In hand — hung on the truck with shackles by 3 Oct 2026; not yet torqued
Corrections
2026-10-14
This entry previously showed $518.72, the total of an earlier eBay order for the same springs that was cancelled and refunded on 10 Sep. The springs came from Ted Russell Ford for $607.83.
Progressive rear leaf springs
Not selected
Deaver
Part number: L83 / L84 — L84 currently leading
Why this option
Progressive-rate springs would improve unloaded ride quality while still supporting towing loads, addressing the stiff-empty/soft-loaded compromise of a factory pack. L84 currently looks the more promising of the two for maintaining factory Tremor rear height.
Why it wasn't chosen
Not chosen for this round — the rear leafs were snapped in the collision and needed replacing before anything else could happen. Reasoning to follow.
Trade-offs
Cost and lead time versus staying with a factory-style pack; L83 vs. L84 rate selection still being evaluated against the 6,500-lb Airstream being towed.
What it actually cost
Not purchased yet — no cost recorded.
Cost, installation notes, and a verdict will be added here once this part is bought and fitted.
Stock-style replacement leaf springs
Chosen
Ford OEM
Received
In hand — hung on the truck with shackles by 3 Oct 2026; not yet torqued
Part number: ML3Z-5560-L
Why this option
Lower cost, guaranteed fitment, and no unknowns — the conservative option if the Deaver lead time or rate selection doesn't pencil out.
Trade-offs
Keeps the factory unloaded ride/tow compromise rather than improving it.
Photography
Bench photo once it arrives
As delivered
Installed
Hung on 3 Oct 2026, not yet torqued.
Added once it's been lived with
In use
What it actually cost
Part
$516.36
Shipping
$15.43
Tax
$51.47
Hardware not included
$147.12
All-in
$730.38
Ted Russell Ford, Knoxville, 11 Sep 2026, special-ordered: two ML3Z-5560-L at $258.18 each against $321.45 list, plus eight W520215-S440 nuts at $5.00. The four one-time-use U-bolts those nuts thread onto, ML3Z-5705-B, came from Levittown Ford Parts ($107.12), with $15.43 of that order's shipping by line value.
