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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Warrenton VA
Posts: 144
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Stiffer springs for a C-10?
I am wondering if there is a stiffer spring kit available for the C-10 trucks with the trailing arm rearends.
They ride like a Cadillac, but are a bit soft for a work beast. I *think* the C-20s came with a leaf spring rear? I am planning on buying another C-10 or C-20 for a work truck but need something closer to a 3/4 ton capacity. Just wondering if the C-10 can be beefed up. Also I am exploring the possibility of putting a 6.2 diesel in it, that is a different issue at the moment, but it is heavier than a SBC and needs heavier springs as well. Thanks!!!
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'71 C-10 with 5.3 LS2 cam & NWC T5 - Patina King! '83 Jeep Cherokee w 5.3 LS9 cam & SM465 NP208 swap in progress '92 Volvo 960 wagon w 5.3 LS7 cam & WC T5 swap in progress '79 Porsche 911 SC '48 Spartan Mansion 30' travel trailer '10 Porsche Cayenne S - Daily |
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#2 |
Chevy nut
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Springfield, Illinois
Posts: 2,266
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
My C-20 has coils. I am using them on my C-10. I just want the rake to my truck.
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84 Chevy Custom Deluxe 1/2 Ton Named Fade To Black II "Remember kids there is NO replacement for displacement!" |
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#3 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
You can put 3/4 ton coils in a 1/2 ton with zero mods. The frames are 99% the same between a 1/2 ton and a 3/4 ton, but the rear axle and brakes are the main things upgraded on a 3/4 ton.
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Warrenton VA
Posts: 144
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
Awesome guys! Thanks for the info.
I guess a bone head question there after all. I have just never had the opportunity to look under a c-20 ![]() I will keep you all updated on my search.
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'71 C-10 with 5.3 LS2 cam & NWC T5 - Patina King! '83 Jeep Cherokee w 5.3 LS9 cam & SM465 NP208 swap in progress '92 Volvo 960 wagon w 5.3 LS7 cam & WC T5 swap in progress '79 Porsche 911 SC '48 Spartan Mansion 30' travel trailer '10 Porsche Cayenne S - Daily |
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#5 | |
Chevy nut
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Springfield, Illinois
Posts: 2,266
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
Quote:
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84 Chevy Custom Deluxe 1/2 Ton Named Fade To Black II "Remember kids there is NO replacement for displacement!" |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4,859
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
As far as upgrading the C-10 springs, there are air bag helper springs. When have no load, let out the air. When you haul a load, air it up.
The C-20 springs will work just fine, but the ride will be harsher, if that matters at all.
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'70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60 |
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#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Terrell, TX
Posts: 1,967
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
I put panel truck springs [3/4 ton] on mine and it's a workhorse. Also have the helpers on it....it will carry a ton easily and rides fairly smooth.
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Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. |
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#8 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
yep...I agree with camino (never knew you were so old man!)
And you can't assume with these rigs either, they'll throw you for a loop... esp if you are in a car frame of mind. |
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#9 |
Chevy nut
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Springfield, Illinois
Posts: 2,266
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
so true...or even 73 to 87 Chevy truck kind of mind. These trucks are in a class all their own!
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84 Chevy Custom Deluxe 1/2 Ton Named Fade To Black II "Remember kids there is NO replacement for displacement!" |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Smyrna, GA
Posts: 709
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
My truck (1/2 ton) came with heavy duty coils (3/4 ton) from the factory and while Im sure they're well broken in, the ride is very good, not harsh at all...
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Rottenwood Garage 1970...71...72 C1500 aka Orange aka Sideshow Bob 540 BB Straub Roller Cam, AFR Magnums, XP 950, TKO 600 2 Tons of Fun |
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#11 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Franklinton NC
Posts: 1,309
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
You can also add coil over shocks.
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#12 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
That's a bad idea. The shock mounts were never intended for the added stress of supporting the load. Lots of lower shock mounts have ripped out even with stock shocks. Add the stress of a coil over and you're really asking for lower shock mount failure.
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I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
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#13 | |
Gone to greener pastures
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Gateway to the Delta
Posts: 7,354
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
Quote:
![]() Shock eggsorbers are for controlling rebound, not carrying weight.
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'69 Chevy 1/2 T LWB Stepper: Daily Beater '72 GMC 3/4 T Fleet: Another Daily Beater '72 Plymouth Gran Coupe: ? "Ah women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent." Friedrich Nietzsche "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day." Harry S. Truman GUN CONTROL: Never having to say, "I missed you." Always fire two warning shots into your attacker's chest area before putting a bullet between his eyes. Paraphrased from Louis Awerbuck |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: muncy pa
Posts: 425
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
did you ever think about putting on the auxillary spring set? they were a option on these trucks.
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#15 |
classic=of recognized value
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 317
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
Check out the ones in this thread. Many people say they work pretty well. I only had one on my truck as the other one broke off but it is nice because they ride normal until you load the truck up then the helpers kick in. They are cheap too, but that may be slightly due to build quality (the U-Bolts broke on mine when removing). http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=311829
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Warrenton VA
Posts: 144
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
I believe the rear control arms are the key to the wonderful ride in these trucks. Why they went away in the later generations of trucks is beyond me.
I have been using the '71 for a worker for the last few weeks to try it out and it has performed very well. Mostly trying it due to gas being so much more than diesel. More silly questions to come ![]()
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'71 C-10 with 5.3 LS2 cam & NWC T5 - Patina King! '83 Jeep Cherokee w 5.3 LS9 cam & SM465 NP208 swap in progress '92 Volvo 960 wagon w 5.3 LS7 cam & WC T5 swap in progress '79 Porsche 911 SC '48 Spartan Mansion 30' travel trailer '10 Porsche Cayenne S - Daily |
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#17 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Terrell, TX
Posts: 1,967
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
Quote:
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Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. |
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#18 |
Chevy nut
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Springfield, Illinois
Posts: 2,266
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
The bad thing about coils is wheel hop. I do like the fact that coils on the back are easier to change...but leaf will hold a better load.
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84 Chevy Custom Deluxe 1/2 Ton Named Fade To Black II "Remember kids there is NO replacement for displacement!" |
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#19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Terrell, TX
Posts: 1,967
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
Wheel hop? I guess mine's set up better than stock....never had that happen.
As for load, that may be true with stock 1/2 tons but I have 3/4 ton coils and helpers so that's a non -issue.
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Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. |
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#20 |
Chevy nut
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Springfield, Illinois
Posts: 2,266
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
I am using the 3/4 springs and helpers on the 1/2 in the garge. I am looking for a little rake on mine. Giving that jacked up hot rod look.
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84 Chevy Custom Deluxe 1/2 Ton Named Fade To Black II "Remember kids there is NO replacement for displacement!" |
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#21 |
Official Site Guitar Shredder
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Oz
Posts: 3,955
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
There is a ( Air over leaf ) Kit That Air Ride has......Not sure on cost....It mounts the the leaf and to the frame....I think its a all (bolt) on type of deal.......
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#22 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Studio City, Calif.
Posts: 2,873
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
Quote:
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'69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: oklahoma
Posts: 10,670
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Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10?
My green truck has 3/4ton hd springs in it. It was originally a slide in camper truck. Not the smoothiest ride when empty but when you load her up she rides smooth as couldbe. As for the coil over shocks, deffinently dont use them. As they said the mounts were not made to take the extra weight. I had them in my orange truck and they cracked the lower shock mounts. The orange truck had them due to it was also a slide in camper truck. But instead of changing the springs they just added the coilover shocks.
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