Chevy/GMC coil/leaf debate....fuel for the fire - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Longhorn Man · 07-27-2003, 01:52 PM

It has been said many times on here that GMC trucks had leaf springs standard, and coils optional, and Chevy got the coils with optional leafs.
Some of us have argued the point, and I know the only 2 GMC trucks I have dealt with (one 69 LWB, and my 69SWB...both 1/2 ton) had coils, and no mention of it in the option sheet.
I saw this on the parts board... 72 GMC parts truck for sale
In that thread, was this shot of the option sheet.
Comments?

*Gee_Emm* · 07-27-2003, 02:31 PM

I think there are better truck issues to debate :p

around here at least doesnt matter if its a Chevy or GMC leafs seem to be way outnumbered by coils.

*racedvl* · 07-27-2003, 03:32 PM

Maybe it's not a chevy, gmc thing, it's an American, Canada deal. . . . . . . .

Narkoleptik · 07-27-2003, 03:49 PM

I think it was an option for GMC's...

chevy2racr · 07-27-2003, 05:16 PM

someone said once that some years were leaf and coil available but it wasn't noted as an option, my 71 Chevy has leaf option though..

**CPNE** · 07-27-2003, 08:29 PM

I think it simply boils down to the fact that the same production line controls/software were used for both Chevy and GMC. This is why you see Cheyenne Equipment option denoting Sierra and Sierra Grande equipped GMC's. The system was not flexible enough to accomodate different descriptions for the same RPO code. Following that line of thought, it's entirely probable that the system could not accomodate an RPO that was optional on one marque and standard on the other. So even though leafs were standard on GMC's as I contend, it still shows up as an RPO on the glovebox and build sheets. Food for thought.

krue · 07-27-2003, 09:53 PM

My GMC has coils, and it's not listed on the glove box option sheet.

Southpa · 07-27-2003, 10:00 PM

I wonder who typed out all those options sheets. My GMC just says HD rear springs, no mention of coils or leafs. However, its a Canadian made truck with coils. I honestly don't think there was a method that was written in stone for this info. Lots of mis-spelling, misprints and generally vague info on a lot of the options sheets I have seen. I could safely say that every list has at least one item that must be deciphered. What exactly does "Custom comfort Equipment" or "Mandatory Canadian Base Equipment" mean?

Project1970 · 07-27-2003, 10:16 PM

My '70 has leaves on it as an option...

And moreso...I think this 1970 GMC brochure settles it.

Yes, that is leaves, optional.

krazy_texan · 07-27-2003, 11:07 PM

my parts truck had ( 72 cheyenne ) had optional leafes. could it be the factory specific on what had leafes or coils.

lukecp · 07-28-2003, 12:35 AM

I have seen two '71 GMC's, both 1/2 tons, both originally 250/3spd trucks, but one a shortbed and the other a longbed, and both had factory rear leaf springs. The trucks were both bare bones, and neither said anything about optional leafs on the option sticker. There is also another GMC (69-71) running around here with leaf spings on the back....it has single exhaust so it might be a 6 cylinder truck but i'm not sure. I have heard that leafs were standard on all 6-cylinder GMC's, this may be the case.

**passthebuck** · 07-28-2003, 01:17 AM

My '67 GMC 910 has but a few options that I can find -(the glovebox sticker aint there)-it has a 250, a 3speed, coil rear with helperleafs, an 11" clutch, a block heater & thats all I can find. It was a work truck so I kinda think the leafs woulda been chosen IF the orig owner hadnt a been such a tight wad... hence, stock coils I think...

Nova_Cobra64 · 07-28-2003, 01:45 AM

Up here in Saskatchewan, I am yet to see any 67-72's, GMC or Chev with leafs.

stateamind · 07-28-2003, 02:03 AM

My 72 GMC has rear leafs listed on the option sheet

*Gee_Emm* · 07-28-2003, 09:08 AM

I think the Canadian equipment thing gets you a block heater and special coolant.

Alex · 07-28-2003, 02:40 PM

That brochure from project1970 sure seems to clear up all the confusion. Mine is listed on the option sheet having leaf springs.

**StingRay** · 07-28-2003, 02:51 PM

In Canada I believe that all GM trucks were coil standard and leaf optional. I have personally seen three leaf trucks other than Longhorns and have heard of a few more. This is amongst many many hundreds I have observed over the last 25 years.

Maximum Overdrive · 07-28-2003, 03:21 PM

My 70 GMC lists the rear leafs as an option but it also lists the front coils as an option and the front shocks as an option. Also my tires are listed as an option that are not on the above brouchure for GMC's

ChevLoRay · 07-28-2003, 03:43 PM

My ;69 SWB Fleetside had 2000-lb coils (optional) when built, and they are shown on the glove box data plate.

However, it rode like the Rock, that Chevies are. So, when swapping to disc on the front, and since I was lowering it, I went to a lighter capacity, i.e., 1500-lb rate, and dropped it 4-inches in the rear. Rides better.....and much easier/cheaper to lower (properly) than leaf springs would have been...IMHO.

