rear springs

[stenbrin]

does anyone know what the deal with the rear suspension on the 2wds. like why do some 67-72s have coils and others have leafs? Someone told me that the gmcs had leafs and chevys had the coils. Then someone else told me that the 71s and 72s had the leafs. i thought that it was just an option. Im looking for a leaf sprung short bed frame for my next project, but everyone i talk to has a different story.

[Mike C]

Not really 4x4 tech...

But it seems that the Chevy's had coils most of the time but leaves were optional. (I have a '69 short step with rear leaves) and GMC's usually had leafs. But coils were available. Of the (3) 3/4 ton GMC's I have had, all were leafs, but I have seen GMC coil trucks. The 3/4 ton Chevy Sub I have is coil.

[stenbrin]

Yeah I know its not really a 4x4 topic. I all the stuff i need to convert my truck to a 4x4, Ive got a diy cross member, d44 front, sm465 with a 205, springs and what not. So I was just thinking if im going to do all this work id like it to have leaf in the back and be a short bed. My truck is taken apart anyway, so it was just a thought. Plus I dont really like chatting with those 2wd guys.

[Mike C]

Funny. FYI, the front leaf hangers are different on a 2 wheel drive, and the springs are 2 1/4" wide instead of 2 1/2" like the 4x4. Except on a Longhorn. Springs are same on Longhorn as on a 4x4. At least on the parts truck I have. I also vaguely recall that frame rails on 2x4 are 42.5" apart at the rear and 40" on the 4x4? I know a later one ton has 40" frame rails that were the same as a 4x4 early Blazer/Jimmy. Been too long since I measured these things...oldtimers ya' know.

[Mudder]

Good to see you here Mike. I have moved hundreds of threads over here from the 2wheel drive forum. Now way I will move this one over there. LOL You're alright stenbrin. LOL

I wonder is coils leafs difference had something to do with weight capacity. I would think the leafs would haul heavy better than coils.

[Mike C]

Thanks!
Not sure. I've seen plenty of 3/4 ton Chevys with the coils, you could get a small leaf "overload", so at least up to 7500# that the C20 could be rated to they must have been sufficient.

[stenbrin]

My 68 has coils in the back, and i hated them. when the truck was in all together i had a hunting seat that went in the bed and sat about 9ft off the ground, it was like trying to ride a tiltawhirl with guns.

[special-K]

It doesn`t have to be 4wd to be of-road,right?
the 2wd GMCs had leafs and the Chevys had coils.Both offered the other suspension as an option.Leafs and coils could be ordered in various weight caps,as a seperate option.