06-24-2009, 03:11 PM | #1 |
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Location: Mariposa, CA
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Leaf spring question
Hey guys, not sure if I should put this here or suspension but thought the year specific boards might be a better place.
Well long story short I found that all my springs in my heavy half have been heated to be lowered and now I need to replace them. Front coils arent a big deal but the rear leafs are killing me. Since its a heavy half it has 7 leaf spring packs in the back, and they are a fortune to replace with new ones. Looking for opinions on my options. I could get a set of junk yard spring packs off a 3/4 ton or if I'm lucky another heavy half. I could buy new ones for like $400 a side, ouch. This one I'm not sure of but can I use a 4 leaf spring pack from a 1/2 ton or do I have to change the hangers and mounts too? Either way its gonna have a 2/4 or 4/6 drop in the end. So being able to hold extra weight doesnt faze me. I only pull an old trash trailer to the dump on occasions with it anyways, everything else is normal driving. Thanks in advance for the input. Last edited by Joe R; 06-24-2009 at 03:11 PM. |
06-25-2009, 08:19 AM | #2 |
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Re: Leaf spring question
I would look at finding used 1/2 springs if you are not going to use it like a 3/4. And I am sure the hangers are the same.
Anyone know for sure?
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06-25-2009, 08:24 AM | #3 |
67-72 parts collector,…
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Re: Leaf spring question
They do make 2 different length of 1/2 ton springs. (52" and 56", I believe)
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
06-25-2009, 12:13 PM | #4 |
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Re: Leaf spring question
So is that length from eyelet to eyelet straight across, or the length around the arch of the spring?
I'm not sure I can get a good measurement off my springs to match them up since when they heated it they took and put almost a 90 degree angle in before the eyelet. That is unless I can go from hanger to shackle on the measurement. I dont plan on using for anything besides hauling a trailer to the dump occasionally, so 1/2 ton springs would probably give it a nicer ride in the long run. If something happens and I need some extra lift I can always put in some air helper springs, but I doubt it will be much of a problem since I can usually lift the tongue of the trailer and move it around myself even when loaded, lol Thanks for the response guys. |
06-25-2009, 02:58 PM | #5 |
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Re: Leaf spring question
Oh so thats how leaf springs are clasified, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton
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06-25-2009, 03:55 PM | #6 |
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Re: Leaf spring question
there are 2 different shackles/spring eyes also. one with 1 1/2" id leaf spring eyes and the other is 1 3/4" id.
my truck was/is a heavy 1/2 and she's got the 1 1/2". and im only using the 5 main leafs. id do like trav suggested and find a 1/2 ton from a junk yard. you can also look for the 4th # on the vin. to be a 4 and you have found a heavy half. good luck, Dennis
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"Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list Last edited by menace121978; 06-25-2009 at 03:55 PM. |
06-25-2009, 06:58 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Mariposa, CA
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Re: Leaf spring question
Thanks guys, wish I could just pull a few leafs but now that my springs are S shaped I dont have much choice, lol. I will probably hit a junkyard and try and find the best looking set I can. If I have to swap bushings no biggie. Will take a few measurements as well.
Thanks for the input. |
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