Leaf Springs

I just had my new 4-leaf leafsprings installed on my 75 Grabber. I never really looked at the old ones before, but I expected them to be 3-leaf springs. Surprised me as they were 4-leaf. Did 4-leaf springs automatically come with the Grabber option? I really don't notice much difference in the rear end height or ride between the old and the new springs. The Grabber only has 20k miles on it so they may have not needed replacing afterall. Also, is it necessary to get a front end alignment now?
One more thing....The original bushings are really in great shape. The guy that installed the springs wanted to just reuse the bushings....but since I had already bought new ones....we went with the new ones. I've read about some problems with getting new bushings that fit the new springs, and I really don't know why. Anyhow, if anyone wants the 8 old bushings, contact me. Just pay for shipping and my gas to the post office. Craig

 

I don't think 2-door Mavericks ever came with 4-leaf springs ... they may have already been replaced with aftermarket springs ..

 

Even if they haven't been driven on, they are still 35 year old springs, and need to be replaced.

Unless someone else replaced them more recently, as it appears happened to your.

But, for a little over $100, you can't go wrong swapping in some new ones.

 

No...these still had the Ford blue label (weathered) attached to the back of each spring. I seriously doubt these springs had ever been replaced before.

 

My '75 ldo came with 4 leafs. It was a 250 c4 w/ac

 

maybe 4's were added later to help hold up that 400lb of bumper in the back

 

How much did those bumper weigh? Anyone know? I just remember that my car rode MUCH different and higher when I took them off...

 

yea same here.

i could easily lift a small bumper with one hand. i needed the help of a friend to get the big bumper out of the way. doesnt suprise me ford threw an extra spring out back to keep the ride hight in check

 

the park benches are big ain't they can't waight to take them off

 

That makes sense....I bet a 4th leaf was added due to the weight of the bumper.

 

i replaced the leaf springs on my 73 last week too. only took 7 hours of sweat, pb blaster and a propane torch to get it done. after pulling the old springs i noticed they were broken. on both sides the bottom small spring was cracked in half and the clamping ring was broken on 1 side. also the shocks were original ford shocks. the finished product lifted my cars rear 6 1/2". i am no longer rolling in a recliner. replaced the rear shocks with kyb's. handles much better now. next is the front shocks.

 

Just ordered new 3 leaf springs from Espo Springs n Things. My old springs don't sag, but when you get into the throttle, the rearend bottoms out on the exhaust....not a good thing. Can't wait till they get here!

 

'75 Grabbers were advertised to have a "heavy duty" suspension. 4-leafs may have been part of that...

 

Let me guess, you live 40 miles from the nearest post office?

 

i feel like i need a lowering kit after pulling my big bumpers...

i checked my '76 tonight, it only has 3's