Author Topic: Leaf Spring recommendations  (Read 11500 times)

Offline bladerunner

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Leaf Spring recommendations
« on: March 12, 2012, 02:17:34 PM »
Looking at replacing both front and rear leaf springs in my 85 K10 SWB.  I want to leave it at stock height.  She rides real bumpy, even on slightly uneven roads. I do some hauling with her, nothing too big, no overloads.  Not looking at doing anything offroad either, pretty much want to keep stock performance. I don't know anything about springs so whatever you can recommend would be greatly appreciated.
85 K10 Shortbed
94 Impala SS

Offline Blazin

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Re: Leaf Spring recommendations
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2012, 04:09:22 PM »
Call up your closest spring shop and order up stock front, and rear packs. Get new U bolts, and bushings for your shackles as well. They will need to know the diameter of the u bolt wire, the height from bottom of the bolt, to the end of the threads, and the ID of them.
Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs

Offline bake74

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Re: Leaf Spring recommendations
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2012, 08:49:21 PM »
     I tried to find out what your spring rate is but dang computer is not willing to help.  Like Blazin said, you best bet for a softer ride is find out what the stock spring rate is and have a local shop make you some that are of a softer rate.  That is if you don't mind spending the money.
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  74 k10, 77k10    Tom

Offline bladerunner

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Re: Leaf Spring recommendations
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2012, 09:13:54 AM »
Well, I am assuming that my springs are worn out being 27 years old, that is why I was thinking of replacing them.  A buddy said I should leave it as that is how old trucks are meant to ride. My shocks are bad too though, but I figure new shocks will stiffen the ride. 
85 K10 Shortbed
94 Impala SS

Offline ehjorten

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Re: Leaf Spring recommendations
« Reply #4 on: March 13, 2012, 09:29:13 AM »
If the ends of your leaves are not worn down and thin, I would recommend taking them apart, cleaning them up with a wire wheel, painting them, putting teflon liners between the leaves and putting them back together with a new center pin.

It will take some time, but it won't cost you much and they will ride a lot better.  Or...www.deaverspringandsuspension.com can do it for you.
-Erik-
1991 V3500 - Gen V TBI 454, 4L80E, NP205, 14 bolt FF, D60, 8" Lift on 35s
1977 K20 Silverado - 350, THM350, NP203, 14 bolt FF, D44, Stock Lift on 31s
1969 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe - EFI350, THM350
1968 Chevrolet Step-side Pickup - 300HP L6

Offline Donut

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Re: Leaf Spring recommendations
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2012, 10:03:00 AM »
To rough, get the seat re-done.  There is a reason for that thick foam pad.  There is also a rational behind the phrase "rides like a truck".  ;D
beyond that,
Call up your closest spring shop and order up stock front, and rear packs. Get new U bolts, and bushings for your shackles as well. They will need to know the diameter of the u bolt wire, the height from bottom of the bolt, to the end of the threads, and the ID of them.
'73 Chevy K-20 ***SOLD***
350/tbh350/np205
My plow was half price if i took the truck with it.

'86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400

Offline bladerunner

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Re: Leaf Spring recommendations
« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2012, 11:19:13 AM »
Thanks guys for the advice. Still new to auto mechanics. I don't really have any friends or family who are real gearheads (or the ones I do know are very invested in family stuff to help out, which is good). So I depend on what advice I can get here.
85 K10 Shortbed
94 Impala SS

Offline Jason S

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Re: Leaf Spring recommendations
« Reply #7 on: April 13, 2012, 03:45:33 PM »
What did you wind up doing with the springs?
1973 GMC K2500, Super Custom, Camper Special, 350, TH350, NP203, 4.10's
1974 Chevrolet K10, Custom Deluxe, 350, SM465, NP203, 3.73's

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