We were in a jam with some broken springs on a 75ton truck in the mines, I looked for the right springs in the graveyards but none were to be found, so I ordered new ones. Meanwhile, to keep the truck running, I beveled them and preheated them after I had them set to the right arch or bow or whatever you want to call it and stick welded them with stainless( don't remember the number,sorry) and put them on the stove in the breaker to cool them down slow(it was wintertime) and put them back into the truck the next morning(in a snowstorm:( not happy). They held together for 4 months, and then I put the new ones in. I guess that as long as the main lower springs aren't broke it's a suitable temporary fix. I don't know what he wants to fix but that worked for me. By the way the new ones got there the day after the truck was running. What a way to make a living. Just a thought hope this helps some one. J Krout
GS
As many of us are in the repair business perhaps a man of your technical cunning might help devise a means to control the stresses.
It has also been published that automotive frames cannot be welded, nevertheless, techniques exist which are in regular use. One might consider adapting a similar technique; a suitable collar, or splint if you will, to redirect the stress... perhaps even secured by means of a capilary process selected to not interfere with the heat treatments (if any exist).
I would suspect a piece of similar spring suitably cut, ground and fashioned to serve as filler, and select a suitable GTAW torch as my heat source, as being the right stuff to use, however I lack the necessary metallurgical knowlege; its beyond my level of experience and I can only hope a suitable structure would develop in the HAZ that could be corrected by later treatments.
I do recognize the kernel of practicality from which your description of the problem as being irreparible stems. There are facilities that are equipped to fabricate new springs, and indeed it likely is a valid and more practical conclusion to pursue that alternative wherever possible.
I continue to hold your opinion in high regard, and bow to your experience and discretion.
Regards,
d