My 71 has leaf springs AND coilovers

[JJSimon904]

Hi, I just started my first restoration 1971 GMC 1500 long bed and was surprised at how well it rode right off the bat. Someone changed out the 5 lug rear end with a 6 lug 12bolt. It also has leaf springs with coil overs. I've attached a picture of it. I've done a little research and found that trucks came with one or the other, but not both as far as I can tell. Has anyone come across this before? I eventually want to drop the truck 2/4 but not sure where to begin with a setup like this.




Thanks ahead of time.

[chevjayfsd]

None of these trucks came with coilovers... They only came with coils or leafs. Looks like PO put them on in place of shocks... Maybe to assist?

[Sicklajoie]

Those coil overs are obviously aftermarket.
There's a difference between that and the coil spring/truck arm setup that's on a lot of these trucks.
Pictured below:

[hugger6933]

Those are aftermarket shocks with a overload coil assist spring or some shock companies call them coil overs but they are not the same type coil overs we know and love. From what I have gathered, GMC's had leafs standard and coils optional and Chevrolets the other way around. Welcome to the board there is a lot of truck knowledge here so enjoy. Jim

[JJSimon904]

Thanks for the responses. It being a helper coil makes sense. I don't plan on doing hauling anything that would require such a setup. When I do drop it, I will switch to a good shock and drop it with blocks or shackles.