Mcrafty1 Posted October 15, 2016 Share Posted October 15, 2016 Like the title says, I have a broken bottom main leaf on my 44,000lb rear spring. I replaced everything BUT springs including the trunnion stand last fall just before I shut down for the winter. I have a single replacement leaf and am going to change it out my question is ...has anyone else done this before and what is the success rate of the new leaf working well with the 10 others above it? I'm going to give it a try regardless, the general consensus on changing the complete spring is that both need to be done together because of the axle alignment issues (i'm hoping just the bottom leaf won't throw things that far out of alignment). I'm going this route this once because of the parts difference ($166.00 for a replacement leaf vs $1450.00 for two springs) it's a calculated risk at this point. The gripes were new when I done the past work and I'm going to try reusing them on this move. I replaced a leaf on the other side (4th from the bottom) twelve years ago with a used leaf and that is still in the spring today. But I realize that wasn't a main leaf. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47261-replacing-a-bottom-main-leaf/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
theakerstwo Posted October 15, 2016 Share Posted October 15, 2016 I have seen the spring shop here do what your looking at.Nothing wrong with your ideal.Just torque the ubolts like need be. 1 Quote glenn akers Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47261-replacing-a-bottom-main-leaf/#findComment-348830 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mcrafty1 Posted October 15, 2016 Author Share Posted October 15, 2016 Ok thanks, thats what I was hoping to hear. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47261-replacing-a-bottom-main-leaf/#findComment-348842 Share on other sites More sharing options...
theakerstwo Posted October 16, 2016 Share Posted October 16, 2016 I wish i had two new springs but mine will work for a few more years.New is always better but i am not rich and dont want to make some one else rich. Quote glenn akers Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47261-replacing-a-bottom-main-leaf/#findComment-348858 Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackdog2 Posted October 16, 2016 Share Posted October 16, 2016 Been there done that or all three while your in there and clean the rust. Quote Ed Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47261-replacing-a-bottom-main-leaf/#findComment-348866 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mcrafty1 Posted October 16, 2016 Author Share Posted October 16, 2016 Thanks, I'll be sure and do that.....and what do you torque the gripes at? I've heard everywhere between 1100lbs. to 1600lbs? I don't remember what we did on the spring we repaired years ago....but the 1100 seems to be in my mind, but that's a far cry from the 1600 I've heard recently. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47261-replacing-a-bottom-main-leaf/#findComment-348868 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted October 17, 2016 Share Posted October 17, 2016 2 Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47261-replacing-a-bottom-main-leaf/#findComment-348948 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kscarbel2 Posted October 17, 2016 Share Posted October 17, 2016 And be sure to use a new Mack center bolt, part number 21SU18. Cut off the excess after torquing to spec. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47261-replacing-a-bottom-main-leaf/#findComment-348950 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mcrafty1 Posted October 17, 2016 Author Share Posted October 17, 2016 18 hours ago, j hancock said: Thanks man! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47261-replacing-a-bottom-main-leaf/#findComment-349047 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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