Idea for custom front leaf pack.... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Destructo · 03-09-2005, 08:32 PM

Alright, heres my idea, as apposed to buying some lift springs I think I might try building my own packs.

I have 1 set of 1/2 ton front 2-leaf springs, keep ONLY the top leaf, then I have a set of stock 1/2 ton rear leafs, take the leafs out that will fit right under the front main leaf and see what I come up with!

Not sure if its been attempted or not, but I think i'll try it and see what happens.

clarkjw24 · 03-09-2005, 08:53 PM

You can run stock 52" rears on the front for 4.5" of lift. You'll have to swap the front hangers from one side to the other.

Edit: I've got a set of 4" lift springs for the front with new bushing installed. Also got 4" blocks but I'd do a poor mans shackle flip. Got a raised steering arm too. If your interested shoot me a pm and make me an offer. Got anything interesting to trade?

I was gonna put them on my DD K5 but I don't have the money for bigger tires right now so I'm thinking about getting rid of the lift.

Destructo · 03-09-2005, 09:55 PM

PM Sent.

All you have to do in order to run 52's in front is swap the hangers? I thought I would have to do more work than that, but if thats all I might go for that!

I know a guy running 52's, i'll ask him soon as he signs on too.

*1FaastC10* · 03-09-2005, 09:59 PM

Chad, i wouldnt go that route, in stock form the 52s will be plenty soft due to their length, putting the leaves in with a 48" spring pack will net a hideous ride. we did it years ago with my uncle's '79 K20 because his front springs were worn out and cracked, and he needed the truck immediately to push snow. i had an extra 52" pack, so we stripped the fronts to the main leaf and added 2 leaves from the 52" pack. it rode like crap, and didnt gain much lift. 4" TC EZ Rides and a stock 2 wd front hanger out back for a shackle flip and you should be golden. *might* have to invest in a set of Zero Rates to move the rear axle back because shackle flips commonly move them forward an inch or more.

Destructo · 03-09-2005, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1FaastC10

Chad, i wouldnt go that route, in stock form the 52s will be plenty soft due to their length, putting the leaves in with a 48" spring pack will net a hideous ride. we did it years ago with my uncle's '79 K20 because his front springs were worn out and cracked, and he needed the truck immediately to push snow. i had an extra 52" pack, so we stripped the fronts to the main leaf and added 2 leaves from the 52" pack. it rode like crap, and didnt gain much lift. 4" TC EZ Rides and a stock 2 wd front hanger out back for a shackle flip and you should be golden. *might* have to invest in a set of Zero Rates to move the rear axle back because shackle flips commonly move them forward an inch or more.

What did you do in order to run 52's in the front of your truck? If its not too hard thats the route i'm gonna go.

clarkjw24 · 03-09-2005, 10:17 PM

It is pretty much a matter of swaping front hangers from one side to another and getting some new bushing and longer shackles, .....however it will flex like a mofo and that will cause problems with your stock steering. Now if your planning on crossover anytime soon this would be the trick. Driving it on the street without crossover shouldn't be any issue but on the trail you'll have so much flex that the steering will limit you. May need front DS mods depending.

Destructo · 03-09-2005, 10:23 PM

What about running limiting straps to keep if from drooping too much?

So, all I need for 52s in front is swapping hangers and longer shackles?

clarkjw24 · 03-09-2005, 10:37 PM

You'll want new bushings for the springs your swapping in. To swap the hangers you'll need an air chisel or drill or whatever to get the old rivets out and a lot of patience. New grade 8 bolts and nuts to put them back on. What your doing is moving the front hanger from behind the body mount to in front of it. Cut both loose then swap sides, the right one will go on the left in front of the body mount and the left one will go on the right in front of the body mount. Your extending the distance between the hangers and shackels to make room for the longer springs. Go do a search on ColoradoK5 in the garage on 52" spring swap.

Edit: limiting straps should work but unless you've got mad travel shocks they'll limit it.

clarkjw24 · 03-09-2005, 10:40 PM

Here you go this ones got pics
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthr...highlight=swap

500HP/SB · 03-10-2005, 12:47 AM

edit....oh there they are.....

Destructo · 03-10-2005, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 500HP/SB

edit....oh there they are.....

Heres the leaf pack I made, lol.

454_72_4X4 · 03-10-2005, 01:51 AM

Just curious, Will this 52" spring swap work on a 72 since it has shorter springs than the 73-up? Anybody swapped 52's in a 72 or older truck?

Blue_71 · 03-12-2005, 01:01 AM

i did that on my 71 k20-- took the two original leaves from the front spring pack, and 3 leaves from the rear of each side of a 76 half ton.. drew them together, new center pin, and made a 2.5" front lift... not alot, but it leveled it out and gave my 33s more room to spin

69ssnova · 03-12-2005, 09:29 AM

i used to leave the stock front mane spring and then take 3 rear springs and a new spring pin in and it rode great you have to cut and grind a little and c clamp to compress the springs to get the pin in thats my 2 cent

03-09-2005, 08:32 PM	#1
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	Idea for custom front leaf pack.... Alright, heres my idea, as apposed to buying some lift springs I think I might try building my own packs. I have 1 set of 1/2 ton front 2-leaf springs, keep ONLY the top leaf, then I have a set of stock 1/2 ton rear leafs, take the leafs out that will fit right under the front main leaf and see what I come up with! Not sure if its been attempted or not, but I think i'll try it and see what happens. __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

03-09-2005, 08:53 PM	#2
clarkjw24 I like cheese Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: McBee, SC Posts: 192	You can run stock 52" rears on the front for 4.5" of lift. You'll have to swap the front hangers from one side to the other. Edit: I've got a set of 4" lift springs for the front with new bushing installed. Also got 4" blocks but I'd do a poor mans shackle flip. Got a raised steering arm too. If your interested shoot me a pm and make me an offer. Got anything interesting to trade? I was gonna put them on my DD K5 but I don't have the money for bigger tires right now so I'm thinking about getting rid of the lift. __________________ Cruiser: 1972 K5, 400/TH350/NP205, D44 and 12Bolt, 35 TSLs. Trail rig: 86 K5, 350 TBI, SM465/NP205, 5.13s, 14ff locked, h1 beadlocks, 42" TSLs, 64" rears, 56" fronts, D60 locked, 35pline, drive flanges, crossover, hydro assist, OBA. Tow rig: 2002 F350 PSD CC Dually FX4, chipped, cold air intake, BFGs Last edited by clarkjw24; 03-09-2005 at 09:47 PM.

