Setting up 72 c10 for towing - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

novaX522 · 10-27-2023, 10:57 PM

Hi, I have a 72 c10 long box. I want to set it up to pull an open trailer with a 70 elCamino on it. Tool box, jack, fuel, etc. Probably 4,000 lbs plus whatever open trailer weighs. I plan to add a Reese hitch, weight distribution setup, new light truck tires, and brake controller. Truck has fresh brakes with discs up front. It has heavy duty rear coils.
My question is there an air bag setup that fits the rear coils?

**LockDoc** · 10-28-2023, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novaX522

Hi, I have a 72 c10 long box. I want to set it up to pull an open trailer with a 70 elCamino on it. Tool box, jack, fuel, etc. Probably 4,000 lbs plus whatever open trailer weighs. I plan to add a Reese hitch, weight distribution setup, new light truck tires, and brake controller. Truck has fresh brakes with discs up front. It has heavy duty rear coils.
My question is there an air bag setup that fits the rear coils?

I can't really answer your question but I just wanted to say welcome to the board from a few miles South of you.

I have a pair of air bags that I got with an abandoned project but I think they are lowering bags. I will have to measure them later. I'm thinking you are looking for something that would fit inside the coils?

LockDoc
.

novaX522 · 10-28-2023, 11:02 AM

Thanks! I was wondering if there was an air bag that would fit in the stock spring. That would be an easy way to help the truck while towing. I would be interested in any other solutions.

**LockDoc** · 10-28-2023, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novaX522

Thanks! I was wondering if there was an air bag that would fit in the stock spring. That would be an easy way to help the truck while towing. I would be interested in any other solutions.

I got to thinking about it and there is really no way to get anything into the center of a rear coil spring because on both ends of the spring the coils are tapered in smaller. (i hope that makes sense)

The bags I have are pretty short.

If I were you I would install a pair of optional overloads that came on the '67 to '72 GM coil spring trucks. Here is a good thread on them.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=600642

That thread is talking about '60-'66 but the '67-'72 are the same except they only have one leaf for the spring.

I have 2 sets of those. If you are interested I will post a set up on the parts board and give you first shot at them. The only caveat is that you would have to come and pick them up. I won't try to ship them....

LockDoc

novaX522 · 10-28-2023, 02:57 PM

I like the helper spring idea. Do you have the springs and the brackets? I would definitely be interested. I know where Montezuma is. I used to drive through there all the time on my way to Eddyville Raceway.

**LockDoc** · 10-28-2023, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novaX522

I like the helper spring idea. Do you have the springs and the brackets? I would definitely be interested. I know where Montezuma is. I used to drive through there all the time on my way to Eddyville Raceway.

Yes, I have everything except the bolts, and I may have a few of those for size reference.

LockDoc

**MikeB** · 10-28-2023, 03:13 PM

I have to wonder about your brakes when towing >4,000 lbs. I believe there was an optional brake package for a C10 that would give you 2-3/4" wide rear shoes, vs. the usual 2" for 38% more surface area.

I can't find optional front brakes, but there are HD pads available, such as Wagner SX52 severe duty, semi-metallic.

novaX522 · 10-28-2023, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

I have to wonder about your brakes when towing >4,000 lbs. I believe there was an optional brake package for a C10 that would give you 2-3/4" wide rear shoes, vs. the usual 2" for 38% more surface area.

I can't find optional front brakes, but there are HD pads available, such as Wagner SX52 severe duty, semi-metallic.

Thanks, I’ll put that on my list of things to check this winter.

novaX522 · 10-28-2023, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

I have to wonder about your brakes when towing >4,000 lbs. I believe there was an optional brake package for a C10 that would give you 2-3/4" wide rear shoes, vs. the usual 2" for 38% more surface area.

I can't find optional front brakes, but there are HD pads available, such as Wagner SX52 severe duty, semi-metallic.

Hey Mike, will the 2 3/4” shoes work with the stock drums?

**MikeB** · 10-28-2023, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novaX522

Hey Mike, will the 2 3/4” shoes work with the stock drums?

I don't think so. I believe the stock drums have only a 2" wide brake shoe surface. I also read somewhere that the drum ID is 11.2x or 11.3x inches, vs. 11" for the standard C10 brakes.

**Steeveedee** · 10-29-2023, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novaX522

Hey Mike, will the 2 3/4” shoes work with the stock drums?

Not Mike, but...the larger shoes will also require different backing plates.

**MikeB** · 10-29-2023, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Not Mike, but...the larger shoes will also require different backing plates.

Thanks for that additional info. I'm sorta flying blind since all my Chevy truck experience has been with C10s.

