lowering with helper leafs - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dubie · 09-10-2004, 01:32 PM

I have a really nice set of helper leafs to install o my coil rear end. I would also like to use some 2" lowering blocks on the rear the same time I cut the front coils. With lowering the rear end by 2", will I still be able to use the helper leafs?

Alexis · 09-10-2004, 01:34 PM

can the helper springs be moved up? or the bracket they bolt too?

**CPNE** · 09-10-2004, 01:59 PM

It appears to me that these 2 objectives are discordant. If you alter the mounting point to which the helpers affix to the frame, you'll compomise their load bearing characteristics.

or in downeaster vernacular...

'Aye-yaaa, Ya caaahhhnt get theeeey-ah from heeee-ah"

da-burb · 09-10-2004, 02:08 PM

I say yes, because you are not changing the position of the actual location of the pads that the helper springs contact. It should be trailing arm, overload bracket, shock bracket, lowering block, axle. Installed this way the only thing that changes is the axle is 2" higher.

**CPNE** · 09-10-2004, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by da-burb

I say yes, because you are not changing the position of the actual location of the pads that the helper springs contact. It should be trailing arm, overload bracket, shock bracket, lowering block, axle. Installed this way the only thing that changes is the axle is 2" higher.

Agreed, but aren't the helper springs designed to help overload conditions when the rear is squatted down? (read this as decreased frame to axle distance). If you've decreased this distance under a no-load condition, won't you be pushing suspension travel limits if you subsequently load it enough for the helpers to work? That is why I say the 2 objectives are incongruent. It not a matter of can't but why?

crazy longhorn · 09-10-2004, 09:11 PM

I had to think about that one Dubie(me brain hurts now, been running leafs too long!) what da burb said, it will work

by using the block, you wont change the point where the helper leaf contacts the pad....you will still have the same clearance tween the helper & pad, & havent lost any spring capacity using the block for drop. The 2" you drop wont hurt a thing on hauling capacity

crazyL

09-10-2004, 01:32 PM	#1
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,855	lowering with helper leafs I have a really nice set of helper leafs to install o my coil rear end. I would also like to use some 2" lowering blocks on the rear the same time I cut the front coils. With lowering the rear end by 2", will I still be able to use the helper leafs? __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

09-10-2004, 01:59 PM	#3
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	It appears to me that these 2 objectives are discordant. If you alter the mounting point to which the helpers affix to the frame, you'll compomise their load bearing characteristics. or in downeaster vernacular... 'Aye-yaaa, Ya caaahhhnt get theeeey-ah from heeee-ah" __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

09-10-2004, 02:08 PM	#4
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	I say yes, because you are not changing the position of the actual location of the pads that the helper springs contact. It should be trailing arm, overload bracket, shock bracket, lowering block, axle. Installed this way the only thing that changes is the axle is 2" higher. __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

09-10-2004, 09:11 PM	#6
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	I had to think about that one Dubie(me brain hurts now, been running leafs too long!) what da burb said, it will work by using the block, you wont change the point where the helper leaf contacts the pad....you will still have the same clearance tween the helper & pad, & havent lost any spring capacity using the block for drop. The 2" you drop wont hurt a thing on hauling capacity crazyL __________________ 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....

09-10-2004, 01:34 PM	#2
Alexis Member since 2000 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Mountain View Ca / Mexico Posts: 7,879	can the helper springs be moved up? or the bracket they bolt too?



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