900 and everything in-between. Some offer Standard and Heavy Duty...any words of wisdom from my fellow enthusiasts on what to buy, who to buy from? Who to stay away from? My local spring shop can't find them, but said he'd install for $225...not sure if that's a good price either...any help would be appreciated...
thanks,
billy
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mikes2nd
Posted 2018-05-14 5:59 PM (#563386 - in reply to #563351)
Subject: Re: 57 New Yorker Leaf Springs


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heh that's like 6 bolts to remove... that's kind of expensive but youll need a couple jacks and an impact gun would be nice.

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StillOutThere
Posted 2018-05-14 7:14 PM (#563392 - in reply to #563351)
Subject: Re: 57 New Yorker Leaf Springs



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Location: Under the X in Texas
ESPO Springs and Things. Very knowledgeable woman salesperson on the phone. Great prices, bushings and shackles available.
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Powerflite
Posted 2018-05-14 8:12 PM (#563395 - in reply to #563351)
Subject: Re: 57 New Yorker Leaf Springs



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I would definitely buy heavy duty. The stock spring rate is too low IMO. But you probably don't want any lift beyond stock. These cars look odd with the back up too high. If you go with Springs n Things or Eaton Detroit, you are going to pay a lot for shipping. It might be worth checking if there is a local shop that can make up a set for you.
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Powerflite
Posted 2018-05-14 8:14 PM (#563397 - in reply to #563351)
Subject: Re: 57 New Yorker Leaf Springs



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Also, keep in mind that a 6 leaf spring set with new leafs is typically going to give you a much higher spring rate than the originals with the groove down the middle of them.....and that's a good thing. But don't go overboard.
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billy
Posted 2018-05-15 12:29 PM (#563435 - in reply to #563351)
Subject: Re: 57 New Yorker Leaf Springs



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Location: upstate new york
I think i'm being quoted a 7 leaf set from ESPO...shipping was quoted at $67 for leafs and all the hardware...
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LostDeere59
Posted 2018-05-15 1:51 PM (#563446 - in reply to #563435)
Subject: Re: 57 New Yorker Leaf Springs



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I finally bit the bullet and had the rear springs on my Desoto done. I felt the car was too low in the back and spent some time researching several alternatives.

The previous owner had installed "restoration" springs (I forget the vendor) and was never happy with them, so I discarded that choice immediately.

I spoke with a local spring shop last fall about what I wanted, and he looked into replacement springs which it turned out are no longer available. He also gave me the options of adding a leaf, or having him re-make the springs.

I hated the idea of paying someone else to do work I can do (leaf spring replacement can be difficult due to rust, but what isn't) but I couldn't pull the springs at work and leave the car on a lift for 2 days while they were re-done, and I hated the idea of trying to do it on the ground at home.

So long story short I went ahead and had the spring shop do the job. Given that leaf springs are not an exact science, or adjustable, I figured there was no way he'd get the ride height where I wanted it, so I was prepared for it to be a bit high, and figured I could ad a shim if necessary to lower it a tad.

When I went to get the car I was amazed to find it wasn't just close to what I wanted, he had nailed it exactly. He told me that when he pre-measured he found the car was 2 1/2 inches low on the drivers side compared to the passenger side, so he re-arched the drivers spring to even them, added a long leaf on each side, and then brought them to the required height. He installed new hardware as well as new shackle bushings. All told it cost me $550.00 and that included a nice tip for the tech who did the work.

The car sits better, and in my opinion rides better by virtue of being a little stiffer in the rear and a lot less "wallowy".

The point to all that is if you can find a local spring shop with a good rep and lots of experience (the place I went is 2nd generation family owned) I'd just let them handle the job, start to finish. Talk to them about what you're after in terms of ride height, ride quality, and appearance, and let them hit the mark.

BTW the best/most experienced spring shops generally don't advertise for automotive business - the bulk of their work is in HD trucks.

Here's where I went: https://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/


Gregg
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jboymechanic
Posted 2018-05-15 2:09 PM (#563450 - in reply to #563351)
Subject: Re: 57 New Yorker Leaf Springs



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ESPO Springs and Things, I have there springs in my Imperial and haven't had any issues. Don't do Eaton, just installed their coil springs up front. TERRIBLE!

Could also try Deaver Spring Company, 714-542-3703, they are a 4th generation leaf spring manufacturer, they were recommended to me by Coil Spring Specialists.

Edited by jboymechanic 2018-05-15 2:11 PM
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Powerflite
Posted 2018-05-15 2:27 PM (#563455 - in reply to #563351)
Subject: Re: 57 New Yorker Leaf Springs



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I purchased heavy duty leaf springs from Eaton for the back of my Satellite wagon. They gave me exactly what I asked for and the spring pack was 2X the weight of the originals (as expected). My only issue with them was the cost at $450 + $130 shipping. The springs are awesome and fixed all the issues I was having with the handling of the car. But with my DeSoto, I chose a local truck spring shop that made me a new set of springs. I had to remove one leaf because I asked for a 7 leaf set, not taking into account that these were newer truck leafs and they weren't adjusting the spring rate for this car. But after that, they were perfect and cost me $380 + $30 taxes.

In general, I don't recommend re-arching of springs. It's a bandaid that will soon relax back to its previous state.
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LostDeere59
Posted 2018-05-15 4:15 PM (#563462 - in reply to #563455)
Subject: Re: 57 New Yorker Leaf Springs



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"In general, I don't recommend re-arching of springs. It's a bandaid that will soon relax back to its previous state."

I was a little concerned about this as well, but since I was adding a leaf (not just re-arching) and the gentleman seemed confident in his work, I figured why argue.

I'm happy with the result - time will tell if it sticks.


Gregg
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billy
Posted 2018-05-18 1:27 PM (#563605 - in reply to #563351)
Subject: Re: 57 New Yorker Leaf Springs



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Posts: 395
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Location: upstate new york
Ordered from ESPO this morning...Laura very knowledgeable and friendly to work with....just shy of $500 for everything including shipping

billy
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