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Leaf spring damage
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Leaf spring damage
by Gunnibronco » Sun Feb 21, 2016 2:03 pm
So I picked up a decent set of Tahoe springs yesterday. I picked them up east of Sagauche, about 1.5 hrs away (still closer than GJ or anyother salvage yards). They seem in good shape. But when I unloaded them into the garage today, I noticed one end had been cut with a grinding wheel. Its 1/16" deep at the worst, and about 3/8" long. I'm afraid its going to start cracking. Is it trash?
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"America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards." – Claire Wolfe
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Re: Leaf spring damage
by landshark » Sun Feb 21, 2016 2:09 pm
Personally I wouldn't be worried about it. With the thickness of the metal there I would think you would be ok. Plus with the bushing/bolt in the stress will be spread out.
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Re: Leaf spring damage
by akaFrankCastle » Sun Feb 21, 2016 2:16 pm
X2. If you want peace of mind, just drop a bead in there with the welder.
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1972 Sport, 302, 3 speed with old school Duff floor shifter, T shift Dana 20 with JB Fab twin stick, 4.11 gears with Trac-loc, Lincoln hydroboost, Chevy disc conversion, WH gas lift gate shock kit, 33" Duratrac tires on slots and about 2.5" of lift, Stroppe installed: bumper braces, dual shocks on all four corners, GM power steering, trans cooler mount, auto shift column, rollbar.
The Terrible One
1972 Sport uncut, 302, C4 with 1974 column , T shift Dana 20, 3.50 gears w/ limited slip, 1966 U13 Roadster kick panel, and factory power steering.
1973 Stroppe Baja project
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Re: Leaf spring damage
by Justin » Sun Feb 21, 2016 2:17 pm
x2. I'd run it. There isn't much stress on that part on the spring.
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Re: Leaf spring damage
by Gunnibronco » Sun Feb 21, 2016 2:20 pm
Thanks guys.
I was thinking about that, but worried about what the heat would do to the spring steel.
It is super thick around the bushing. I'll keep a close eye on it.
akaFrankCastle wrote:X2. If you want peace of mind, just drop a bead in there with the welder.
I was thinking about that, but worried about what the heat would do to the spring steel.
It is super thick around the bushing. I'll keep a close eye on it.
"America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards." – Claire Wolfe
74-AWB 98", ZF5, Atlas4, TGW HP1060 and HP1014 axles, ARBs, 37's, 3.5" lift-5.5" front coil springs, Tahoe rear springs, EFI 302, h-boost, York OBA, 4x4x2, custom dash & gauges
72 U15- Explorer Sport-Candyapple Red (1 of 141)
74-AWB 98", ZF5, Atlas4, TGW HP1060 and HP1014 axles, ARBs, 37's, 3.5" lift-5.5" front coil springs, Tahoe rear springs, EFI 302, h-boost, York OBA, 4x4x2, custom dash & gauges
72 U15- Explorer Sport-Candyapple Red (1 of 141)
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Re: Leaf spring damage
by crawlercreations » Sun Feb 21, 2016 2:39 pm
I worked in a spring shop for several years and made custom leaf springs and leaf spring packs while there. The loads on that section of spring go opposite of the cut. Spring steel will snap with the right amount of load in the right direction. Your cut slightly weakens the spring across that section but is very unlikely enough to cause it to snap. Never weld spring steel. It crystallizes and becomes extremely brittle. I'd run that spring as is and never worry about it again.
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Re: Leaf spring damage
by Gunnibronco » Sun Feb 21, 2016 6:33 pm
Great info. Thank you.
"America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards." – Claire Wolfe
74-AWB 98", ZF5, Atlas4, TGW HP1060 and HP1014 axles, ARBs, 37's, 3.5" lift-5.5" front coil springs, Tahoe rear springs, EFI 302, h-boost, York OBA, 4x4x2, custom dash & gauges
72 U15- Explorer Sport-Candyapple Red (1 of 141)
74-AWB 98", ZF5, Atlas4, TGW HP1060 and HP1014 axles, ARBs, 37's, 3.5" lift-5.5" front coil springs, Tahoe rear springs, EFI 302, h-boost, York OBA, 4x4x2, custom dash & gauges
72 U15- Explorer Sport-Candyapple Red (1 of 141)
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Re: Leaf spring damage
by Digger » Sun Feb 21, 2016 9:35 pm
Not a heavily loaded area. Just leave it as-is.
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Re: Leaf spring damage
by Gunnibronco » Mon Feb 22, 2016 7:24 am
Thank you.
When I found the cut, I was pretty upset. I had convinced myself I needed to replace the damaged spring.
I appreciate everyone's advice.
When I found the cut, I was pretty upset. I had convinced myself I needed to replace the damaged spring.
I appreciate everyone's advice.
"America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards." – Claire Wolfe
74-AWB 98", ZF5, Atlas4, TGW HP1060 and HP1014 axles, ARBs, 37's, 3.5" lift-5.5" front coil springs, Tahoe rear springs, EFI 302, h-boost, York OBA, 4x4x2, custom dash & gauges
72 U15- Explorer Sport-Candyapple Red (1 of 141)
74-AWB 98", ZF5, Atlas4, TGW HP1060 and HP1014 axles, ARBs, 37's, 3.5" lift-5.5" front coil springs, Tahoe rear springs, EFI 302, h-boost, York OBA, 4x4x2, custom dash & gauges
72 U15- Explorer Sport-Candyapple Red (1 of 141)
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Gunnibronco - Official CCB Member
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Re: Leaf spring damage
by Jesus_man » Mon Feb 22, 2016 9:50 am
Gorilla Glue!
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Re: Leaf spring damage
by Moab Mike » Mon Feb 22, 2016 5:08 pm
Gunnibronco wrote:Thank you.
When I found the cut, I was pretty upset. I had convinced myself I needed to replace the damaged spring.
I appreciate everyone's advice.
If you're worried it is a stress riser you can polish it down but I would just go with the majority.
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