Leaf spring hangers....

[yellowGT]

Board member came over and we both noticed a little issue with my truck. We looked under truck after noticing that truck didnt have any bounce at the ass end. We compared mine and his truck and my truck has the two hangers where the green line indicates to giving it more space from the hanger to the end of the frame. His truck is like the frame on the pic.

The reason why is because we both have notched out the bed support to clear 4" shackles. My shackles are lined up under support which makes it stiff.

I guess my question is...Is there any other trucks like this or do I have one of a kind. Its factory cause it still has the rivets so no one has scoot them up that I know.

[Primer70]

GM made a 52" rear spring ( 1/2 ton ) & a 56" rear spring ( 3/4 ton ). I would assume that they punched out holes for both on long beds because they made the long beds in 1/2 & 3/4 ton & just the shorter spring holes on short beds because they only came in 1/2 ton.

[yellowGT]

i see what you are saying but my truck is a half ton short bed so it should of only had the necessary holes punched out. Wouldnt you think?

The pic I posted is from another members truck but I had to use to show my point. His frame is punched out for both it looks like as well.

[flamingbig10]

both 52" and 56" leafs springs were available in half tons and thats a picture of a 56" long leaf spring and here how a 52 looks

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by flamingbig10

both 52" and 56" leafs springs were available in half tons and thats a picture of a 56" long leaf spring and here how a 52 looks

This is correct. My 80 C10 had the shorter springs and my '87 R10 had the longer springs. I had to notch the support in the bed to get the shackles/spring ends to clear when lowering the '87.

K

[Primer70]

I did not know that GM put 56" springs on the 1/2 tons, I've only seen 52" one on the 1/2 tons.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

This is correct. My 80 C10 had the shorter springs and my '87 R10 had the longer springs. I had to notch the support in the bed to get the shackles/spring ends to clear when lowering the '87.

K

Couple of additional (random) thoughts:

I believe the RPO for the heavy duty rear springs was G50 "Heavy Duty Rear Suspension", based on my SPID label. I also recall that you could "free flow" opt up to these springs if you chose or they were also forced on by certain other option/GVW content.

Lastly, I cut my box sills when I lowered my truck. It has been a daily driver for 22 years now with no issues, so I wouldn't be concerned about cutting them if I were you.

K

[bigblock73]

All HD 1/2 tons had the 56'ers...my 73 does...so does my 77.

[yellowGT]

So now I wonder if its easier to install a flip kit or to find some 56" leaf springs at a wrecking yard and pop the rivets out to move the hanger over so the shackles wont bang my bed floor. What do you think? Keep in mind that I will be making my flip kit brackets or even welding leaf spring seats on the underside of the rearend.

[bigblock73]

IMO, a flip would be easier...besides, you will want to go lower than 4" in back one day...trust me.

[Primer70]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

IMO, a flip would be easier...besides, you will want to go lower than 4" in back one day...trust me.

X2!
Everybody I know who went with a 4" kit in the rear put the stock hangers back in & flipped the axle, or kept the 4" kit & pulled leaves.