![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Portland TN
Posts: 22
|
better rear suspension coil or leaf?
I am going to be converting my 67 Longbed to a short. I have a friend who said I could have one of his trucks for my conversion. One is a 71 Stepside GMC/ 5 lug / disc brakes/ and rear Leaf springs. The other is 67 stepside Chevy/ 6 lug / drum brakes. I want the 5 lug and the disc front brakes my problem is the rear suspension. Which is better. I need some pros and cons.
Thanks Luke |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: northwestern wi
Posts: 2,111
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
i personaly think leaf is better for hauling and towing but coil is better for a hot rod
__________________
common sense isn't so common anymore |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Sierra Grande Club
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Mexico USA
Posts: 2,433
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
I feel your pain……my preference is the GMC! Disc brakes are a plus. The leaf springs aren’t my cup of tea though. I think the ride is smoother with coils + its easier to lower….if that’s what you want.
Get them both you can’t have to may parts….. s/t
__________________
1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe. ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
nascar racers think the trailing arm coil is better for handeling thats why every team uses it
__________________
71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
laying low
![]() Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Searcy, Ark. USA
Posts: 13,274
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
Leafs for hauling. Coils for much better ride. I was just reading in classic trucks today on bolting in a coil rear for the 73 to 87 trucks which only came with leafs.
__________________
Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hillsboro Oregon
Posts: 6,449
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
Not sure why everyone always says leafs are better for hauling.
The only function in which I think they can be made superior is in axle articulation ie. rock crawlin. Otherwise coils are the way to go IMO. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Fabricate till you "puke"
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Ill
Posts: 9,403
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
Leafs are more stable with a load on them than coils, they also tend to sit flatter in a high speed curve (unloaded). The only other plus I see is exhaust routing......you have lots of room with a leaf setup, nothing is in the way
![]()
__________________
69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears.... |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Moore, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,396
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
Quote:
I just read the same thing -- they also stated that using leafs on a 1/2 ton was basically a cost saving measure back then, as the trailing arm setup cost a lot more to make
__________________
Are you retired too? Nonsense! I'm in my prime |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Studio City, Calif.
Posts: 2,873
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
From Petersen's " 4Wheel & Off-Road";
Quote:
__________________
'69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Kansas
Posts: 865
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
I personally prefer the coils, even though I drive leafs at this time. It seems to me that the coils allowed the truck to sit a bit lower and carry the same or more weight. one other thing is I didn't notice the side sway I get out of leaf springs when I have a 500 gal water tank in the truck with coils.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: las vegas
Posts: 88
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
I used top notch stuff when I re-did the suspension on my 1/2 ton w/ coils and it rides pretty darn smooth when the bed is empty, but if I'm hauling anything bigger than a transmission the ride quality is noticably poorer. However my 3/4 ton w/ leafs rides smoother when there is a lot of weight in the back and rides rough when its empty so I guess it depends on how much you plan on haulin stuff.
__________________
69 shorty w/ 67 front clip ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
I prefer coils vs. a leaf suspension. To me the ride quality is vastly improved and lowering the truck will be easier as well.
__________________
-Nate ![]() 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: St.Louis Mo
Posts: 10
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
My mason brother bent the trailing arms in a 68 3/4 ton. Overloaded? Certainly. He reinforced the replacements but I'd guess leaves are better for overloading.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: here
Posts: 5,789
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
Its like asking which year is better. Whatever you have is the best...
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C., Canada
Posts: 1,602
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
Well what are you going to be using the truck for??? I have a 50 with leaf springs (added a 7/8 chrome moly sway bar) to keep it from going all over the place. My 70' has coils, I love it and it makes driving with leafs a drag. Never hauled anything in either.
esll. ![]() I borrow or rent a truck if I want to haul something.
__________________
Tomorrow is for doing today's stuff. ![]() ************************************* This truck has just the right amount of energy for me! ![]() Author: Warren Lake .... (member) |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 602
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
Maybe this is too simple, but if they're both 12-bolt rears with the same length axles, is it possible to go with the 67 coil spring axle hardware to get the better ride and stuffing it with the '71's 5-lug rear axles? If not, then 5-lug 12-bolt rear axles are only about $250 a pair.
I'd definitely grab the 71's front disc setup. But when you do, be aware you'll need it's master cylinder because its piston is different size than the earlier models. Oh yeah, grab the proportioning valve too.
__________________
69 C-10 SWB Fleetside 454/TH400 (For Sale) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...ct=1299&cat=12 70 El Camino 454 TH700 29 Model A 4-DR Sedan Deluxe |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Old Skool Club
![]() Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas"
Posts: 10,880
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
I would love to have the same type of suspension my '69 has, in my '96. But having one broken leaf in the right spring pack isn't enough motivation to make the change. Still, it would be a much better ride.
__________________
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. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Portland TN
Posts: 22
|
Re: better rear suspension coil or leaf?
Thanks for all the input. My only problem is I will have to pick between one of the trucks. I think I will go with the Trailing arm. I'm gonna go look at it right now.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|