1957 Fairlane Leaf Springs

[chapingo17]

I'm thinking of replacing both leaf springs for the Fairlane (including bushings). Does any one know of a good place where I can buy them from? They got some on Ebay not sure if these will be good enough.

[RICH MUISE]

Eric, me and most everyone else here got theirs from McVeigh's Truck Springs. I went with the 6 leaf Ranchero springs on my Custom.........imho, an even better idea on your Fairlane. Definetly not a harsh ride even for my lighter model, but really helped with sway control.
Contact info is in our list of suppliers. ......           www.mcveighstrucksprings.com
OPPS.....looks like the new contact info is ebay only. they go by the seller name........ springking0001
uuurrrggggg!!!! sometimes I hate Ebay. You'd think doing something simple like "visit springkig0001 store" would be simple,but nooooo.
try this:
https://www.ebay.com/str/mcveighstrucksprings?_trkparms=folent%3Amcveighstrucksprings%7Cfolenttp%3A1&_trksid=p3542580.m47492.l74602

[chapingo17]

Thank you Rich I will look into getting the 6 leaf springs. I checked on ebay and I was going to order the exact replacement but, I will order the 6 leaf springs for a 1957 Ranchero. Thanks again.

[lalessi1]

The springs you are looking for are Dayton 42-217

You can google the number and a source will come up. McVeigh's eBay store has them....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/354341346469?epid=1323503877&hash=item528063dca5:g:VpoAAMXQiNdRbupW

[chapingo17]

My Fairlane at around 55-60 miles on the freeway feels like it sways at the rear end. Not sure if just a bushing replacement on the existing leaf springs or a complete leaf spring replacement will be necessary to fix this problem. Had anyone experience this problem on a stock 57 Fairlane?

[RICH MUISE]

Mine did when I had too much rake on it (not a Fairlane). You don't have your shackles flipped do you?

[terry_208]

I once put a set of tires on my daughter's Honda Accord that caused it to be severely unstable at 50-55. The car would "walk and swerve" on the freeway.  I replaced the new tires with a cheaper set and solved the problem.  I know the Accord and a 57 Fairlane is like apples to oranges.

[chapingo17]

I haven't even touch the rear end just replaced oil on diff and replace axle bearing for both rear tires. Tires are in pretty good shape.

[chapingo17]

If I go with the 6 leaf springs what size of U bolts would I need?

[RICH MUISE]

Several things to consider, Eric. First, the actual thickness of the 6 leaf is probably only 5/8" or so more than the 4 leaf, so your original u-bolts may be long enough. ....just look at how much thread you have to work with on your car as it sits now.
However, that said,be aware the 6 leaf springs add about an inch to ride height.........maybe more when new. Plus, they'll take a while to settle in. That extra kickup in the back is what caused the uncomfortable feeling we just talked about in another post. To fix that problem, I used 1" lowering blocks. That got rid of the "back end feeling like it's wanting to come around" around curves at speed. After a year or so, the new springs gradually settled in and I removed the lowering blocks no longer needed. Anyways, those 1" blocks will obviously need a 1" longer ubolt. I didn't change ubolts, just let the extra inch of thread hang down.
long answer for a simple question.
Be aware my handling issue was caused by too much rake ON MY CAR........I've got cut springs and lowering spindles on the front, so not the same as your car.

[chapingo17]

Ok cool.

[chapingo17]

The rear of the Fairlane is lower then the front. No sure if I'm losing traction at 55-60 miles leaf springs would help? Maybe? Not sure if anyone with a Fairlane or a 57 Ford has encounter has encounter this problem. 

[Jeff Norwell]

As Rich has mentioned, I too replace both 57's I own with McViegh's springs.I went with the 6 spring pack.
If the rear of your 57 is low or "sagging" as you mentioned... the factory springs are simply worn out or they could be re-arched.
The installation was easy and took about a day.I found the ride was much more "Firm" but not harsh.I also went with the longer U-BOLTS due to the fact I run a set of Traction Masters.
At that time I also replaced the rear shackles and used new hardware front and rear in the perch area.
I also took Rich's advice(and others here) and stepped up and bought 56 Ford shocks .... much easier to change a tire.

good luck.

J.

[chapingo17]

Nice, I will be replacing them here soon. Thanks again for all the great advise.