Longhorn Man · 07-28-2003, 03:57 PM

The listed optional tires and shocks were just HD stuff.As for maybe just the 6 cylinder trucks had leaves, mine was a V-6/Th400 originally, but the long bed 69 was a factory 350/4speed truck.

tom hand · 07-29-2003, 09:28 AM

Check out this truck...71 GMC with optional leafs on the glove box sticker

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=62579

GloryHound · 07-29-2003, 11:53 AM

My grandfather owned his own G.M. garage and sold new cars and trucks. He said when you ordered a GMC it came with leaf springs unless you specifically asked for coils, but if you ordered a chevy 2wd it came with coils unless you asked for leafs or bought a 1 ton dually. Even today when you by a vehicle if you look at it's option sheet standard equipment gets listed. Granted this is now in a special column that says standard equipment but it is still standard. On some vehicles you can have standard equipment removed to cut down the cost of a vehicle.

Longhorn Man · 07-29-2003, 03:31 PM

These trucks don't list standard equipment...RaceDvl's option sheet prooves that, it is almost empty...one option I think.

Digger51 · 07-29-2003, 03:34 PM

My 70 has coils and based on the sticker they were standard.

GloryHound · 07-29-2003, 03:58 PM

The point I am trying to make is that I do not believe they actually listed it as standard equipment whether it was or was not when these trucks where made. So if I order a GMC and didn't say anything about it I got leaf springs and it was listed on my option sheet even though I did not check a box on my order form that said leaf springs, but if I wanted to save money I could say no don't give me leaf springs give me the cheaper coils then I would have nothing listed on my option sheet concerning the rear suspension unless of course it was a special coil spring!

07-27-2003, 01:52 PM	#1
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Chevy/GMC coil/leaf debate....fuel for the fire It has been said many times on here that GMC trucks had leaf springs standard, and coils optional, and Chevy got the coils with optional leafs. Some of us have argued the point, and I know the only 2 GMC trucks I have dealt with (one 69 LWB, and my 69SWB...both 1/2 ton) had coils, and no mention of it in the option sheet. I saw this on the parts board... 72 GMC parts truck for sale In that thread, was this shot of the option sheet. Comments?

07-27-2003, 03:49 PM	#4
Narkoleptik 69 GMC LWB FLEET Join Date: May 2002 Location: Tucson, Az, USA Posts: 108	I think it was an option for GMC's... Attached Images __________________ TUCSON, AZ

07-27-2003, 05:16 PM	#5
chevy2racr So Many Ideas, So Little Money Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Marshalltown, IA Posts: 1,610	someone said once that some years were leaf and coil available but it wasn't noted as an option, my 71 Chevy has leaf option though.. __________________ 72 Blazer 3/4 ton running gear 4.10s NP205/TH350 350 4in lift half doors 71 C10 with 454 99 S-10 5.1L SBC 700R4 09 Malibu Marshalltown, Iowa

07-27-2003, 08:29 PM	#6
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	I think it simply boils down to the fact that the same production line controls/software were used for both Chevy and GMC. This is why you see Cheyenne Equipment option denoting Sierra and Sierra Grande equipped GMC's. The system was not flexible enough to accomodate different descriptions for the same RPO code. Following that line of thought, it's entirely probable that the system could not accomodate an RPO that was optional on one marque and standard on the other. So even though leafs were standard on GMC's as I contend, it still shows up as an RPO on the glovebox and build sheets. Food for thought. __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

07-27-2003, 09:53 PM	#7
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	My GMC has coils, and it's not listed on the glove box option sheet. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

07-27-2003, 02:31 PM	#2
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,002	I think there are better truck issues to debate :p around here at least doesnt matter if its a Chevy or GMC leafs seem to be way outnumbered by coils.

07-27-2003, 03:32 PM	#3
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	Maybe it's not a chevy, gmc thing, it's an American, Canada deal. . . . . . . .

07-27-2003, 10:00 PM	#8
Southpa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Posts: 2,410	I wonder who typed out all those options sheets. My GMC just says HD rear springs, no mention of coils or leafs. However, its a Canadian made truck with coils. I honestly don't think there was a method that was written in stone for this info. Lots of mis-spelling, misprints and generally vague info on a lot of the options sheets I have seen. I could safely say that every list has at least one item that must be deciphered. What exactly does "Custom comfort Equipment" or "Mandatory Canadian Base Equipment" mean? Attached Images __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Original 350/TH350 Victoria, BC, Canada You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. See which one gets filled first.

