Leaf spring re-arching

[Sentax]

I brought my truck in for inspection of a chirp/squak from the rear end. They told me that the leaf springs were overloaded at one time and need to be re-arched or replaced. They showed me the underside of my truck which showed one side of the trucks leaf springs were not arched like the other side which was true and I also noticed this before bringing it in. The thing is that is re-arching just as good as new leafs? The price for re-arching was 990.00 and 1200 for new which includes parts and labor for this.

So any comments on this? Anyone re-arched? Is it recommended or replacement is always better? Do those prices sound about right?

Thanks

[maxwedge]

990 to re-arch, seems way to high, just did this on an old Dodge truck, main leaf only cost, 200.00, I took them to the shop. BTW, please post the year make and model in the future.

[Sentax]

Hey, thanks for your reply.

Sorry for not leaving my details of my truck. I guess I assumed everyone knew exactly what I drove?

1999 Silverado
Z71 Ext Cab
5.3L V8

I've checked at www.gmcpartsdirect.com and for a replacement spring is 320 bucks not including shipping. Take 2 of those and I'm up there in price already. Tack on labor and I can see it going up another 3-4 hundred maybe. I'm preaty sure I wouldn't be able to accomplish doing this myself when I don't have a lift or let alone a floor jack.

I'm scheduled to bring it in tomorrow morning. The truck is still drivable as I've been driving it for the past 6 months. But I think the price is crazy just to fix a sound but this also makes me put some weight in the back of it without worry.

I'm not sure what to do.

[maxwedge]

Did you think of taking directly to a shop that specializes in truck springs, thats what I did with the Dodge I spoke of, they wanted a 100 /side to R and I, I had them out already. Book time on your springs is about 1.0 per side.

[Sentax]

Nope I haven't checked into a specialty shop yet. In fact I just called and cancelled my appointment saying I needed to budget to spend 1000 on this .

Anyways, what would a specialty shop be listed under so I can make some calls? Do you think I should replace the springs or re-arch them?

He pointed out that one side is bad but didn't say that the other is which is obvious. Is it wise to repair/replace these in pairs or can you do these one at a time? How hard is it to remove leaf springs yourself? Can it be done with jack stands and a floor jack?

Thanks for helping me out

[maxwedge]

Yes do 2 either way, Remember when you remove 2 springs nothing is holding the axle to the frame this can be tricky, both the truck and the axle must be independently supported. Look for a truck or spring specialty shop in the yellow pages.