leaf springs
 

can anyone tell me if the rear end and leaf springs from a 1973 chevy truck would fit into my 1967. the reason i ask this is because both of my trailing arms broke the other day and im in need of a quick fix. my friend has the rear and the springs and i can have them for free. steve

TTT

The hangers are spaced further apart for '73 and up, I believe. So you would have to relocate either the rear or front hangers by grinding off or drilling through the rivets and drilling new holes in the frame. I probably would rather locate a set of trailing arms before I do that.

Converting isn't as easy as it looks. Will take at least 2 days if done properly. Do a WTB ad in the parts section for some trailing arms, unless you really want to convert to leafs. The leafs on '73+ are about a 1/4" wider than the '67-'72's. It can be done, but would be much easier to replace the trailing arms.

You're looking at neither a quick or cheap fix by converting to leafs, even if they are free. I'd find a set of trailing arms and go that route.

BTW, how did you break both trailing arms?

well i was driving and i guess one of them broke and it twisted the other one and it broke. the only thing keeping the axle from goning forward is the overload springs. so i have about half an inch between the front of the rear wheel well and my tire. also now the rear end is leaking fluid.

Oops, I wasn't thinking. You have no hangers to begin with. Like the others said, a lot of work involved in changing over to leaf springs.

I see your from Kansas,, I would check with Teeitup or Joe'sJunk, one is near Topeka, the other Independence MO, they have part's trucks... I would agree, I'm still looking for 5lug coil for my 72, had a 73 given to me as well, and too much work to convert..

Will take at least 2 days if done properly
 

It took me three days to convert from trailing arms to leaf springs. I just simply do not like trailing arms for a truck. You must have access to a GOOD pneumatic hammer with a sharp chisel to do this. The rivets come off easy is you have the right tools. If you try grinding the rivits off it will take you weeks since there are so many to remove. When you change to leafs you also must have the support that fits between the frame rails at the front shackles. In addition, the rear support between the frame rails has an additional gussett for added support at the rear leaf hangers.