65 frame question

[SawyerBeavers]

So I just removed the bed on my truck and found this attached to the frame on both sides. I'm not sure what purpose they serve and was wondering if I should remove them or leave them alone?

Second question I had was about the coils, are they in pretty rough shape? Are they worth replacing and what will replacing them help with?

Last question, what would be the best way to clean up the frame? I was planning on just hosing it down and wire brushing it with some cleaner.

This is my first build so any advice or tips would help a lot!

[Sharps40]

You have factory coil springs. Replace em with Moog from Advance or Autozone, Oreilly, NAPA, LMC, etc....cheep enough.

The leaves are aftermarket helpers or maybe factory helpers. You call if you want em for hauling heavy loads or put em up for sale and defray the costs of part of your rear suspension rebuild.

[davbowen]

looks like helper springs for heavy loads. replace the coil springs they're cheap <$100. wire brush and power washer worked great for me.

[Ta2Don]

Those are Helper Springs, and if you plan on using your truck for hauling, leave them in place, as for the coils… if you plan on hauling, you can buy replacements or if you are wanting to lower your truck, there are numerous springs that will swap out. Look up the FAQ section and you will find a ton of info there...

[donthekawguy]

If you dont plan on hauling anything real heavy I would get rid of the leaf springs. They probably dont help with the ride. Also while you have it apart take off the trailing arms and replace the bushings and bolts. I had mine powder coated. You can take a wire wheel to the frame and brush on some por15. Take a look at your brake lines while you have it apart. Looks like the truck has seen some salt so the lines could be damaged and it's a breeze to replace the rear sections while the bed is off. Since the bed is out of the way you should replace all the bolts with grade 8. Do it (or over do it) right the first time and you won't ever need to do it again.

[kieth]

Other things to consider after removing the overloads and while you are cleaning up......

1. Do you have plans to install larger wheels and tires and lower your truck? If so move the rear axle back 1-2 inches.......this will center the wheels on the wheel well and keep you from having problems with rubbing the inner fender lip......

I am running 275-70 - 17 tires on the rear with 9 inch rims suspension is air bags replacing the coil springs and 2" lowering block.

here are pictures of the interference:

http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-czh6ZwP

how close it gets when lowering:

http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-qRbvdJX


http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-CFc3mDN

http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-LDdKQrj

http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-rn7dJkK


the photos show how you can box yourself in a corner when lowering a 66.
complets solution is moving the axle back, adding a bigger panhard rod (longer and larger in diameter, and then you have to relocate the shocks....

So plan ahead do it now while the bed is off then paint it. Kieth



easiest way to move the axle back is to add spacers on the trailing arm front crossmember bracket.....

[kieth]

xx