**Richard** · 10-29-2023, 12:41 AM

Came across this old thread. https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=425850

novaX522 · 10-29-2023, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

Came across this old thread. https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=425850

That’s a great thread. Found part numbers for airbags that fit in coils. Thanks!

**Getter-Done** · 10-29-2023, 01:11 PM

I always like the helper springs.

Also have you thought about running air shocks?

Link for air shocks: https://www.carparts.com/details/Che...2/TSMA727.html

**MikeB** · 10-29-2023, 10:23 AM

This is kind of a crude way to do it, but back in the day, I clamped springs like these around the shocks.

Obviously you want just a little preload on the springs with the shocks extended so they don't rattle.

**Richard** · 10-29-2023, 02:30 PM

Not a fan of air shocks or helper springs on the shocks myself. While many have used them, the shock mounts on any vehicle are not designed to carry loads.

Wikid61 · 10-29-2023, 04:49 PM

https://nolimit.net/store/Dropped-Sh...unts-p26244502 The will move the shocks closer to the wheel/tires.

**Getter-Done** · 10-29-2023, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wikid61

https://nolimit.net/store/Dropped-Sh...unts-p26244502 The will move the shocks closer to the wheel/tires.

I saw these in my search for air shocks.
I almost posted them, but I thought they would be expensive.
That is a reasonable price IMO.

My Daddy Run air shocks on everything.

If the load was too Heavy It would bust the shock

Wikid61 · 10-29-2023, 05:08 PM

https://nolimit.net/store/Rear-Sway-Bar-p28240717 Forgot to suggest this.

10-27-2023, 10:57 PM	#1
novaX522 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2023 Location: Waterloo Iowa Posts: 247	Setting up 72 c10 for towing Hi, I have a 72 c10 long box. I want to set it up to pull an open trailer with a 70 elCamino on it. Tool box, jack, fuel, etc. Probably 4,000 lbs plus whatever open trailer weighs. I plan to add a Reese hitch, weight distribution setup, new light truck tires, and brake controller. Truck has fresh brakes with discs up front. It has heavy duty rear coils. My question is there an air bag setup that fits the rear coils?

10-28-2023, 11:02 AM	#3
novaX522 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2023 Location: Waterloo Iowa Posts: 247	Re: Setting up 72 c10 for towing Thanks! I was wondering if there was an air bag that would fit in the stock spring. That would be an easy way to help the truck while towing. I would be interested in any other solutions.

10-28-2023, 02:57 PM	#5
novaX522 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2023 Location: Waterloo Iowa Posts: 247	Re: Setting up 72 c10 for towing I like the helper spring idea. Do you have the springs and the brackets? I would definitely be interested. I know where Montezuma is. I used to drive through there all the time on my way to Eddyville Raceway.

10-28-2023, 03:13 PM	#7
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: Setting up 72 c10 for towing I have to wonder about your brakes when towing >4,000 lbs. I believe there was an optional brake package for a C10 that would give you 2-3/4" wide rear shoes, vs. the usual 2" for 38% more surface area. I can't find optional front brakes, but there are HD pads available, such as Wagner SX52 severe duty, semi-metallic. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

10-29-2023, 12:41 AM	#13
Richard Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,889	Re: Setting up 72 c10 for towing Came across this old thread. https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=425850 __________________ Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746

10-29-2023, 01:11 PM	#15
Getter-Done Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: TN. Posts: 8,429	Re: Setting up 72 c10 for towing I always like the helper springs. Also have you thought about running air shocks? Link for air shocks: https://www.carparts.com/details/Che...2/TSMA727.html __________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ 84 Chevy K-20 63 Impala (my high school car) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...Crew Cab Build

10-29-2023, 10:23 AM	#16
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: Setting up 72 c10 for towing This is kind of a crude way to do it, but back in the day, I clamped springs like these around the shocks. Obviously you want just a little preload on the springs with the shocks extended so they don't rattle. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

10-29-2023, 02:30 PM	#17
Richard Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,889	Re: Setting up 72 c10 for towing Not a fan of air shocks or helper springs on the shocks myself. While many have used them, the shock mounts on any vehicle are not designed to carry loads. __________________ Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746

10-29-2023, 04:49 PM	#18
Wikid61 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: anamosa iowa Posts: 58,278	Re: Setting up 72 c10 for towing https://nolimit.net/store/Dropped-Sh...unts-p26244502 The will move the shocks closer to the wheel/tires. __________________ "Envy is a declaration of inferiority". Napoleon Bonaparte.

10-29-2023, 05:08 PM	#20
Wikid61 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: anamosa iowa Posts: 58,278	Re: Setting up 72 c10 for towing https://nolimit.net/store/Rear-Sway-Bar-p28240717 Forgot to suggest this. Attached Images __________________ "Envy is a declaration of inferiority". Napoleon Bonaparte.



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