73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: bladerunner on March 12, 2012, 02:17:34 PM
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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 (http://www.deaverspringandsuspension.com) can do it for you.
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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.
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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.
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What did you wind up doing with the springs?