56" spring question

[morgan71]

I have a 69 K20 GMC I think, (i say this because it has a 67 GMC body swapped and it has some odd stuff going on with it). The rear springs are 56 inchers by three inches wide. I have heard that 73-87 springs will swap but they are 2 1/2 wide. Something I'm missing? Also there are only 2 leaves in my rear spring pack! Looks all stock they are alot thicker than I have seen but? Is this factory? I would like to swap springs with some off a 87 one ton, but maybe I should just have the stockers re-arched and a few leaves added, Any thoughts?

[skchevota]

Originally Posted by morgan71

I have a 69 K20 GMC I think, (i say this because it has a 67 GMC body swapped and it has some odd stuff going on with it). The rear springs are 56 inchers by three inches wide. I have heard that 73-87 springs will swap but they are 2 1/2 wide. Something I'm missing? Also there are only 2 leaves in my rear spring pack! Looks all stock they are alot thicker than I have seen but? Is this factory? I would like to swap springs with some off a 87 one ton, but maybe I should just have the stockers re-arched and a few leaves added, Any thoughts?

if that is stock, its an odd ball. All( most) of the chevys came with 2 1/2" wide springs. The things to check are where the center pin is located front to back, and make sure that is the same or your axle will be moved forward or back. the other thing to check would be the spring pad on the axle. If it is 3" wide you will have to cut it off and use one that is 2 1/2, other wise it will hold the u bolts away from your springs. you will need new u bolts, and the u bolt plate for the 2 1/2' spings. other wise it is all good.

[morgan71]

good info on checking the center pin in the springs. It is definitely stock. The spring hangers are all riveted on. The front spring hanger is 3 inches wide, guess I will have to put spacers in between with the new 2 1/2 inch springs? I guess will include some pics when I get them. Maybe I should just have the stock springs re-arched, any luck with this?

[skchevota]

Originally Posted by morgan71

good info on checking the center pin in the springs. It is definitely stock. The spring hangers are all riveted on. The front spring hanger is 3 inches wide, guess I will have to put spacers in between with the new 2 1/2 inch springs? I guess will include some pics when I get them. Maybe I should just have the stock springs re-arched, any luck with this?

Re- archeing is kind of a temporary fix, over tim the springs will go back to there original shape, especialy with 40 year old springs. Yes, you will need some spacers in the hangers. you could check on some f150 springs, they are 3" wide, I am not sure on the lengths offered. I am running 2002 f250 super duty leafs on the back of mine. They are 3" wide, but I used the ford mounts, and the leafs were quite a bit longer than stock.