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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: Elpresidente on January 30, 2012, 08:25:53 pm
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I was thinking of upgrading my rear springs by adding another brand new leaf on each side. The ones I have now are the original standard 1/2 ton springs, & i've never known anyone whose just added one leaf so I don't know how they are.
So my questions are 1) Is it worth just going with the add-a-leaf? or am I just better off finding new springs all together? 2) If so, will the '88 - 98 trucks share the same rear springs?
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I have built many a stack of springs outa mismatched leaves over the years. Mixed in new leaves now, and again too. One new leaf will breath a little life into your old stack. If your on a budget that would work.
A few years ago I bought brand new main leaves for my 86 K 2500. I added one used leaf under it, and on top of my stack. I also added a very new but used for a few months down in the pack about 4 leaves. When its on the lift I can still tell that almost new spring from the others. Without weight on them it still has a little more arch.
You can cut springs to legnth as well. As long as the width of the spring is the same you can stager in a new leaf most times by cutting off the extra legnth.
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88-98 had longer rear springs than the 1/2 ton trucks. That being said GM used a bunch of different spring combinations in their trucks so I would say go measure and find out if they will fit. I have used helper leaves as well with mixed feelings. I like that they were cheap and easy to do. I hated the rougher ride and the fact that I was really just nursing along my worn out springs. If you have the money buy new or at least newer.