Drilling a leaf spring, would ya?
 

I've put my 80 GMC K20 chassis under an old 49 International truck body. The front wheels need to move about 2-1/4" forward for the 39" Michlins to be centered in the wheel openings. I don't want or need any lift. Is it a sin to drill new mounting holes in the leafs? There are only two leafs in this spring. This truck is a city looker/snow driver. She's too hard to find body parts for to go off-roading.

Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya?
 

I would say as long as you keep the drillbit lubed and cool while drilling, it shouldn't be a problem. That is going to be one sweet ride.

Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya?
 

no problem, done it quite a few times. mostly to enlarge the center pin hole so they will accept longer pins.

Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya?
 

You have got to post more pics of that truck - I like it alot!

Take your time drilling those holes as that is some hard steel!

Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya?
 

Binders are sweet:metal::cool: my old man's first truck was a 61 b110 or b100 I cant remember which

Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya?
 

Thanks guys for all the help. It's very cool that even thought my truck isn't a full blooded Chevy or GMC you still show me the love. I don't have many pics because my shop is so small I can't get far enough away to take a pic worth a damn.

But heres a few.

Remote control electric tilt front clip.
330 hp 350SB mates to a NV4500 5 speed
62 piece Stainless steel grill

I had to move the steering to the inboard side of the frame rail. The old truck is more narrow then a mini truck and I hated the idea of the steering shaft going through the inner fender wall.

Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya?
 

That is a way cool truck.

Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya?
 

My machine tool instructor bought a 35 2&1/2 ton that he is going to make into a rat rod Its gonna be sweet.

Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya?
 

The front end of that truck brings a smile to my face - very cool looking!

Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya?
 

I drilled the springs last night and they drilled out pretty easy. I guess it stands to reason spring steel has to flex so it can't be too hardened.

Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya?
 

I have drilled the springs on a couple of mine with no problems. The thing you want to watch out for is if the old pin whole ends up where it is not still sandwitched between the spring pad and top plate. If it ends up right at the edge of the spring pad you stand a real good chance of the spring breaking right there.

Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya?
 

I agree bdozeraz. even when I drill mine it still is at least 3/4" on the mounting perch on the axle and under the spring plate on the top.