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94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2weeks
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Author:  kd883 [ Mon Dec 10, 2012 6:24 pm ]
Post subject:  94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2weeks
After possibly going a little too hard on the weekend, I managed to bend the passenger side front and back leaf springs. I took the Zook to Pedders for some advice and the guy reckons the back is shagged because it has a sort of upward kink in it. He said front is probably ok, but ideally it would be best to replace it.

These springs are 2" lifted Old Man Emu springs which are about a year old. Bushes were new at the time of fitting and are still in good nick.

I am meant to be going on a road trip up to QLD with the Mrs in 2 weeks so I really need to act fast. Also need to get in before the shops close down for Christmas...

So far I have figured that I have the following options:

1) Pedders bloke quoted me $250 to replace the bent leaf in the back, if I bring the spring in to him. Would be about a 3 day turnaround. Not real keen on this option.

2) A mate has some 2nd hand King Springs (2" lift) which he said he'd sell to me for $200. Meant to be in good nick, only used for 6 months. Would need to buy new bushes though.

3) Buy new springs and bushes all around.

Do the bushes need to be pressed in?

Any thoughts or opinions welcome.

Cheers,

KD.
Author:  zukmeista [ Mon Dec 10, 2012 6:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Post pictures of your springs, will determine if they are damaged or if pedders are just trying to fleece you.
Author:  Wazz [ Mon Dec 10, 2012 6:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Lol pedders taking you for a ride.

If you are slow it'll take you half an hour to swap over a leaf spring pack. Bushes will be nolethane probally and just slip in.
Author:  Gwagensteve [ Mon Dec 10, 2012 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
I'm pretty sure OME springs are $110 each or something?

I'm a bit confused - you have bent one front and one rear spring, yes?

I'm pretty sure you won't be happy with the ride of King's compared to OME.

No, the bushes don't have to be pressed in.

Steve.
Author:  pezz [ Mon Dec 10, 2012 6:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Gwagensteve wrote:
I'm pretty sure OME springs are $110 each or something?

I'm a bit confused - you have bent one front and one rear spring, yes?

I'm pretty sure you won't be happy with the ride of King's compared to OME.

No, the bushes don't have to be pressed in.

Steve.



Yep, $111 rrp at arb
Author:  kd883 [ Mon Dec 10, 2012 6:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Wazz - yeah that's exactly what I thought about Pedders. Going to stay clear of that. Thank you for the heads up on the time it'll take, that's really helpful. Should be able to get it done in about 2 hours then hey?

Gwagensteve - sorry for the confusion. Yes I have bent the back spring pretty badly and the front mildly. Are the Kings rougher? They look a fair bit more robust in construction than my OME's...? Thank you for the heads up on the pressing. My mate's Kings have the big end bushes still in them, but they didn't want to budge which is why I thought they might be pressed in. How can I get these old ones out?
Author:  Gwagensteve [ Mon Dec 10, 2012 6:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Look at your options:

$200 for second hand springs that ride rough
$222 for a pair of replacement springs to match what you own
$250 for pedders to wreck your car. :D
$444 for new springs all round

Old bushes can be tough to get out.


Steve
Author:  want33s [ Mon Dec 10, 2012 8:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
If it were my roadcar I'd fit 4 X new springs, bushes & U bolts for under $500 and then have a good front and rear spare springs.
A good time to check the shocks and wheelbearings/brake pads/rotors etc before a trip.
Author:  SuziBlu [ Tue Dec 11, 2012 2:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
want33s wrote:
If it were my roadcar I'd fit 4 X new springs, bushes & U bolts for under $500 and then have a good front and rear spare springs.
A good time to check the shocks and wheelbearings/brake pads/rotors etc before a trip.


