C20 Steering & Suspension Rebuild

[philo_beddoe]

I'm comin out there, we're doing my truck!! Lol

[LTZ C20]

I got the tools.

[philo_beddoe]

Ya one of these days i'll get that work done, hasnt been touched since the 70's.  No problems though. What drove you to do all that work? (No pun intended).

[LTZ C20]

1: Sagging suspension. The springs are all old and don't adequately support weight above the curb weight of the truck itself anymore. That's both front and rear. It's not a good truck if it doesn't support like a truck.

2: Worn steering. This stuff is also old, looks original. Eventually it will become unsafe, I'd like to fix it before that ever happens. Tho I've had no issues yet, I prefer to avoid any that might occur.

3: Pure want. I have wanted to show some love to the under carriage of the truck for a long time. I have done a lot to the exterior, interior and drive train in the years I've owned it. However, other than new tires and wheels, I haven't touched the underside, it was time.

[philo_beddoe]

Yup, all that under carriage stuff is on my future list. I dont think my truck was ever used heavy though, rear springs are still high and tight. I have the 8 leaf springs, HD.  I'll start with the front end first.

Weird, ever notice we do stuff to these trucks nearly every day to improve, and still, there is always something pending.  What did they all do back in the 60's and 70's, just drive em into the ground??!

[bd]

Weird, ever notice we do stuff to these trucks nearly every day to improve, and still, there is always something pending.  What did they all do back in the 60's and 70's, just drive em into the ground??!

...Automotive enthusiasts tinker....

In the 50's, 60's & 70's, trucks were less a road toy and existed primarily to work.  The 80's ushered broad changes in perceptions of economic stature and viewpoints on havingness, driven largely by banks and the introduction of easy credit.  The "commodities of living" have grown more compulsive ever since.  Working on our vehicles is an escape from humdrum, and something on which we can focus to create a desired effect.

[LTZ C20]

In short, a truck is just another thing to add to the list of things we can throw cash at to make us feel warm and fuzzy inside. Haha.

Also, I have 9 leafs per pack on my truck, no overload, that's all 1 solid pack.

[philo_beddoe]

You both put up good answers. Your right, in the olden days trucks were for working. Now folks spend 60k just to drive them around and maybe carry a few things.

[LTZ C20]

If I had it, I'd spend 60K on a brand new truck.

[philo_beddoe]

Lol, me too!! Would love a 2016 3/4 ton, 4x4, 4 dr. Allison/ duramax.

[LTZ C20]

High Country 1 ton would be my choice. Let's not get to far off topic tho, that's a discussion for another time.

[philo_beddoe]

Agreed, that kind of talk will take this thread down another chevy universe!

Back to steering and suspension...

[LTZ C20]

I'm going to go downtown today to our local and long time spring shop, recommended by a few, including our guy at work that did my alignment. Hoping to get a quote or some sort of plan on what to do with the rear springs.

[LTZ C20]

I forgot to post my results from the visit to the spring shop. They said for about 450 they will take the spring packs apart, cut, trim & fit 2 new leafs into each pack, reassemble them, put in new bushings and make new U bolts that are longer for the extra thickness of the added leafs, new washers and nuts.

This will correct the lean, give it a small rake, help better support heavier loads and raise the rear about 2 inches. If it's too high or too stiff I can remove a leave if I want.

The truck rode level before and just sagged with a decent load, the new front springs make it look like the rears are sagging, the new leafs will boost it back to the proper height and look. Then I'll clean and paint before I reinstall.

Labor is cheap if I take just the springs, if I take the whole truck it's an extra 120 for labor to remove and reinstall. Same day turn around if I take them early enough in the morning, other wise next day turn around.

[philo_beddoe]

Just cut'em a check, do the works. All parts, all labor. I know, forkin it over is the worst part.