Help with General Springs Leaf Springs

So I decided against Deaver or Alcan for reasons that aren't worth mentioning at this point. I went with General Springs from Kansas because they were recommended by Wheelers as a good replacement for OEM. They arrived today and they are wildly different passenger/driver's side. The drivers side is about a 1/2” longer and the leafs are definitely different lengths when compared to the front/rear eyelets with a measuring tape. Yes, they are both aligned front to front and rear to rear. My thoughts, the center leaf is backwards on one of the packs, but the length difference has me boggled. They were labeled correctly for what I ordered. Does anyone have experience with these?l

 

1) You brought it up so mention why not Deavers or Alcan?

2) Rear leafs are usually sized slightly different for each side.

3) No I have no experience with these.

4) I will have nightmares about your big toe.

 

1) You brought it up so mention why not Deavers or Alcan?

I was pretty unimpressed with their desire to talk to me. I felt like I was putting them out. I talked to someone from both places and was ready for them to take my money. I thought I had it but when I emailed them (basically a transcript of our conversation) I never heard back after a week. I tried to call multiple times and was met with no voicemail or ability to leave a message. Followed up with another email and no reply. I work in service for healthcare and I find this totally unacceptable. Can't consciously give them my money.

2) Rear leafs are usually sized slightly different for each side.

I was thinking that because of the gas tank this would be normal. But figured I would ask y'all.

3) No I have no experience with these.

I hear they are good and were recommended by Wheelers.

4) I will have nightmares about your big toe.

Yes, it is large but I am not. Fred Flinstones. Oh, the things these toes can do.....

 

I concur with #1. One of those two mention leaf springs companies did the same with me when I was looking to hand them money.

 

How about taking a measurement of your leaf springs on the truck. Maybe that could help you understand what’s going on. I find it weird that leaf springs would be different lengths from side to side regardless of the weight of the truck. Another thought, instead of measuring them center eyelet to center measure them with a string following the curve.

 

I am fairly certain the 2nd leaf is installed backwards. I measured and it is within a 1/4" if I flip it around. Annoying but easier and cheaper then dealing with a return.

I told you my Flinstones could do some shit...

 

My issue with installing them is that if the driver or passenger side is incorrect I want to be able to return it for the correct part.

 

The most consistent place to measure from would be where the leafspring attaches to the frame towards the front of the truck. Measure from there to the center pin on both sides. Then the same thing on the new leaf springs to see if it’s consistent. Definitely don’t want that thing dog walking down the freeway. I hate it when stuff like this happens. I wish everything was symmetrical so it was a no brainer.

 

Thanks for your input. I am so sure the middle leaf is backwards. I measured and compared to my OEM's and it makes sense. The middle leaf on the OEM's is pretty centered between the eyelets. This is not my first rodeo, I built a Jeep back in my 20's and this stuff is bound to happen. A 3 hour project turns into an entire weekend

 

I flipped the middle leaf around and it seems to have fixed the issue. They assembled them wrong. I compared to my OEM springs for comparison.

 

Yeah that leaf is backwards. I would flip that spring and call them up to ask what's up with the measurements.

If it makes you feel better my Alcans came with some backwards leafs too, guess the assembly guys drink on the job because it was super obvious. I kept thinking there is no way I would let a product out that way. I contacted Alcan and they said sorry and sent me a new center pin so I could correct it.

It's unfortunate that bad customer service is so prevalent these days. Out of all the shops or companies I have called to ask questions or just to place orders with only a few stood out to me as friendly. The rest act like you're interrupting them from something more important or something.

 

Glad you were able to get it figured out .Hopefully it's smooth sailing from here

 

Yeah, I read your post about the backwards leaf. I come from a family owned business that prides ourselves on service. It's totally shitty these days. Can't deal with it, I'll happily pay more if they're willing to take care of me.

 

I will say the springs have been good to me. They've been on maybe 6 or 7 years and no trouble.

