Source for Rear Leaf Springs - 86 Chieftain 31

BrianB · January 17, 2016, 09:27 PM

On to my next question....

Has anyone replaced the rear leaf springs on a mid-80's Chieftain 31? I can't seem to find a source that has the correct spring for this chassis (P30).

I checked sdtrucksprings.com and stengelbros.com but the springs they list for the P30 don't have the correct measurements. Their springs are 52-inches overall (26" and 26" to center) but the ones on my RV measure 26" to center (forward of axle) and 30" to center (rear of axle). I also have 9+1 configuration with 4" total spring pack thickness.

If anyone could pass along a source that has the correct springs I would be very appreciative.

Rickf1985 · January 17, 2016, 09:57 PM

Your best bet is to take it to a spring place where they can actually make them to fit. That way you get the right spring rate also.

BrianB · January 17, 2016, 10:06 PM

Quote from: Rickf1985 on January 17, 2016, 09:57 PM
Your best bet is to take it to a spring place where they can actually make them to fit. That way you get the right spring rate also.

Yeah.... I have one of those about 5 miles from where I work. I just have this feeling that a custom-made spring = $$'s and that these chassis should be common enough to have off-the-shelf available. Maybe not.

I did fill in the request forms at both those places (stengel is close enough I could drive there and save the $200 shipping - about 5 hours away) to see what they come back with tomorrow.

I'll have to find the GAWR information too.

Rickf1985 · January 18, 2016, 08:46 PM

The best thing to do is to weight it fully loaded so they know what exactly they are working with. Get a total weight and a rear axle weight. You will find that the springs are a stock item, they just have to match them up. Even if they are not stock it is not a big deal to make a set out of stock that they have on the shelf. They only need the correct total length spring, they can punch the hole wherever they need it. You may pay a little more for custom springs but they will be right and you will not be doing it twice. That is why it pays to have them do the work, they do this all day long. They will have the old ones off in ten minutes or less and the new ones on with all new hardware in less than half an hour usually. If there is a problem with the way it sits or rides they can address it right then and there. Plus, they have all of the new shackle bolts and U-bolts and hangers if needed right there. No running back and forth.

Froggy1936 · January 18, 2016, 09:11 PM

Also with out the experience,correct tools, Heavy duty jacks ,parts on hand .This can be a very labor intensive job with a lot of heavy lifting (each spring will weigh between 85 and a 100 lbs) And you never know what small parts you will need till dissessembled Frank

Rickf1985 · January 18, 2016, 09:18 PM

85-100lbs!? The rear springs on my F350 were 175 each! And to use that truck as an example I also ended up needing new frame hangers, rear shackles, shackle bolts and center pins since the spring did not come with the bottom overload and I had to take them apart and reassemble with the bottom leaf on and new center pins. I would bet the springs for your rig will be around 200-250lbs. each. That is a lot of muscling around while trying to line bolts up. Used to do it when I owned a shop and was 30 years younger.

BrianB · January 18, 2016, 10:29 PM

Quote from: Rickf1985 on January 18, 2016, 08:46 PMThe best thing to do is to weight it fully loaded so they know what exactly they are working with. Get a total weight and a rear axle weight.

Not possible. The unit is in my garage, and the rear end is torn apart for brakes, bearings, seals, etc. I will need to do the springs now or never. And with them flat to negative arch, now is the right time to do it.

Quote from: Rickf1985 on January 18, 2016, 08:46 PMThat is why it pays to have them do the work, they do this all day long. They will have the old ones off in ten minutes or less and the new ones on with all new hardware in less than half an hour usually. If there is a problem with the way it sits or rides they can address it right then and there. Plus, they have all of the new shackle bolts and U-bolts and hangers if needed right there. No running back and forth.

Also not an option. I have no problem doing the work myself. When I was in school my dad owned his own over-the-road tractor/trailer, and we did all the maintenance ourselves. I've done springs before on (lighter duty) trucks so I know what I'm getting into.

Quote from: Froggy1936 on January 18, 2016, 09:11 PM
Also with out the experience,correct tools, Heavy duty jacks ,parts on hand .This can be a very labor intensive job with a lot of heavy lifting (each spring will weigh between 85 and a 100 lbs) And you never know what small parts you will need till dissessembled Frank

Not a problem. I have 20-Ton jacks, plenty of 8x8 cribbing blocks, and air tools and oxy torches. The rear axle itself is also blocked up with both sides tires off and hubs/rotors/calipers off, so I have plenty of room to get in there easily.

I appreciate the concern, and if I was a little more naive and inexperienced, it would be good advice. My problem was just in trying to identify a source for the springs.

That said, Stengel Bros did get back to me:

Quote
Here is the spring that you need:

$179.95 each plus shipping
http://www.stengelbros.net/22-617-Leaf-Spring-Assemblys-for-81-91-ChevroletGMC-C-and-K--Series-Rear-_p_1848.html
(click to order online; order2)

This is a truck spring that we will change the bushings to make it exactly as a P series motorhome spring.

U-bolts: $23.06 for a kit of 2 U-bolts with nuts and washers
http://www.stengelbros.net/361-413-Square-Bend-58-x-25625-x-12625-Grade-8--U-bolt-Kit_p_352.html
(click to order; order 2 kits)

You can also give us a call during our business hours to place your order.

beaverman · January 18, 2016, 10:59 PM

This may be a resource for you, http://gittspring.com/products/

Rickf1985 · January 19, 2016, 09:34 AM

Glad to see you found them and I figured they would be a stock item. I didn't think Winnebago would go so far as to have special leaf springs made although they have done weird stuff with air suspensions. I have one of those. I am kind of surprised to see they are pick up truck springs! Prices are very good as I have found most of their stuff to be. Try getting the spring bolts out before you order and if they don't come out easy just throw in new bolts to the order and torch the old ones out. Not worth fighting them.

BrianB · January 20, 2016, 03:24 PM

So, I thought I would post this information for anyone else, now or in the future.

For a 1986 Chieftain 31 (probably same for other years in that time frame) here are the parts for a complete rear spring replacement:

Leaf Springs: 22-617 springs (Qty 2), change bushings to RB-129 (Qty 4) - 3995# capacity
U-Bolts: 361-413 kit (Qty 2, each kit has 2 bolts with washers/nuts) 5/8" x 2-9/16" x 12-5/8"
Shackles: 330-163 (Qty 2)
Spring Bolts: 334-768 (Qty 6)

I bought these from Stengel Bros (https://www.stengelbros.net/) and they were very helpful. Even with UPS Ground shipping they were still almost $200 cheaper than the same parts from a local spring repair shop.

Thank you everyone here for your help as well.