Chevy and GMC differences
 

I am looking at a 1972 GMC Sierra Grande long wheelbase very seriously and I'm wondering if the GMC will ride rougher/harsher because of the leaf spring rear as opposed to the Chevys trailing arms. I've had my long wheelbase Chevy up to near 100 mph and it was steady and solid on the road and rides real smooth. Would the leaf spring GMC be the same? I guess ideally if anyone has had both Chevys and GMC's and drove them both for a while that should answer my question.
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Re: Chevy and GMC differences
 

I have never been able to tell much difference in the ride between trucks with trailing arms or leafs. I prefer GMC just because of the look of the front end, otherwise they are basically the same truck.

Re: Chevy and GMC differences
 

Either make could have leaf or coil,but coils certainly ride best...sifter...in an empty truck. Leaf springs are certainly steady at high speeds and you get less body roll. If you've ever driven either a Chevy or GMC made after '72,that is how these ride with leaf springs

Re: Chevy and GMC differences
 

Depends on what you prefer. My 68 GMC has leaf springs and my no longer running 69 Chevy had coil springs. Both were swb and the coil springs were somewhat smoother. I'm not sure how the lwb compares but I would suspect both may run smoother than the swb.

Re: Chevy and GMC differences
 

Thanks for the info. Sounds like there isn't much if any difference. The reason I ask is that I plan to use it as daily driver in the summer and want a reasonably smooth ride like I get with my Chevy.
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Re: Chevy and GMC differences
 

Does anyone know if there is a difference in the rear view mirrors on GMC's? Mine is partially missing so I pulled the mirror out of my 69 chevy and it is very different than what's left of the mirror in the 69 GMC. Any thoughts? Not a hijack just a chev gmc question.

Re: Chevy and GMC differences
 

I have the original round peep mirrors on my 68 GMC and 69 Chevy and they're the same. There were several aftermarket mirrors made and even the dealer could install whatever you wanted on them. There is a difference between the right and left one, though.

Re: Chevy and GMC differences
 

Sorry man, I didn't mention that I was working on the inside rearview mirror.

Re: Chevy and GMC differences
 

In that case I don't know. However, I do know that some didn't come with a mirror and the dealer would install them. After market mirrors could still be the difference in what you see.

I would start a new thread and post some pics so we can see what you got.

Re: Chevy and GMC differences
 

Leaf springs will have a rougher ride than coil springs, unless you are carrying a load in the back.

Re: Chevy and GMC differences
 

THey will ride differently but not a huge difference. Of course if it has HD springs (G50) too, then it will be stiffer yet.
Funny thing is the base rate leaf spring option (G70) is 17lbs lighter than the coils on a lwb 10/1500. There is even more difference on a swb.
Overhung weight will also affect the empty ride.
A standard rear bumper adds 56lb to the rear axle weight while pulling 16lb off the front.
The factory step bumper adds 96lb to the rear axle weight while pulling 27lb off the front.
Any spare tire helps under the rear as would a receiver hitch.
Even a wood bed is good for another 11lb on the rear axle.