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Front Leaf Springs

19trax95

New member
16
18
3
Location
Eastern PA
So I have a M1031 and I'm wanting to raise the front a little bit. About 2" would be ideal. Would also help with the plow in the winter.

I have read conflicting info about the front springs on these due to the Dana 60 axle. I've seen guys say standard spring packs won't work as they would on a K10 or K20 series truck, then I've read that they can all use the same spring packs. Visually looking at them, it seems they are no different than any other squarebody front pack.

I also would like to see if anyone has recommendations for a good pack that won't totally trash the ride, because it certainly doesn't need to be any stiffer than it is lol.

Are add a leafs a decent option? I think I'd rather do the whole pack but if an add a leaf would get me there, I'm not opposed to it.
 

Skinny

Well-known member
2,130
486
83
Location
Portsmouth, NH
So I have a M1031 and I'm wanting to raise the front a little bit. About 2" would be ideal. Would also help with the plow in the winter.

I have read conflicting info about the front springs on these due to the Dana 60 axle. I've seen guys say standard spring packs won't work as they would on a K10 or K20 series truck, then I've read that they can all use the same spring packs. Visually looking at them, it seems they are no different than any other squarebody front pack.

I also would like to see if anyone has recommendations for a good pack that won't totally trash the ride, because it certainly doesn't need to be any stiffer than it is lol.

Are add a leafs a decent option? I think I'd rather do the whole pack but if an add a leaf would get me there, I'm not opposed to it.
Depends, how clapped out are they now? I'd say an AAL will probably help with maintaining ride height with a plow or get a little boost up but not both.

You are probably a good candidate for an appropriately rated spring.

I don't think the spring cares what axle you have but the U bolts certainly will. ORD would be the place to go to ensure you get all the correct stuff.
 

19trax95

New member
16
18
3
Location
Eastern PA
I think the springs are in decent condition. Just when the plow is on there in the winter months it sags a decent amount and is almost touching the rubber bump stops.

It's a failry heavy plow (8' fisher).

I'd also like the little bump up in height with the plow not on the truck, which it isn't most of the time.

I'll definitely be getting new U bolts and all. A local shop makes them up as I wait. Which makes me wonder if they can just make me a new pair of spring packs to get the load and height I'm after.
 

ehuppert

Active member
279
138
43
Location
Upstate NY
I just recently BTDT. Went with 4 leaf spring packs as I wanted the additional weight capacity. Without the plow it raised the front end one inch. But, didn't drop as much with the plow due to weight capacity. I wouldn't add a leaf, spring packs aren't that expensive and you're doing almost the same amount of work. You could get a 1" zero rate block if you wanted an additional inch.....

https://www.autoandtrucksprings.com...ck-4wd-heavy-duty-front-leaf-spring-22-402hd/

I bought my springs from ATS springs in Souderton (just north of Philly) I received the next day via FedEx. I got the U-bolts from them. Also used poly bushings vs rubber.

I used to use ATS when i ran a repair shop. Very knowledgeable, think its a third generation business
 

nyoffroad

Well-known member
907
624
93
Location
Rochester NY
If the local shop can make up the U bolts then I'm sure they can help you with the springs themselves, they might even still have new old stock sitting on the shelf for a deal.
 
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