[joeschmoid]

Hello,

I own a 1975 Newell pusher, and one of the rear air bag leaf springs has cracked.  Would anyone have any suggestions on where to source a used one, or am I better off trying to have one manufactured?

Thanks,

Robert
1975 Newell Diesel pusher in North Idaho

[Richard]

Is that really a spring, or just a mount? Don't the airbags mount at each end?

If it's just a mount, I'm a grinding out the crack and welding.

[joeschmoid]

Hi Richard,

I am relying on the repair shop for this, they said it was spring steel. I will get a second opinion by the local welder, and update.

And yes, the airbags mount on each end.

Thanks

Is that really a spring, or just a mount? Don't the airbags mount at each end?

If it's just a mount, I'm a grinding out the crack and welding.

[Ozarkguy]

It's really a spring.. I would look for one that was being parted out..  B4 having one made..  I got some parts off one on OR that a tree fell on... I'll see if I can find his number. Been several years ago.. But who knows..   Post a wanted ad .. That's how I found him..

[joeschmoid]

Do you mean a wanted ad on this forum under the parts section? And thanks for the clarification on the spring. It seems that it is indeed a spring.

[Ozarkguy]

Do you mean a wanted ad on this forum under the parts section?  And thanks for the clarification on the spring.  It seems that it is indeed a spring.

I had a 74, their the same.. At onetime I had the info on that suspension but it went with the coach.. If I come up with something I'll pm you.. If I remember correctly it is called a bow spring.. However ... Sometimes I don't remember correctly anymore...   

[HoosierDaddy]

That looks like a cast iron piece with the shock mounts welded to it. It would be best to replace it. If all else fails I would take it to a welding shop and have it welded. Ideally they should heat the whole piece up before they weld on it and let it cool very slowly. I would not be comfortable just welding the break straight across. A 3/16" fish plate spanning the break would be needed. Even then it could break just beyond the welded area.

[MrE]

I used to own a '73 Newell, and if I remember correctly a lot of the drive train was from commercial Ford trucks. You might try searching the forum at http://www.luxurycoachlifestyle.com/, pretty sure that there are some posts concerning early classic suspensions.

[Retro]

Check with a heavy duty truck and trailer suspension shop, if you go new replace both sides.
They dont make suspension parts out of cast iron, its very rigid and doesnt bend, it breaks.
You could weld it but you will anneal it and wont be springy anymore so it will just bend and stay there. I wouldnt recommend it.

[HoosierDaddy]

Joe,
I bought parts here for my 1978 Newell that I restored 15 years ago.

http://www.frontiertruckparts.com/Home/Index

and here:

http://www.partsbyweller.com/