Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact you for more information or to place an order?

You can contact us through our website, by phone (775) 329-6159, or via email [email protected]. Our customer service team is available Monday- Friday 8:00am – 5:00 pm to assist with any questions or order inquiries.

What are leaf springs?

Leaf springs are a type of spring used in vehicle suspension systems. They are typically made from several layers (or leaves) of steel that are stacked together and mounted to the vehicle’s axle. Leaf springs are used to support weight and absorb shocks, providing stability and a smooth ride.

How long do leaf springs last?

The lifespan of leaf springs can vary based on usage, driving style, and road conditions. Most applications, the bushings fail and need to be replaced well before a leaf spring “wears out”. Here at John’s Spring and Suspension in Reno, NV we can refurbish your springs with new bushings, hardware, and even add-a-leaf to re-enforce your springs.

What is an Add-A-Leaf?

We can add additional leaves to your leaf spring, this provides additional support to your existing spring pack and improves performance under load. This is our flagship service and we have re-enforced springs for everyday pickups, service trucks, to semi-trucks. Our Add-A-Leaves are made and tailored to custom fit your spring pack to include, length, width, thickness, and arch of your springs. Many times, we see off-the-shelf “kits” have generic high arcs that will inevitably cause premature wear of the leaves, do not offer full length support of the main-leaf, and do not match the thickness or grade of the leaves in the main pack.

What are U-bolts, and how are they used?

U-bolts are fasteners shaped like the letter “U” that are used to secure the leaf spring to the vehicle’s axle and chassis. These bolts are typically made of high-strength steel and are an essential part of the suspension system for ensuring the leaf spring remains securely attached.

What materials are your leaf springs and U-bolts made of?

Our leaf springs are made from high-quality tempered steel, ensuring durability and strength. Our U-bolts are typically made from cold-forged steel, providing high tensile strength for long-lasting performance. Our U-Bolts feature “rolled threads” rather than “cut threads”. This maximizes the material of the threads providing maximum strength.

How can I determine the correct U-bolt size for my vehicle?

The correct size U-bolt depends on the diameter of the axle, the width of the leaf spring, and height of all of the components. You can measure these dimensions, bring us a sample, or contact us for assistance.

How do I know if I need new leaf springs or U-bolts?

If your vehicle is experiencing rough rides, sagging suspension, metallic clunking, excessive noise or uneven wear on tires, it might be time to replace the leaf springs. Similarly, U-bolts should be checked if there is any noticeable material loss from rust, bending, or if they are loose. If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to have your suspension components inspected by a specialist at John’s Spring in Reno!

Can I install leaf springs and U-bolts myself?

While it is possible to install leaf springs and U-bolts yourself, it requires proper tools, mechanical expertise, and torque specifications. We recommend professional installation to ensure the suspension system is properly aligned and secured for safety.

Do you offer installation services?

Yes, we offer installation services for all our leaf springs and U-bolts. Our experienced technicians will ensure that the suspension components are installed correctly and safely.

Do you offer custom leaf springs or U-bolts?

Yes! We offer both custom leaf springs and U-bolts for a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, trailers, and off-road vehicles. We can tailor the size, material, and specifications to meet your needs. We can re-enforce leaf springs to perform better under load, re-arc springs to achieve desired ride height, and can fabricate custom U-bolts for a wide range of applications.

How do I choose the right leaf spring for my vehicle?

The right leaf spring depends on several factors including the vehicle’s weight rating, intended use, and suspension design. We can help guide you in choosing the best option based on your specific requirements. You may need a heavier-duty spring if you’re hauling heavy loads or maybe a lighter duty spring for better ride quality. Keep in mind that there are many measurements and components that determine compatibility for a leaf spring to a particular vehicle.

How do I maintain my leaf springs and U-bolts?

To keep your leaf springs and U-bolts in good condition, periodically inspect them for rust, cracks, or signs of wear. Keeping the suspension system clean can help prevent corrosion. Regularly inspect bushings for rubber loss (chunking). Spring bolts should be parallel to the ground, if they are not, its typically a sign that the bushings have failed. Occasionally, while driving, turn the radio off and listen for any strange noises, especially when traveling over bumpy roads. If you experience any issues, contact us for a professional inspection.

Do you work on light duty trailers?

Yes, we work on all types of light duty trailers such as equipment trailers, car trailers, and utility trailers. Due to limited shop space, forklift capacity and parking, we only can service bumper pull RVs under 29’. We pack and replace wheel bearings, upgrade leaf springs, replace bushings, and a host of other services. We carry a full line of trailer parts in stock to purchase for you DIY-ers. Please check out or trailer suspension identification guide!

Do you sell light duty trailer parts over the counter?

Yes, we carry a wide range of trailer parts in stock. We carry all common trailer suspension components and fasters along with lights, bearings, hubs, brakes, and wheel end parts.

What is the warranty on leaf springs and U-bolts?

We offer a 60 day warranty on all our leaf springs and U-bolts, covering manufacturing defects. However, manufacturers’ warranties vary significantly on parts, if you have any issues whatsoever with parts you have purchased from John’s Spring, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Can I buy parts in bulk?

Yes, we offer bulk ordering for businesses, fleets, and large projects. Please contact us for a customized quote and bulk discount information.

Do you ship to locations outside the local area?

Yes, we ship leaf springs, U-bolts, and other parts nationwide. Please contact us for shipping rates and delivery times to your location.

Do you offer Heavy Duty Alignments and why is a heavy-duty truck alignment important?

Yes, we offer the highest quality Heavy Duty truck alignments in the Reno area on one of the NEWEST Hunter Alignment Machines. Proper alignment ensures even tire wear, improves fuel efficiency, and enhances steering stability. Misalignment can lead to premature tire wear, poor handling, and increased fuel costs.

What are the signs that my truck needs an alignment?

Common signs include uneven or rapid tire wear, the truck pulling to one side, a crooked steering wheel when driving straight, and excessive vibration in the steering system.

Do I need an alignment after replacing suspension components?

Yes, any time you replace parts like kingpins, tie rods, torque rods, or bushings, it’s crucial to check and adjust the alignment to ensure proper handling and prevent tire wear.

How long does a heavy-duty truck alignment take?

A standard alignment typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the truck’s condition and any necessary adjustments or part replacements. Typically, the most time is spent attempting to break years of rust and corrosion to make the necessary adjustments.

How long do shocks typically last and do you replace them?

Yes, we replace shocks! We have found that shocks typically last between 60,000-100,000 miles. This often depends on road conditions, driving style, weight of the vehicle and quality of the shock. Shocks do provide ride quality benefit, however, their primary purpose is to limit tire wear. If you experience significant tire cupping, it can be a sign of worn out shocks.