Removing Leafs

[Jay2D2]

Hey guys I have a 1982 K25 4x4 and I was wondering if it is possible to remove some of the leafs in the back.. maybe also in the in the front... Im starting to strip and rebuild this truck soon and since I dont plan on really working like a 3/4 ton I was wondering if I could soften the ride a little.  I believe it has 8 leafs in the rear, not sure about the front.  It has the quad shocks in the front from factory and the rear diff is 14 bolt 10.5 ring gear, not sure about the front.. let me know what you think.

Also to note I would like to retain stock or near stock ride height, ie I dont plan on raising or lowering the truck but id the removing springs changes the heaight i will be ok

[Captkaos]

If you remove leafs the truck is going to go down.

[Jay2D2]

Yeah I figured that but I was more concerned with clearance issues and if there was a ratio from back to front of the amount of springs to remove to retain an even height.. like 2 rear leafs for one front leaf?

[joesgarage71]

 Just remove the overload from the rear. It will make a diff in the ride Qty. take it for a ride, if it still too rough take more out.

[75??? franken-trunk]

i also need help in this subject..... i have a set of used front lift springs. but i think they are 8" and i want 6" one but im broke and i can't find any used, could i remove some leafs to lower it and help the ride... and if so how do i and how many do you think should be removed (theres 6 leafs total per spring)

[Captkaos]

Personally, I wouldn't do this on a 4WD truck.

[Blazin]

x2

[75??? franken-trunk]

Personally, I wouldn't do this on a 4WD truck.

and  whats your reasoning more or less just wondering i just don't want to block the front of my truck... and is there a way to measure my springs out of the truck and how much do they usually sag when there in???

[Chevalade]

and  whats your reasoning more or less just wondering i just don't want to block the front of my truck... and is there a way to measure my springs out of the truck and how much do they usually sag when there in???

Never ever put blocks on the front axel. That is a major disaster waiting to happen.



Ryan

[75??? franken-trunk]

Fyi i said i didn't want to block it...... i know what a danger it is, i want my front axle under my motor not my gas tanks, that would suck more then a shop vac.....  LOL

[Captkaos]

Lift kits are designed for load and height, removing springs will effect the ride and eventually sag.

[75??? franken-trunk]

i see you have a good point but how do easy rides work then?

[78 Chevyrado]

Since he has a 3/4 ton, maybe some 1/2 ton springs will swap in since he won't be working it hard?

[VileZambonie]

Removing leaves is never a good idea. My 84 stepside has leaves removed. Ruined the ride.

[Captkaos]

i see you have a good point but how do easy rides work then?

Same answer as above lift kits are designed for the application.  Ride, height and load.