07-27-2003, 10:16 PM	#9
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	My '70 has leaves on it as an option... And moreso...I think this 1970 GMC brochure settles it. Yes, that is leaves, optional. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

07-27-2003, 11:07 PM	#10
krazy_texan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Des Moines, Ia Posts: 3,233	my parts truck had ( 72 cheyenne ) had optional leafes. could it be the factory specific on what had leafes or coils. __________________ Krazy Texan My Trucks are made with Wrenches not Chop Sticks 1967 GMC 3/4 ton "Johnny Cash" 1990 v1500 suburban 1967 Ford f100 Swb 4x4 "green bean" GOD BLESS JESUS, JOHN WAYNE, AND THE ALAMO

07-28-2003, 12:35 AM	#11
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	I have seen two '71 GMC's, both 1/2 tons, both originally 250/3spd trucks, but one a shortbed and the other a longbed, and both had factory rear leaf springs. The trucks were both bare bones, and neither said anything about optional leafs on the option sticker. There is also another GMC (69-71) running around here with leaf spings on the back....it has single exhaust so it might be a 6 cylinder truck but i'm not sure. I have heard that leafs were standard on all 6-cylinder GMC's, this may be the case. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

07-28-2003, 01:17 AM	#12
passthebuck Sisyphus was my mentor! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario CANADA Posts: 984	My '67 GMC 910 has but a few options that I can find -(the glovebox sticker aint there)-it has a 250, a 3speed, coil rear with helperleafs, an 11" clutch, a block heater & thats all I can find. It was a work truck so I kinda think the leafs woulda been chosen IF the orig owner hadnt a been such a tight wad... hence, stock coils I think... __________________ passthebuck #5642 -TWO 1967 GMC 910's. One with L6/3-on-the tree and the other with 355 w/435hp & a 700r4. -a 2013 Honda Civic as my "sensible" car

07-28-2003, 01:45 AM	#13
Nova_Cobra64 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melville, SK Posts: 1,145	Up here in Saskatchewan, I am yet to see any 67-72's, GMC or Chev with leafs. __________________ 2004 Silverado - Beater 1969 GMC - In progress http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=441683 2011 Aveo - Work commuter 2013 Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650 - The reason no work gets done on the project truck.

07-28-2003, 02:03 AM	#14
stateamind And you call that a what? Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dickson, TN Posts: 171	My 72 GMC has rear leafs listed on the option sheet

07-28-2003, 09:08 AM	#15
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,002	I think the Canadian equipment thing gets you a block heater and special coolant.



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07-28-2003, 02:40 PM	#16
Alex Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Blaine, MN Posts: 798	That brochure from project1970 sure seems to clear up all the confusion. Mine is listed on the option sheet having leaf springs. __________________ '72 C/10 LWB 402/400 Blaine, MN

07-28-2003, 02:51 PM	#17
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	In Canada I believe that all GM trucks were coil standard and leaf optional. I have personally seen three leaf trucks other than Longhorns and have heard of a few more. This is amongst many many hundreds I have observed over the last 25 years. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

07-28-2003, 03:21 PM	#18
Maximum Overdrive December 21, 2012 Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Black Eagle, Montana Posts: 1,634	My 70 GMC lists the rear leafs as an option but it also lists the front coils as an option and the front shocks as an option. Also my tires are listed as an option that are not on the above brouchure for GMC's

07-28-2003, 03:43 PM	#19
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	SWB w/2000-lb coils.... My ;69 SWB Fleetside had 2000-lb coils (optional) when built, and they are shown on the glove box data plate. However, it rode like the Rock, that Chevies are. So, when swapping to disc on the front, and since I was lowering it, I went to a lighter capacity, i.e., 1500-lb rate, and dropped it 4-inches in the rear. Rides better.....and much easier/cheaper to lower (properly) than leaf springs would have been...IMHO. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

07-28-2003, 03:57 PM	#20
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	The listed optional tires and shocks were just HD stuff.As for maybe just the 6 cylinder trucks had leaves, mine was a V-6/Th400 originally, but the long bed 69 was a factory 350/4speed truck.

07-29-2003, 09:28 AM	#21
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	Check out this truck...71 GMC with optional leafs on the glove box sticker http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=62579 __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

07-29-2003, 11:53 AM	#22
GloryHound Working on a Nova. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: ## Posts: 506	My grandfather owned his own G.M. garage and sold new cars and trucks. He said when you ordered a GMC it came with leaf springs unless you specifically asked for coils, but if you ordered a chevy 2wd it came with coils unless you asked for leafs or bought a 1 ton dually. Even today when you by a vehicle if you look at it's option sheet standard equipment gets listed. Granted this is now in a special column that says standard equipment but it is still standard. On some vehicles you can have standard equipment removed to cut down the cost of a vehicle.

07-29-2003, 03:31 PM	#23
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	These trucks don't list standard equipment...RaceDvl's option sheet prooves that, it is almost empty...one option I think.

07-29-2003, 03:34 PM	#24
Digger51 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Littleton, CO Posts: 51	Coils My 70 has coils and based on the sticker they were standard. __________________ 70 GMC, SWB, 2WD, low

07-29-2003, 03:58 PM	#25
GloryHound Working on a Nova. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: ## Posts: 506	The point I am trying to make is that I do not believe they actually listed it as standard equipment whether it was or was not when these trucks where made. So if I order a GMC and didn't say anything about it I got leaf springs and it was listed on my option sheet even though I did not check a box on my order form that said leaf springs, but if I wanted to save money I could say no don't give me leaf springs give me the cheaper coils then I would have nothing listed on my option sheet concerning the rear suspension unless of course it was a special coil spring!

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