X2
Author:  sideways [ Tue Dec 11, 2012 3:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
$250 to replace a spring. :lol:

With a rattle gun, the work experience kid could do that in half an hour.
Author:  Joshyboy26 [ Tue Dec 11, 2012 5:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Ive had a bad experience with pedders being retards at just measuring shock lengths so expect them to at least fuckup a few things on leaves haha
Author:  joeblow [ Tue Dec 11, 2012 6:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
How about you post your setup and pics of your vehicle. Springs bend for a reason.
Author:  Red89 [ Tue Dec 11, 2012 6:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
sideways wrote:
$250 to replace a spring. :lol:

With a rattle gun, the work experience kid could do that in half an hour.

That was $250 just to replace the bent leaf isnt it ? Hence the 3 day turn around.
Quote:
1) Pedders bloke quoted me $250 to replace the bent leaf in the back, if I bring the spring in to him. Would be about a 3 day turnaround. Not real keen on this option.

Independent places over here charge around $90 per leaf and I'm not sure if Pedders would do it in-house or not ? So either way they would charge a one hour minimum of around $80 and another hour on top of that for whatever reason they can think of so $250 is about right.
Author:  303zuke [ Tue Dec 11, 2012 9:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Gwagensteve wrote:
I'm pretty sure OME springs are $110 each or something?

I'm a bit confused - you have bent one front and one rear spring, yes?

OME springs come in 2 weight ratings, but still 40mm lift.

A whole rear leaf pack (without bushes) is either $111 or $134, while a front leaf pack is either $81 or $101. kd883, do you remember whick kit was originally fitted? You could have completely new replacements of both the springs you require for less than $200, or at worst under $250.

Then, as Sideways has said: "With a rattle gun, the work experience kid could do that in half an hour." What part of Sydney are you in?
Author:  kd883 [ Wed Dec 12, 2012 12:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
These are the springs in question. It is easy to see why the back left is unhappy after this happened:

Back left shackle Image

Back left spring Image
Image

Front left spring Image
Image

So I ordered two replacement springs from ARB. I thought it was all sorted...

After placing the order, I thought I'd just check the codes on the existing springs to make sure they are in fact replacements for what I ordered. And the plot thickens...

Front right Image
Front left Image
Back right Image
Back left Image

Note that the two front codes are completely different!

Turns out none of these codes are OME springs... So the replacement OME springs I just ordered and paid for most likely won't fit the existing U bolts or bushes, and then will put the rest of the car out of balance...

So I guess I only have one choice now, that is to replace the lot?

KD.
Author:  Jazzor [ Wed Dec 12, 2012 1:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
The images are not working for me :/.

Every brand of spring will fit the same ubolts and bushes, so don't worry about that. Every company just want to sell you their own branded gear.

Having a different set on each side could mean it leans a little more one way, I guess you can also get 2 more for the other side at a later date :P
Author:  kd883 [ Wed Dec 12, 2012 2:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Quote:
The images are not working for me :/


Sorry Jazzor I made a mistake uploading. Can you see them now?

Quote:
Every brand of spring will fit the same ubolts and bushes, so don't worry about that.


Yeah? Maybe I should just get those King springs off my mate for $200 and use the bushes and bolts I have already. Then I'll have 4 of the same brand springs, evenly worn, and I won't have to stress about waiting for the OME bits to come up from Melbourne. And I'll save $300!

Any tips for getting old bushes out? The bushes in these kings are pretty stuck.
Author:  Jazzor [ Wed Dec 12, 2012 2:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Yea they are working now, and yep they are very noticeably bent wow :P. You certainly did a good job on them!.

You see how the spring in the first pic bent because the shackle inverted?, welding/bolting some plates across the back of the shackle mount (or making up /\ shaped shackles that will hit the chassis) will stop them from inverting and damaging your springs again. It looks like its a WT that had a bit of factory rod across the back of it, but maybe it got cut off for more flex? :P.

I'm guessing that the front shackle inverted too and bent the spring in the same way. Longer springs and/or better shackle angles, or anti inversion stuff will stop that happening.

To get bushes out.. um a long screw driver and lots of levering and swearing.

