Where can I get spring clamps?

TheBac

Why do I keep doing this?
Staff member
Apr 19, 2008
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Go to TSC(Tractor Supply) or a store of that nature, and go to the trailer parts section. You can get 3" and 3.5" U bolts for like 10 bucks a set. Then all you need is some 1/2" flat stock, and drill a couple holes.. WALAH... A set of spring clamps for less that $20.00, and you can get everything you need at TSC! Mine work great!

Exactly what I did.

Heck, I forgot to remove my clamps from the front after racing last year. Seems to ride much better that way.
 

othrgrl

Diesel Addiction Owner
Mar 10, 2008
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TSC is another great resource, many city folk don't have those stores around though.

Why would blocks make it any different? The leaf pad is the same L&W as my blocks (leaf has same amount of mounting surface). I run front and back clamped 24/7. I also made mine.

Juddski is right, yes the mounting surface is the same size but the height of the block itself acts as a cheater bar, applying more force to the springs and increasing axle wrap. The spring rate of our trucks makes it less noticable than say an S10 with blocks; but with 4 digit torque numbers that's alot more force on them as well.
 
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TrentNell

Finally underway !!!!!
Jul 7, 2008
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:eek:

Whenever I drove to the track or pulls with those on, mine rode like a chuck wagon????

i'm with you, i didnt care for the ride. thats why i changed my rear setup to something always ready to run . but spring clamps did get the job done .
 

TheBac

Why do I keep doing this?
Staff member
Apr 19, 2008
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Mid Michigan
:eek:

Whenever I drove to the track or pulls with those on, mine rode like a chuck wagon????

Could be a reg cab to crew cab thing. Mine rides just fine. It's less bouncy than without the clamps.

I found out the hard way about clamping the rear of the springpack at the dragstrip. Talk about wheel hop. Holy crap! Im lucky I didnt break the rear axle.



:witch: eidt
 
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malibu795

misspeelleerr
Apr 28, 2007
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:eek:

Whenever I drove to the track or pulls with those on, mine rode like a chuck wagon????

Could be a reg cab to crew cab thing. Mine rides just fine. It's less bouncy than without the clamps.

I found out the hard way about clamping the rear of the springpack at the dragstrip. Talk about wheel hop. Holy crap! Im lucky I didnt break the rear axle.

x2 tom i run just the fornt clamped all the time..

aceel and decel is more repsonsive along with stopping can actually feel the rear pull the truck down... i just re-clamped mine that had moved forward ~1" after some 20,000 miles. clamping front and rear gives it a chuck wagon feel ;)
 
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custom8726

Active member
Feb 25, 2008
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Oh yeah, I made my own also but I did not have any u-bolts laying around so I just cut 4 pieces of plate steel, drilled 8 holes and inserted 4 bolts, 8 nuts.. total cost $"O", Zero, natta dime it was all laying around the shop...;):)
 

Iceman56

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Jan 19, 2009
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Okay guys what excactly does clamping the springs do. I gonna be track and sled pulls this summer and competing. But when i go do both I either have to tow a tractor or another car with me. Can I tow with them clamped:confused: Or do I have to wait until I get to the track or pull to put them on. Also wondering the same about traction bars:confused:
 

Subman

Old Geezer
Jun 27, 2008
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I use to run cal tracs on my 02 CC all the time, didn't effect the ride that much but were noisy. No problem towing with them. I use spring clamps now, use to clamp both the front and rear of the springs. Driving around like that did feel like chuck wagon. If you only clamp the fronts, (as many have stated here) it works great for drag racing and I don't notice them much if I leave them on. They prevent axle wrap and you will get a much better 60' when you are drag racing.
 
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Iceman56

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Jan 19, 2009
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Thanks subman you have been helping me out a lot tonight:) would you run traction bars and clamps? Would there be any benifit to doing that, or should I just run clamps? What about putting clamps on the front and back or should I just do the front clamps?
 

Subman

Old Geezer
Jun 27, 2008
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Madras, OR, Pahrump NV
Thanks subman you have been helping me out a lot tonight:) would you run traction bars and clamps? Would there be any benifit to doing that, or should I just run clamps? What about putting clamps on the front and back or should I just do the front clamps?

You could run traction bars and clamps, don't think it would hurt, but I really doubt it would help. Having had both I prefer the clamps due to cost and noise. They seem to work well too. You really only have to clamp the front. If you start running really big Hp and have tires that really bite then run both front and rear.
 

othrgrl

Diesel Addiction Owner
Mar 10, 2008
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Wilmington NC
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Here is one more place to get them. You should be able to get any AutoZone to order these for you even if they don't have them on the shelf. I just saw these last time I was there. If you go into AZ ask for part # 13-1401A
Click the pic
 
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