Leaf Springs replace or repair?

[C5Phil]

My 70 GMC leans to the drivers side about 1". Is there a simple solution and/or do I need to replace them? Would like to save some bucks for disc brake upgrade and new seats - so it is drivable but looks funny--

[68gmsee]

Can you actually detect a 1 inch drop or did you just do some measuring on the rear? If it's something you can't live with you could shim the low side or replace both sides. There are other leaf springs that fit. Just measure the width and length and check in salvage yards.

[C5Phil]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

Can you actually detect a 1 inch drop or did you just do some measuring on the rear? If it's something you can't live with you could shim the low side or replace both sides. There are other leaf springs that fit. Just measure the width and length and check in salvage yards.

I just measured to the same place on the rear frame from the ground when the truck was sitting on level ground-- how would I shim the low side spring?

[68gmsee]

You can add under the leaf springs on top of axle. On mine I actually had to remove a couple. It came with 8 springs. Just make sure that you don't have any broken or worn stuff down there like shackles or bushings.

Here's a good site for some info.
http://www.generalspringkc.com/Leaf_...972_s/1822.htm

[68gmsee]

One other thing I forgot to mention. The problem could actually be in the front. If the left front is low, the right rear might show higher. Sorta like a criss/cross see/saw action.

[C5Phil]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

One other thing I forgot to mention. The problem could actually be in the front. If the left front is low, the right rear might show higher. Sorta like a criss/cross see/saw action.

Got it-- Thanks for the info. I'll try adding something under the u bolt-- any suggestions for what i could use? I think the front is OK- the front coils may be a bit weak but the are the same age so.....

[ETsC10]

Originally Posted by C5Phil

Got it-- Thanks for the info. I'll try adding something under the u bolt-- any suggestions for what i could use? I think the front is OK- the front coils may be a bit weak but the are the same age so.....

Are you sure the 1" is in the frame to road, not the body clearance or
a bumper to road appearance?

If it's in the frames ride height, 68gmsee has a good point...could easily be
something in the fe manifesting itself in the rear (called wedge).

I'd think the least labor intensive check for that (with no cash outlay) would
be to support the rear of the frame and measuring the fe clearance or to swap
your front springs side-to-side and see what happens.

IMO, way easier than goofing with the leafs, if you don't have to.

[C5Phil]

Originally Posted by ETsC10

Are you sure the 1" is in the frame to road, not the body clearance or
a bumper to road appearance?

If it's in the frames ride height, 68gmsee has a good point...could easily be
something in the fe manifesting itself in the rear (called wedge).

I'd think the least labor intensive check (with no cash outlay) would be to
support the rear of the frame and measuring the fe clearance or to swap
your front springs side-to-side and see what happens.

IMO, way easier than goofing with the leafs, if you don't have to.

It's really more like 3/4 of an inch but it is frame height to ground as I measured it with my box off the truck... It very well could be in the front- right now its not a huge problem and my priorities are more for getting good brakes and a comfortable seat installed-- but thanks for the info. I'll make sure to check the front before I do anything--

[OldCreek]

Conceivably, you could add a 1" zero rate block on the driver side...but I'm not sure if that would be considered safe or not.

Or, you could switch the springs from side to side so that when you're in it maybe it evens out a bit...but don't do this if your lady rides with you a lot!

[ETsC10]

Originally Posted by OldCreek

...you could switch the springs from side to side ...

Yup. Just like a vibration...swap around the suspect part(s) and see if the symptom follows.
Also, only one change at a time so you know where the problem is when you find the culprit.

Do your measurements from frame to axle to take the wheels/tires out of the equation.

Subscribed so I can follow this over to the suspension forum.

[C5Phil]

good ideas.... thanks to all for the input--

[newbe351]

Originally Posted by ETsC10

Do your measurements from frame to axle to take the wheels/tires out of the equation.

So simple, yet I probably would have overlooked this as well. That's why I love this board......