leaf springs

[PJsthnam]

I've never dealt with leaf springs before and was wondering how easy or hard it is to remove a leaf or two to level the truck. And how is it done. And thanx to you all who are always willing to help.

[redbaron69]

previous owner done this to my 69. looks like he took the center leaf out. truck sat level before i tore down. if you do this please please get new u bolts. i have seen people stack washers so the bolts will tighten. good luck

[dieselarmy13]

I pulled my overload leaf (bottom one) on my 72. They say that will get you an inch or so. I put a flip kit on at the same time, so I'm not sure how much you actually get. The whole process is real easy. Put the truck on stands, drop your axle, and unbolt your leaf pack. There is one bolt running through the middle of the leafs. More often than not, it will be one solid unit of rusted metal, so a grinder comes in handy. Take out the desired amount of springs, bolt them up with a new grade 8 bolt, and throw the axle back up. Like redbaron said, don't be a dummy, get new u-bolts. Another option if you want to retain your original ride and towing capacities are drop shackles. The best ones are from Early Classic Enterprises. They are a 1.5'' drop. I've been told if you use 2'' shackles, you need to notch the support beam on the bottom of your bed floor. I think there are some pics in my build thread, but not sure, haven't looked at it in a while.

[dieselarmy13]

Damn, looks like c-10driver beat me to the punch! Leaf springers unite!!

[PJsthnam]

Thanx guys.

[C10-Driver]

Originally Posted by dieselarmy13

Damn, looks like c-10driver beat me to the punch! Leaf springers unite!!

Good thing you posted when I did... I got lazy and didn't include details on dropping the axle. The nice thing about a stock leaf-spring truck (not flipped) is that the axle drops right off the bottom of the spring pack... Pretty easy process to accomplish without having to take the springs off the truck.

Good Luck.

[PJsthnam]

What exactly would I be looking for in a new u-bolt? Just a shorter bolt length? I know they're the square style, 3.5" wide from center to center of bolt ends.

[C10-Driver]

It's pretty easy... Using a C-clamp, secure the spring pack together somewhere close to the middle of the spring pack. Put a set of vice-grips onto the centering bolt and remove the nut on the opposite side. Once you have it removed, undo the clamp and the spring pack will come apart. I would take the bottom 2 springs out which should lower the truck about 2". Get some new centering bolts from your local suspension shop and reverse the process to put them back together.