Front spring replacement

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by spindrift, May 5, 2021.

  1. spindrift

    spindrift Road Train Member

    3,223
    12,879
    Dec 2, 2014
    Texas
    0
    2004 Pete 379
    Got back from my semi-annual suspension inspection and the shop is recommending that I have my steer axle springs replaced. He showed me where the rubber stop is hitting the underside of the frame and suggested that was a tell-tale sign that the springs are soft. I was a bit surprised by their estimate. Is this something I can do myself without any specialized tools?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Mattflat362

    Mattflat362 Road Train Member

    2,693
    5,686
    Feb 18, 2015
    Avon Lake, Ohio
    0
    About $2200.00? Just curious.
     
  4. spindrift

    spindrift Road Train Member

    3,223
    12,879
    Dec 2, 2014
    Texas
    0
    LOL...did you somehow get a copy of the quote too??
    $2,077. Let's call it $2,100.
     
    Mattflat362 and Rideandrepair Thank this.
  5. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

    3,553
    9,062
    Apr 10, 2012
    Indiana
    0
    Check if this is actually correct for your truck, spring cost range is about 300 to 600$ a side depending on what you get, its wise to replace in sets and do shocks when you do it, new ubolts and the bushings (came with my springs), shackles if worn.

    So parts last go round was 900$ delivered to my house, mechanic was about 800, but he cut me a deal since i just provided parts and he didnt have to go figuring out parts when he had the truck.
     
    Rideandrepair and spindrift Thank this.
  6. spindrift

    spindrift Road Train Member

    3,223
    12,879
    Dec 2, 2014
    Texas
    0
    It's correct. This shop has a stellar reputation.
     
    Rideandrepair Thanks this.
  7. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

    2,807
    7,451
    Jan 2, 2012
    NW, Iowa
    0
    Torch to cut old U-bolts. Tall jack and or a bunch of good wood blocks to lift front end. While you are at it check your spring hanger bushings. If they are worn bad they can be a bugger to get pins out. If bushings are bad in top frame mounted hanger replacement of hanger may be necessary.

    Not a bad job over all. I did mine couple hours per side. On concrete with a shop full of tools.

    We have a great big pneumatic jack with probably a 12+ inch base and just as much ram travel. That made the job way easier
     
  8. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

    3,553
    9,062
    Apr 10, 2012
    Indiana
    0
    spindrift and Rideandrepair Thank this.
  9. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

    27,627
    144,554
    Jul 7, 2015
    Canuckistan
    0
    Not bad at all to do. Just make sure you support the truck by the frame and not the steer axle. You want as close to zero load on the axle/suspension as possible.

    Changed my first front spring (with some guidance) when I was still a teenager. So no its not at all a hard job to do.

    Probably still threaded pins in that 2004. They make a special impact socket for that but if you grease the spring pins regularly then a 15" adjustable wrench will usually thread them out without much trouble.

    Definitely new u-bolts. Don't even waste time trying to save the old ones. Not worth the hassle. Make dang sure you keep the spacers and shims that are between the spring and axle in the EXACT order they came out. Don't want to stick the caster shim in the wrong way.
     
  10. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

    16,472
    53,813
    Aug 8, 2015
    0
    Have you replaced the front shocks yet? I’ve had mine bottom out on one side, on RR tracks. Bottomed out. Damaged the rubber bumper. Shocks were bad, and I was going too fast. That was yrs ago, hasn’t happened since. I’ll probably replace both of mine. One seems weak. Best thing to do is measure them from top of spring to frame. See if they’re the same. I’m sure the shops right, but bad shocks, and big bumps can cause the spring hit the bumper, and just be a one time thing. Maybe try gas charged Monroe’s.
     
    Last edited: May 5, 2021
    BoxCarKidd, Dino soar and spindrift Thank this.
  11. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

    27,627
    144,554
    Jul 7, 2015
    Canuckistan
    0
    Or they could be like the ones in my KW when I bought it. Sagged down on either side of the axle beam :eek:
     
    spindrift and Rideandrepair Thank this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.