Leaf and Coil springs

[Kyboy13]

I have a 99' S-10, 2.2 vortec. 2wd truck with fiberglass camper shell and trailer hitch. The truck sits lower than other s-10's, my shocks are still new from a year ago. I figure that my leaf springs and coils are finally at their limit. I won't lie, I ride this truck hard so my question is how much is it normally for the replacement of coils and leafs? I have also heard that the leaf springs can be re arched, is this true or would it not take too long before it settles back down? I guess I really want to know what the price for this type of repair usually runs and how long would it take on these rather soft springs before my shocks go out?

[old_master]

Best to check front and rear ride height first. That should be done on an alignment rack so the vehicle is level front to rear and side to side when measuring. It usually takes about 10 years for springs to sag to the point that ride height is out of spec. Shocks have a range that they are designed to operate within. When ride height is correct, the shocks are in the center of their travel range. As ride height drops, the shocks can bottom out which is hard on them. Springs determine ride height, shocks dampen the action of the springs. Shocks do not affect ride height. The correct way to repair ride height is to replace the springs, always replace them in pairs. Check with your local under-car repair shops, they can check ride height and give you pricing.

[Blue Bowtie]

If there is a spring shop in your area, semi-elliptical leafs can usually be reset to the correct rate AND free height by adjusting the curve and adding/replacing plates. The shop in my area does it for about $30 a side.

Coils, on the other hand, aren't worth the effort since they are so cheap to replace. New coils can be had for about $60 a pair.

[Kyboy13]

Thanks,
I really don't think I need to measure my ride heighth because it is very obvious that my truck is sitting too low. What is the shop in your area called, is it a local deal or is it a regional or national chain like Mineke or Midas etc. ? I'll have to make a few phone calls around the area to see.

[old_master]

Mineke, Midas, Goodyear, etc, any shop that does front end alignments.