how big of a job is replacing the rear springs? Is auto krafters the only supplier? What are the symptoms of weak springs? Thanks
Most everyone here buys their springs from JC Whitney or ESPO. Symptoms of old springs being sagging rear end, squeaking. As far as replacing them goes I have never done a set myself.
Just jack up your rear so it isn't putting pressure on the springs, and the rest is pretty easy. May take a little muscle, or lowering/raising the jack so things line up for the bolts, but pretty easy overall.
I just pulled mine and took them to a spring shop, they re-arc them, and re-pack them, I had them put new bushings in the front eyelet (which I bought from AK, and the bolts they came with were way too long, so don't throw away your old ones) and new rear shackles from AK also, and new u-bolts (from NPD). Follow the process listed in the service manual, and it's easy.
I got the U bolts from NPD like Dave. Got springs with free shipping from JC Whitney. They fit great and good price. Comes with the bushing in the front eyelet.
Got my springs from ESPO. They fit perfect, no increase in ride height. I got the 3 leaf and the bushings and U bolts from ESPO also. Very pleased.
I finally got my springs from JCWhitney (it's a long story). They look good and all the measurements are correct. I haven't put them on yet though.
I ordered mine from someone who COULD answer my questions. JC is the one who really didn't impress me. They said it has no bushings and couldn't tell me if it was a direct fit. I would also have to order the shackles for free shiping, that's what I was told any way. I just ordered from these guys since they did answer all my questions... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/70-7...ryZ34200QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I took mine to a local place. Had them rearched & add a forth leaf. Was a 24 hour turn around. Came back as new (repainted & all). Cost was $160 for the pair...
Coil-over shocks I needed a little more clearance for my M/T Street radials. The springs didn't sag that much. There's only one place out here that does auto springs, every other outfit caters to the heavy truck industry. They wanted $130 per spring to re-arch plus parts.I didn't have time to wait for a spring order from JC Withney (having read some of the posts). I started hunting around for a coil-over shock or load leveler. There's no such beast listed for a Maverick, but I found one. Monroe Sensa-Trac 58417. Intsalled with no grief (had to pull down on the axle a bit to get it in one top bracket). Got an extra 1 1/4" clearance. If you're restoring or your ride really needs them, by all means, buy new springs. But if you just want to pick up the ass on your old driver, this will work fine.
Thats funny to see, I was under my 74 tonight looking at something, and those are the shocks I put on it almost 20 years ago.
