54 rear suspension - factory strut/coil spring?
 

Hello - it looks like my 54 has a unique rear suspension setup. Can anyone confirm if the strut/coil spring assembly I circled is factory? From what I've seen most don't have the coil spring so I'm guessing this is an overload spring setup that can be removed. I'm lowering with blocks and assume I need to take the coil off the strut but would like confirmation. Thanks

Re: 54 rear suspension - factory strut/coil spring?
 

thats a monroe (or similar) overload shock. aftermarket shock to give a little more heft to sagging springs or some guys use them for a scootch more overload capacity. easily removed just like a shock.

http://www.monroe.com/en-US/products...ock-absorbers/

Re: 54 rear suspension - factory strut/coil spring?
 

Yep commonly called "Coil over shocks." And that coil spring bolted to the frame too...someones attempt at hauling a bit more. Neither of those came from the factory.

Brian

Re: 54 rear suspension - factory strut/coil spring?
 

Thanks both of you. So should I remove the shock assembly entirely or just the coil spring from around it, leaving the shock? I've already taken off the coil spring on the left part of the picture.

Re: 54 rear suspension - factory strut/coil spring?
 

if the shock is still good, dont remove anything. it wont hurt anything having it on there

Re: 54 rear suspension - factory strut/coil spring?
 

Since I'm lowering it I didn't want the coil spring raising/affecting ride height. As I was taking the strut off to remove the spring I snapped the top of the strut where it mounts to the upper mount. :censored:

So my questions is this - now that they're off, do I need to buy new struts to replace them? Looks like a lot of rears I've seen pictures of don't have a strut at all, just the leafs. Am I okay without a strut or should I order new ones?

Re: 54 rear suspension - factory strut/coil spring?
 

Those are not struts...just coilover shocks.....and yes ,you need shocks
And loose the big coil spring...

Re: 54 rear suspension - factory strut/coil spring?
 

its aftermarket, someone was probably hauling mulch or gravel looking at all the extra springs on your truck. take em all off and just put shocks back on. thats all that came from the factory, all the other stuff is what we call "JC Whitney rash" or "gee-gaws"

Re: 54 rear suspension - factory strut/coil spring?
 

looking at what you have there I would seriously look hard at the frame for bends, cracks, loose rivets etc before spending any cashola or upgrading anything. no use spending money on something until you have a good idea as to what you really have. it would appear that the truck has had some heavy loads and hard use over the years. it doesn't take that much to get the box off and do some quick string line and tape measure work to make sure it's all straight and not cracked etc. also a great time to splash a little paint on the parts.

Re: 54 rear suspension - factory strut/coil spring?
 

also a great time to replace the suspension snubbers if you plan to lower it, your back will thank you later.
if you take the box off for a look-see also check the steel and rubber brake lines, since you will be right there.