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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Rowlett
Posts: 9
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2 1/4 to 2 1/2 leaf spring
Hello, I'm sure there is a post bout this but I was unable to find it. I have a 71 GMC [2WD, LWB] that has 2 1/4 wide leaf springs in the rear. I would like to replace them with 2 1/2 wide springs. My question is what part(s) of the spring to frame mounts/shackles need to be changed, if any? will the 2 1/2 wide springs fit into the mounts used on the 2 1/4 stock springs. If some parts need to be changed any guidance on what/how to acquire them would be appreciated.
Thanks |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Sweden
Posts: 165
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Re: 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 leaf spring
Im in the process of converting a 2wd into a 4wd. I had to change the front bracket (in rear) cause the springs didnt fit. I used hangers from a -82 blazer cause that's what I had at home. I was able to use the ones in the back but I had to bend the tabs on the mount a bit.
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GMC C15 -68 project: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=526059 Front/back Porterbuilt dropmember, Accuair, LS1/4L60e Chevrolet C20 -72 C20 to K10/20 conversion, LS power. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada
Posts: 4,052
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Re: 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 leaf spring
I have looked at this swap a few times. You would need hangers from a 1973-87 1/2 or 3/4 2wd. They should keep the spring pad location bolts in the right place side to side. And you would just have to make sure to measure the position of the axel front to rear to keep drive shaft lenght correct.
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1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Rowlett
Posts: 9
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Re: 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 leaf spring
Thanks for the responses. Does anyone know if the 2 1/2" wide springs were used on any of the 67 thru 72 models. I heard the 3/4 ton (C20's) used the 2 1/2" springs and I have even heard they were found on some 1/2 tons.
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada
Posts: 4,052
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Re: 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 leaf spring
the 1/2 and 3/4 ton 2 wd used 2 1/4 springs thru 1972. All the 4x4 trucks blazers jimmys used 2 1/2 but the spring hangers raise the rear of the truck not sure the exact amount of lift but its inches higher
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1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,721
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Re: 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 leaf spring
The 3/4 ton Longhorn used 2 1/2" springs. I believe the hangers were different than the 4x4 hangers as well.
You can get lowered 2 1/4" springs. I'm curious as to what your reason for swapping is?
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44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Rowlett
Posts: 9
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Re: 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 leaf spring
Thanks everyone, I guess it was the 4X4 vs 4X2 [2.5 vs 2.25] that I heard was the primary difference [besides the odd 3/4 ton [probably HD/towing model options]. At the risk of hearing all the eye rolls
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,721
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Re: 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 leaf spring
4x4 spring hangers are different. So if that is your goal you need a 4x4 donor. They are longer giving added ride height.
__________________
44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
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