Sounds like if that's a cheaper option and they are the right height your after go for it. If you really can't get the bushes out with out destroying them you can buy them from suspension shops/ebay/here etc :).
Author:  sideways [ Wed Dec 12, 2012 2:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
If you search it, newer OME springs are pretty famous for bending.

I'd go for the Kings, your ride will be worse though.
Author:  want33s [ Wed Dec 12, 2012 6:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
The other option is....................



* Remove bent springs.
* Place in press and straighten them.
* Refit springs.
* Party with all the money you saved... :D
Author:  kd883 [ Wed Dec 12, 2012 8:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Wouldn't that weaken them though?
Author:  want33s [ Thu Dec 13, 2012 6:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Not if done slowly and carefully.
Author:  JrZook [ Thu Dec 13, 2012 9:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
There has been a few cases of peps bending OME springs but both on one side? Must of hit something pretty darn hard! If that's how you usually drive I'd be looking at going for some 7mm kings or EFS in the future which will withstand a little more punishment than the 6mm OME leafs. For a quick fix and road driving trip I'd follow want33's suggestions. Have you also checked the spring bushes? Are they split?
Author:  kd883 [ Thu Dec 13, 2012 11:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Quote:
There has been a few cases of peps bending OME springs but both on one side? Must of hit something pretty darn hard!


Yeah I might have been a bit rough with it...

Quote:
For a quick fix and road driving trip I'd follow want33's suggestions.


Quote:
* Remove bent springs.
* Place in press and straighten them.
* Refit springs.
* Party with all the money you saved...


Unfortunately it's not just a road trip - we're going to Fraser Island so I'm expecting to give the suspension a work out at least to some extent. I don't really feel comfortable 4wding on that back spring so far away from home. Imagine if it let go on the freeway!

I'm going to try and fit my mate's King Springs up tomorrow. Here's hoping my bushes are still ok, and that they come out easy enough and fit into the Kings!

KD.
Author:  tazmanier [ Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Image

isnt this ment to stop shackle reversal?? which seems to be the start of the problem. does on my 89 sierra with stock shackles anyway....
Author:  want33s [ Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Dunno why you are stressing about straightening a leaf or two...
My old Snow White would destroy a pair of rears EVERY drive... To save a few $$ I pressed them every 2nd trip and replaced them every other...
One of the reasons I built the buggy with 4 link and air shocks.
Author:  kd883 [ Sat Dec 15, 2012 8:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Quote:
Dunno why you are stressing about straightening a leaf or two...


I don't want to risk one of the springs letting go mate, especially on the trip up to Fraser. Imagine a spring letting go doing 110km/h when you're 2000kms from home...

For the steel to be pressed back into position, it would need to be cold pressed [i]beyond[i] it's original point just to straighten it - surely it couldn't retain much of its original integrity at that point? Bear in mind how bent the back one is too.

Anyway, got the King Springs in yesterday - worked out for the best! Turns out my old "2" lifted" springs must have been pretty sagged, because now she stands a whole lot taller! Ride doesn't seem to be any rougher than the OME's. All's well that ends well.

Thank you everyone for your help.

KD.
Author:  kd883 [ Sat Dec 15, 2012 8:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 94 Sierra bent leaf springs, what to do? Road trip in 2w
Quote:
Dunno why you are stressing about straightening a leaf or two...


I don't want to risk one of the springs letting go mate, especially on the trip up to Fraser. Imagine a spring letting go doing 110km/h when you're 2000kms from home...

For the steel to be pressed back into position, it would need to be cold pressed [i]beyond[i] it's original point just to straighten it - surely it couldn't retain much of its original integrity at that point? Bear in mind how bent the back one is too.

Anyway, got the King Springs in yesterday - worked out for the best! Turns out my old "2" lifted" springs must have been pretty sagged, because now she stands a whole lot taller! Ride doesn't seem to be any rougher than the OME's. All's well that ends well.

Thank you everyone for your help.

KD.
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