rear leaf spring questions

[bdjones72]

So I'm planning a big suspension maintenance project and one aspect will be replacing the rear spring packs.  I called Calmini to purchase a set of the packs they sell with their SAS kit.  Unfortunately (and as usual) they were on "back order" for an "undetermined" period of time.  Since I would rather do this sooner than later I'm looking to find another source for the springs.  I've already looked locally at Leaf Spring Supply and Valley Spring Service.  I'm also considering going with a national company like Deaver Spring or Alcan Spring.  Lastly I'm also considering just buying a new OEM spring pack and purchasing another AAL kit.  So my questions are what have any of you heard about the two local shops?  Has anyone used either of them?  Are there any other local shops you would suggest?  Any opinions on the two nation spring companies listed?  Any other suggestions?  Is there any advantage to going with a custom built spring pack vs. just doing an AAL with a new OEM spring pack?

[azbumblebee]

Local company Dunbar.  Had a driver hit me from the rear, go under my rear bumper (lucky) and bend her hood on my calmini shackle.  No visable damage but had them check it out while I waited, nearly rebuilt (assembled) and I got another 1".  Saw a ton of new packs being shipped.  Connected to FST a chassis & race fabricator ATV parts dealer (owner looked at my suspension and suggested a couple of points) would like them to set-up any upgrades.  Not sure how to order, maybe someone could suggest # of leafs etc for a gen 1?

[08whitex]

x2 on Dunbar. They rebuilt my pack and it is great. Valley Spring does good work but they are a little high on their prices

[Onix]

Dunbar is a great shop. I had mine built there .I also didnt want to wait.If i had to do it again it will be Dunbar all the way. Ask for Dave .

[bdjones72]

Dunbar is a great shop. I had mine built there .I also didnt want to wait.If i had to do it again it will be Dunbar all the way. Ask for Dave .

Do you mind telling me what you paid for your springs?  What was the turn around time?

[08whitex]

I can't answer for Wally but my pack was rearched and had leaves added to it. With new ubolts and labor it was around 350 and was done in a few hours

[bdjones72]

I can't answer for Wally but my pack was rearched and had leaves added to it. With new ubolts and labor it was around 350 and was done in a few hours

Are you happy with just having them rearched vs. buying new?  In other words would you have done it differently?  I've considered the rearch approach as well.

[DZRT]

I've got to do something too... My rear is starting to... nevermind.  

But I think I'm going to do the rearching and add-a-leaf... so $300 for both?... not sure if I will be able to afford it (poor student). I'd be doing it because Wally did it... I mean, because he's happy with it (ok... AND because I copy everything he does).

[Onix]

I can't answer for Wally but my pack was rearched and had leaves added to it. With new ubolts and labor it was around 350 and was done in a few hours

Same for my install. And replaced the top spring and made it 1 1/2 inch longer plus added 2 or 3 more and also rearched the package.