03-09-2005, 09:55 PM	#3
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	PM Sent. All you have to do in order to run 52's in front is swap the hangers? I thought I would have to do more work than that, but if thats all I might go for that! I know a guy running 52's, i'll ask him soon as he signs on too. __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

03-09-2005, 10:17 PM	#6
clarkjw24 I like cheese Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: McBee, SC Posts: 192	It is pretty much a matter of swaping front hangers from one side to another and getting some new bushing and longer shackles, .....however it will flex like a mofo and that will cause problems with your stock steering. Now if your planning on crossover anytime soon this would be the trick. Driving it on the street without crossover shouldn't be any issue but on the trail you'll have so much flex that the steering will limit you. May need front DS mods depending. __________________ Cruiser: 1972 K5, 400/TH350/NP205, D44 and 12Bolt, 35 TSLs. Trail rig: 86 K5, 350 TBI, SM465/NP205, 5.13s, 14ff locked, h1 beadlocks, 42" TSLs, 64" rears, 56" fronts, D60 locked, 35pline, drive flanges, crossover, hydro assist, OBA. Tow rig: 2002 F350 PSD CC Dually FX4, chipped, cold air intake, BFGs

03-09-2005, 10:23 PM	#7
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	What about running limiting straps to keep if from drooping too much? So, all I need for 52s in front is swapping hangers and longer shackles? __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

03-09-2005, 09:59 PM	#4
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	Chad, i wouldnt go that route, in stock form the 52s will be plenty soft due to their length, putting the leaves in with a 48" spring pack will net a hideous ride. we did it years ago with my uncle's '79 K20 because his front springs were worn out and cracked, and he needed the truck immediately to push snow. i had an extra 52" pack, so we stripped the fronts to the main leaf and added 2 leaves from the 52" pack. it rode like crap, and didnt gain much lift. 4" TC EZ Rides and a stock 2 wd front hanger out back for a shackle flip and you should be golden. might have to invest in a set of Zero Rates to move the rear axle back because shackle flips commonly move them forward an inch or more.

03-09-2005, 10:37 PM	#8
clarkjw24 I like cheese Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: McBee, SC Posts: 192	You'll want new bushings for the springs your swapping in. To swap the hangers you'll need an air chisel or drill or whatever to get the old rivets out and a lot of patience. New grade 8 bolts and nuts to put them back on. What your doing is moving the front hanger from behind the body mount to in front of it. Cut both loose then swap sides, the right one will go on the left in front of the body mount and the left one will go on the right in front of the body mount. Your extending the distance between the hangers and shackels to make room for the longer springs. Go do a search on ColoradoK5 in the garage on 52" spring swap. Edit: limiting straps should work but unless you've got mad travel shocks they'll limit it. __________________ Cruiser: 1972 K5, 400/TH350/NP205, D44 and 12Bolt, 35 TSLs. Trail rig: 86 K5, 350 TBI, SM465/NP205, 5.13s, 14ff locked, h1 beadlocks, 42" TSLs, 64" rears, 56" fronts, D60 locked, 35pline, drive flanges, crossover, hydro assist, OBA. Tow rig: 2002 F350 PSD CC Dually FX4, chipped, cold air intake, BFGs

03-09-2005, 10:40 PM	#9
clarkjw24 I like cheese Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: McBee, SC Posts: 192	Here you go this ones got pics http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthr...highlight=swap __________________ Cruiser: 1972 K5, 400/TH350/NP205, D44 and 12Bolt, 35 TSLs. Trail rig: 86 K5, 350 TBI, SM465/NP205, 5.13s, 14ff locked, h1 beadlocks, 42" TSLs, 64" rears, 56" fronts, D60 locked, 35pline, drive flanges, crossover, hydro assist, OBA. Tow rig: 2002 F350 PSD CC Dually FX4, chipped, cold air intake, BFGs

03-10-2005, 12:47 AM	#10
500HP/SB please don't break Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: southern california Posts: 173	edit....oh there they are..... __________________ 70 k10 35s 350/sm465/np205 titanspeed.com

03-10-2005, 01:51 AM	#12
454_72_4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: N.E. MO Posts: 1,749	Just curious, Will this 52" spring swap work on a 72 since it has shorter springs than the 73-up? Anybody swapped 52's in a 72 or older truck? __________________ 72 C20 4X4 454 4 speed 89 Trans Am (was) 305 TPI 700r4 93 C1500 2wd Extended cab 350 700r4 98 Sonoma (TPI outa the Trans Am) 03 Yamaha 660 Raptor 03/04 660 Raptor 07 700 Raptor 85 Honda Odyssey

03-12-2005, 09:29 AM	#14
69ssnova Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: rock hill sc Posts: 69	i used to leave the stock front mane spring and then take 3 rear springs and a new spring pin in and it rode great you have to cut and grind a little and c clamp to compress the springs to get the pin in thats my 2 cent

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