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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Perth Australia
Posts: 32
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Hi, when I changed the wheels on my 87 Stepside, I noticed the lower Leaf did not look original and was not ligning up with the other Leafs.
Is this an after market Leaf
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Andy 1979 Corvette 1987 Stepside 2012 Holden Calias |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: TN
Posts: 294
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Re: Rear leaf spring
My step side has the same abnormality about it. I discovered it the first time I crawled underneath it. I do know that at some point in its history the suspension was manipulated but I have no idea why the helper spring is cockeyed.
Last edited by Chaplain; 02-10-2015 at 12:00 PM. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Baytown TX
Posts: 2,219
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Re: Rear leaf spring
It looks to me like the p.o. took the main leaf and turned it upside down as a lowering technique, might have done it to all three. I bet if you separate them you will see what I mean.
EDIT: After looking closer at the pic, it definately looks like the top three are turned upside down with the overload leaf used to "flatten" the leafs out. You can seperate and restack them correctly to return it to stock height.
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John 82 Chevy Silverado 350ci/TH350 ![]() Last edited by J Knight; 02-10-2015 at 09:48 AM. |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Spearfish South Dakota
Posts: 407
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Re: Rear leaf spring
Yes its like the lower over load spring is carring all the weight.the eyes would give it away they are rolled up.
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Kimberley, BC, Canada
Posts: 799
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Re: Rear leaf spring
That's an unhappy looking spring pack, at least to me. The overload looks like it is doing everything. And three leaves in the rear? That seems pretty wimpy, although I think that was a stock possibility.
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Greg 64 GMC Suburban - 283, NV3500, 14 bolt 77 C10 swb - 292, SM465, 12 bolt |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Perth Australia
Posts: 32
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Re: Rear leaf spring
this is a side view
I like the ride height, it just feels a bit stiff in the rear end.
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Andy 1979 Corvette 1987 Stepside 2012 Holden Calias |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Baytown TX
Posts: 2,219
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Re: Rear leaf spring
Its riding stiff because the only part of the spring that is flexing is past the overload leaf. Thats not enough flex for the leaf springs to function properly. Your drop looks pretty close to 5in, you should restack the leafs correctly or replace both leaf springs and install a flip kit to maintain your current ride height.
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John 82 Chevy Silverado 350ci/TH350 ![]() |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Louisville,Ky
Posts: 5,811
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Re: Rear leaf spring
If you have a spring shop close to you they can make you a set of lowering springs that will ride better.
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Perth Australia
Posts: 32
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Re: Rear leaf spring
If the PO has flipped the springs to lower the ride height and restacked the leafs.
What would you suggest to do using the leafs I have What would happen if I took out the overload leaf only
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Andy 1979 Corvette 1987 Stepside 2012 Holden Calias |
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#10 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Baytown TX
Posts: 2,219
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Re: Rear leaf spring
Quote:
In the top of this drawing is how you leafs appear to be stacked, you need to stack them like the bottom drawing. Be aware these are under tension so clamp them together before removing center bolt.
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John 82 Chevy Silverado 350ci/TH350 ![]() |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Wichita Falls, Texas
Posts: 459
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Re: Rear leaf spring
I think there may be a leaf missing too. Didn't most trucks get 4 plus an overload?
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Baytown TX
Posts: 2,219
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Re: Rear leaf spring
Not really, my 82 has 3+1 and my 78 has 4+1, oddly enough my 78 sits lower than the 82.
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John 82 Chevy Silverado 350ci/TH350 ![]() |
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