Springs

[Tbob62]

Need advice on front springs. I've completed the 318 swap and have some clearance issue with oil pan/ front diff( nothing new!) Can I swap in some leafs from the rear since there is no load hauling in its future?

Mike

[Matthew Ziegler]

springs

I still have the stock flathead in my truck, but I ordered 2 new old stock springs from vintage powerwagons, took them to the spring shop and had two leaves added, big difference, considering my originals had at least one broken leaf each, it was, probably 3 or 3 1/2 inches. also put m43 springs in the rear to level it out,.

[Tbob62]

Thanks...I was kinda thinking along those lines. Front springs have almost no arch now so new ones or a re-arch is probably coming up.

[jrodjared]

Any pics of the swap? I am about to drop in a 318 myself.

[Tbob62]

Lift blocks?

I see where Will used blocks in his build. Any recommendations on that route? Looks like 2-3" would do the trick...

[W_A_Watson_II]

I used blocks in the rear, and installed some additional short leafs in the front. However this was for tire purposes and not engine clearances. The engine must be offset tight to the drivers side and a notch cut into the frame for the exhaust to fit.

[Gordon Maney]

I still have the stock flathead in my truck, but I ordered 2 new old stock springs from vintage powerwagons, took them to the spring shop and had two leaves added, big difference, considering my originals had at least one broken leaf each, it was, probably 3 or 3 1/2 inches. also put m43 springs in the rear to level it out,.

How are the M43 spring assemblies different?

[Tbob62]

Thanks for the replies...You are correct on offset, but I have shot springs that weren't accounted for, so still alittle close for comfort. Local spring shop can do add a leaf and re-arch combo but I was looking at all options. Sitting kinda nose down at the moment( the truck, not me). Maybe the 727 auto weighs more than I realized, kinda doubt it's heavier than the stock tranny.

[W_A_Watson_II]

The only time I got into the oil pad wasn't under full compression, it was when I broke a spring pack bolt and the axle moved and allowed the differential to get into the side of the pan. My springs were shot as well, and I went with a NOS set from VPW.

[Tbob62]

Thanks Will! I'll give them a call ....website prices for NOS are bout what rework would cost according to the spring shop and will give me a more reliable result...

[Matthew Ziegler]

m43

Gordon, the rear springs on an m43 have a few extra leaves makes the truck around 2 inches higher when in an m37 and still rides better than my neighbor's new superduty.

[Gordon Maney]

Gordon, the rear springs on an m43 have a few extra leaves makes the truck around 2 inches higher when in an m37 and still rides better than my neighbor's new superduty.

Interesting, thank you.

[Tbob62]

Springs

Got NOS springs from VPW and added three leaves from old set. After new center bolts, clamps and u-bolts from Springs and Things here in Columbia, I ended up with approx 3" of clearance for the pumpkin and the rig sits level.