Rear Coil to Leaf Spring Conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BobM · 12-07-2002, 11:45 AM

Has anyone ever done a rear coil spring to leaf spring conversion? Is it even possible on these trucks? If it is, are there any frame mods required? Which years and models of trucks are compatible to use for doner parts?

meathead95 · 12-07-2002, 11:55 AM

I believe it wont work because the rear sections of the frame rails are curved different.

HeavyK20 · 12-07-2002, 12:05 PM

I think you can do it, you just have to get spring hangers from a 2wd leaf frame. The 2wd leaf frame that I have has curved frame rails over the rear axle.

SCOTI · 12-07-2002, 04:30 PM

The frames are the same if it's a 1/2 ton truck. I've got 1 of each & have taken measurements of both. You will need all the hangers, shock brackets, rear end, leafs, & reinforcement brackets required for the leaf suspension as they're located differently than a coil truck suspension.

Hooter · 12-07-2002, 09:52 PM

Why do u want to convert coils to springs?

trukman1 · 12-08-2002, 01:17 AM

To further this question, I have a friend who has a '68 GMC 4x4 with leafs in the rear but his frame is "bowed" out wider in the rear just like my coil spring rear on my '67 2wd. However, my '69 Chevy 4x4 frame doesn't "bow" out with the leaf spring rear. Are there two different types of spring hangers? One for the wider leaf spring truck and one for the straight frame leaf spring truck?In the Chevy Service Manual ('72) it only lists two frames...the wider version as common on coil spring rears and the straight common to leaf spring rears. This is something I've been wondering about for a long time. I'll try to contact my buddy and do some measuring then post my findings. Trukman1

12-07-2002, 11:45 AM	#1
BobM Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Winnipeg, MB, Canada Posts: 73	Rear Coil to Leaf Spring Conversion Has anyone ever done a rear coil spring to leaf spring conversion? Is it even possible on these trucks? If it is, are there any frame mods required? Which years and models of trucks are compatible to use for doner parts?

12-07-2002, 11:55 AM	#2
meathead95 computer illiterate Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 6,440	I believe it wont work because the rear sections of the frame rails are curved different. __________________ 72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4

12-07-2002, 12:05 PM	#3
HeavyK20 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: New Richmond, WI Posts: 547	I think you can do it, you just have to get spring hangers from a 2wd leaf frame. The 2wd leaf frame that I have has curved frame rails over the rear axle. __________________ Eric 1969 K20, 465/205 package

12-07-2002, 04:30 PM	#4
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	The frames are the same if it's a 1/2 ton truck. I've got 1 of each & have taken measurements of both. You will need all the hangers, shock brackets, rear end, leafs, & reinforcement brackets required for the leaf suspension as they're located differently than a coil truck suspension. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

12-07-2002, 09:52 PM	#5
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	Why do u want to convert coils to springs? __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life

12-08-2002, 01:17 AM	#6
trukman1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Beavercreek, Ohio 45431 Posts: 737	To further this question, I have a friend who has a '68 GMC 4x4 with leafs in the rear but his frame is "bowed" out wider in the rear just like my coil spring rear on my '67 2wd. However, my '69 Chevy 4x4 frame doesn't "bow" out with the leaf spring rear. Are there two different types of spring hangers? One for the wider leaf spring truck and one for the straight frame leaf spring truck?In the Chevy Service Manual ('72) it only lists two frames...the wider version as common on coil spring rears and the straight common to leaf spring rears. This is something I've been wondering about for a long time. I'll try to contact my buddy and do some measuring then post my findings. Trukman1

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