Leaf springs and bushings

Having a new set of leaf springs built for the front of my ‘66 . The left uses the 1 1/8 bushing while the right has the 1 5/8. When I have them made do I need to have that right side made to accomodate the 1 5/8 bushing or can I go with 1 1/8 for both. If I do have to have  the 1 5/8 on the right what bushing from Energy Suspension would I use ? I read where Donivan recommends the 4.2126 R bushing for the 1 1/8  leaf. Would it be better to go 1 1/8  both sides and just use the 4.2126  bushings? I’ll need to know when I have the leafs made . Any help on this is appreciated. Thanks

Chevboner here is having a spring shop install these 1 1/8" metal cartridges  on his 1st Gen springs instead of the neoprene ones,,,,,,,I would have to think they put that bigger bushing in the right front because the engine weight is more to that side and it would sag a little over time as well as all the engine torque goes through that bushing,,,,,,,that 1 5/8" neoprene bushing says 2061 on it, they might call it a 2011,,,,

Thanks Donivan for the info on the bushings . Am going to have the 1 5/8  spring  made for the right side as you recommend and try to find that  poly bushing to put in that eyelet. Regards , Brad

Just curious why you're having new springs made. I need to replace all the bushings on my 66 at some point, but figure the springs themselves are OK.

After looking at my rear springs ,  i decided to go with new  rear springs after my spring shop took them apart  to take a  closer look at em and  recommended new ones, those springs being over 50 yrs old , I just decided on putting new ones in  instead of re arching and rebuilding .If the fronts were like the rears ,  (which I’m assuming ,)they will be replaced.

Another question, new front leafs that I had made look as if one leaf is shorter than the other. I believe they are supposed to be 48” eye to eye. The new springs were copied from the old springs. I did measure eye to eye along the arc of the springs and the messurement was at 48 inches both springs. Am I not seeing something?
, or were they made wrong? Am headed back down to the spring shop that made them to look at the old ones.  Any help would be appreciated  thanks ,

Bonehead me!! Put them both together on their tops and they are even at 48” eyelet to eyelet.

donivan65 wrote:Chevboner here is having a spring shop install these 1 1/8" metal cartridges  on his 1st Gen springs instead of the neoprene ones,,,,,,,I would have to think they put that bigger bushing in the right front because the engine weight is more to that side and it would sag a little over time as well as all the engine torque goes through that bushing,,,,,,,that 1 5/8" neoprene bushing says 2061 on it, they might call it a 2011,,,,

FWIW - The manual said the larger (Heavy Duty) bushing was to take up the engine torque.

My springs had broken leafs. Had all four made. You won't regret having that done. It should be after all a one time investment .

Digz wrote:My springs had broken leafs. Had all four made. You won't regret having that done. It should be after all a one time investment .

So what's a ballpark of how much four new springs might cost me? I gotta start saving up...

I'll have to check my build bible to be sure. Its been a few years. Dan had some made also, perhaps he can recall quicker.

All great info. TY best site to keep our Vans on the road.