When a truck's leaf springs wear out, you have two main choices: an off-the-shelf replacement spring, or a custom spring built for your truck and how you use it. Both have their place. Here's how to decide.
What an off-the-shelf spring is
Off-the-shelf springs, often called OEM-style or OEM-replacement springs, are built to match the factory spring for a specific vehicle. They are made by part number, so they bolt in without modification and restore the truck to roughly its original ride height and load rating. Many are also available in heavy-duty versions with a higher rating.
Off-the-shelf is usually right when:
- Your truck is stock and you want it back to how it was from the factory.
- A replacement is made for your exact year, make and model.
- You don't carry unusual loads or tow beyond what the truck was built for.
- You want a quick, straightforward replacement.
Browse our leaf springs by vehicle and part number.
What a custom spring is
A custom leaf spring is built to your specifications. The spring maker can change the number of leaves, leaf thickness, arch and overall rating, so the spring delivers the ride height and capacity you need. Custom springs can also be made for older, rare or modified vehicles where a ready-made replacement is no longer available.
Custom is usually right when:
- You want a lift, or a specific ride height, without adding blocks.
- Your truck carries a permanent load, such as a service body, flat deck, slide-in camper or plow.
- You tow heavy and want the truck to sit level and stable under load.
- You want a softer ride than a typical heavy-duty spring while still carrying weight.
- You have a classic, discontinued or one-off vehicle with no catalogue part.
Questions to ask yourself
- What does the truck carry most of the time? An empty daily driver and a truck that always has 1,000 lb of tools in the back need different springs.
- How often do you tow, and how much? Occasional light towing may be fine on stock-rated springs. Regular heavy towing may call for more capacity.
- What ride height do you want? Stock, level, or lifted?
- How much does ride comfort matter? A spring rated far beyond your normal load will ride stiff when empty.
- Is a replacement even made? For older and specialty vehicles, custom may be the only option.
Information to have ready
Whichever route you take, it helps to know your vehicle's year, make, model, cab and box configuration, and drivetrain. For a custom build, or to match an unknown spring, the spring maker will want measurements: the length eye-to-eye, the width, the number of leaves, the eye type, and the centre bolt position. Photos of the old spring help too. Also note any extra weight the truck carries and what you tow.
Don't forget the rest of the suspension
New springs work best with fresh hardware. Plan on new U-bolts, and check bushings, shackles and hangers. Changing ride height may also mean you need different shocks or brake line checks. Springs are always recommended to be replaced in pairs, though single springs are available too.
Custom leaf springs built in Abbotsford
Carrier Spring Service Ltd. has built custom leaf springs in Abbotsford since 1979, for light trucks, heavy-duty trucks, off-road vehicles and RVs. Learn more on our custom leaf springs page, see custom lift springs, or read about leaf spring repair and re-arching. We serve customers across the Fraser Valley and ship springs across North America.
Call 604-855-9982 to talk through your truck, or visit Unit B9-10, 33733 King Road, Abbotsford. Shop hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.