Remove helper leaf?

[1968flareside]

I want to drop the rear just a bit on the 68. I do not haul anything in the back. Just wondering if removing the extra leaf would hurt anything else other than payload.

[FORDification]

No, it's just there as an 'emergency backup' for when you really want to load the truck down. If you're not planning on doing any hauling or towing, you can remove that bottom overload spring. Just don't decide you can still haul a car trailer or boat and get away with it....'cause you're bound to break some springs.

[1968flareside]

Cool. My buddy with the 69 will be happy. He's missing one! I figure I'd donate it to him since he gave me a rust free AZ cab!!

[FORDification]

Just thought I'd add an update to this thread. I was at the shop last weekend going over my new choptop project truck and taking pictures and noticed something interesting.

A previous owner had also removed the lower overload spring, and it seems like the remaining leafs are now sagging a little because of it:



Now I have to state that I don't know any of the previous history of this truck. I bought the truck in an unfinished state, and the guy I bought it from says the guy he bought it from had done some modifications. So I have no idea of there was any heavy hauling done with it after the helper was removed, to cause this condition. Also, the front leaf mount on each side was relocated about 3-4 inches up, which obviously messed up the pinion angle. I don't know if there was any driving of this truck with the altered pinion angle and whether or not it would have caused the damage to the rear springs....but I just thought I'd share this photo with you all and let you make up your own minds.

[theskytoucher]

Just out of curiosity has anyone else had this problem with light hauling after they have removed the helper spring?

[1968flareside]

Thanks Keith. I'll keep that in mind. I want to start removing the body in a couple of months and getting serious about the restoration. Just kicking ideas around.