[Need rear leaf spring source]

Good luck Mike on your restoration. Well you got a few options with the springs, finding a listing for the old trucks is tough, but you could have the stock springs rebuilt at a spring shop. The springs from the 79-83 trucks will fit with no problem, the same years in a 4x4 will work also, they have more arch so will add some lift to the rear, just have to flip the alignment pin in the center of the spring pack so the alignment dowel is facing up so the differential will sit on top of the springs rather than the bottom.

As you mentioned have some custom springs built, adjustable overloads on the rear will stiffen and raise the rear. Sounds as though someone has already tried to beef things up with the 6th leaf, if I recall correctly they had 5 leaves stock.

If I,m guessing correctly, your Nook is probably sitting low in the rear like most do over the years, tired springs from years of hauling the weight around, so its kinda a compromise to get some lift back in the rear without going to a super stiff rear spring, rough roads and stiff springs will make for some teeth rattling.

Hi Nolan,

Thanks for the prompt and informative reply! Yes, the rear end is hanging now - there's no arch whatsoever in the springs and no bounce in the ride. Sort of like driving a tank. I got a quote back for making custom replacements - $600. ouch! I'm not familiar with having them rebuilt, is that the same as having new ones made? Do they replace all the individual springs with new? Sounds like going with the '79-83 4x4 application is the way to go. Would that have 5 leaves? Even if they're a tad stiff, won't a fully loaded rig making them more solid feeling? And one more question, what do you suggest for shocks in my situation?

Thanks much,

Mike

[Need rear leaf spring source]

Hi All,

I've had my '76 Chinook just over a year and am slowly restoring it as time and $ allow. Next stop is complete replacement of the rear suspension - springs and shocks. I haven't been able to find a source for a vehicle this old for the springs. Does anyone know of a source or do I need to have them custom made? Is it best to stay with the 6-leaf springs? I'd like to be able to take it on rough roads in Baja when it's finished. Thanks, Mike