 

I am hoping for the same. I am at 155K but I know I'll get another 100K minimum with some love and care.

 

You ask forum members that can only assume reason of why instead of you first questioning manufacture for response concerning issue?? Very backward way to not find the truth of why!!

 

The second leaf was backwards. No way it was right. Look at the photos I posted closely. Definitely backwards.

 

Then blatantly pick a fight with mfg and show it here if received a BS response from mfg showing no reason for questionable product and no desire for resolution. Otherwise your just a whiner who likes to maliciously slander others.

 

I think you should re-read the posts. I am not whining about anything. I was asking for help when I could not reach out to the mfg because it was after business hours. I got it resolved on my own, 2nd leaf on driver's side WAS backwards. I am not talking shit about any of the aforementioned MFGs, but given your attitude I'd swear you work for one of them.....

 

He posted this late in the day, the shop was certainly closed so why not ask a forum dedicated to Tundras if they know what's going on?

If you buy a product and it arrives incorrectly assembled and you ask a forum for confirmation, how is that "malicious slander"? Sometimes things like this happen, and it's more often than people may think. The good news is this was easy to correct.

 

It sounds like the only one picking a fight here is....well...YOU! I don't see him slandering anyone.

 

OK, then I shall rephrase...Yeah, those springs are just wrong and you will have to fix it yourself or send them back at possibly your cost.
Now I'll say, good to hear you fixed it. You obviously have the commonsense know how to get it done right w/o having to send it back for replacement.

Not everyone is the same as I would have just fixed them w/o saying a word about it, but then again thanks for pointing out a mfg's shoddy work that others might find useful when they are looking for springs. I doubt I would give them good reference after seeing that.

 

At what point of rear lift should you do a carrier bearing drop/spacer? Also, I know I have seen them but I can seem to find one now that I might need one.

 

I thought I've read on here several times that it's not needed unless your 3+ inches

 

I had already had a few beers so I was lubed, my brain wasn't working at 100%. I posted hoping for someone to point out the obvious and it worked. I went and checked out my stock springs and did some measuring and figured out the 2nd leaf was backwards.

I also never meant to point out a MFG's mistake, I was looking for answers. These things happen and it was an easy fix that I am more than capable of performing. The springs seem built well and coated with a durable finish. I will follow up with a report after I get them on. I have read good things and Wheelers even recommended them.

 

Like I said, I can't even find one right now. To me 1.5-2" doesn't seem like it would be required.

 

Not required. Look at your front axles, as long as they are not at crazy angles and are fairly in line then you're good

 

The front will be revamped in a couple weeks. I have Camburgs, ICONs, LBJ's, SS Brake lines, Diff drop, new CV boots, wheel bearings and a grinder to fit the 295/75/16's

 

I was a couple sheets further into the wind and didn't think it through before responding, but all's good , cheers.

I heard General Springs were a good company also, yet I'm now on the fence and will look more seriously at Deaver and Alcan mfg's that you mentioned.
Educate me, in comparison, what do the 2 others do different that makes their product better, or are the 3 selling same quality? Your in the know which helps everyone here.

Good post, good pics.

 

I am drinking as I type this. Haha. Anyway, I really wanted OEM ride with 1.5" of lift but progressive. You can get both from either Deaver or Alcan but will probably have to go custom if you want that much actual lift plus hauling capabilities. This scares me because it is non-refundable. They seem to be built more for flex than hauling/towing, which wasn't an issue for me. If you scroll back to the top you'll see my big issue with these companies. I know I'll be happy with these OEM spec'd springs with the ICON AAL. Progressive and I'll get 1.5-2" lift. A good alternative is the Archive Garage Expedition Deavers which are designed to be progressive as well as hold 500 lbs static. Also, there is Atlas spring you can look at. Link below for the Archive pack.

https://archivegarage.com/products?olsPage=products/archive-overland-tundra-springs