relocation of rear springs - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lucekfd142 · 04-24-2010, 05:26 PM

I have been wanting to run bigger tires in the rear of the truck. i was told by a friend that if I relocate the springs to the inside of the frame that it would allow me to run a 12 rim and tire. I was wondering if anyone could provide information on how to go about doing this and if you could still run a drop kit if doing this procedure. i am planning on installing a 5/7 drop asap.

James McClure · 04-25-2010, 09:29 AM

I would be wary of moving the springs inboard. The closer the springs are togther the greater the risk of flipping over in a turn. I don't know much about lowering but it would seem to me to be doable with the springs in both positions. If you do move the springs, lowering will tend to offset the effect of the move. I think if I were in your shoes I would be looking for wheels with a different offset to accomidate your tire choice. Jim

SCOTI · 04-25-2010, 11:00 AM

They can be moved to the inside of the framerails (it's been done for years).

It's not a simple un-bolt/re-install operation though. The frame needs to be boxed to relocate the spring hangers & the rear housing mounting pads need to be re-positioned on the housing.

With a 5/7 drop, you might need to stick w/a 10" width max.

f.monroe · 04-25-2010, 12:15 PM

Many trucks have been lowered and tubbed with the springs in the factory location. A 15x12 with 7.5 inches of backspacing and a 29x15.5x15 Mickey Thompson will fit with the springs in the stock location. Just widen the wheel tubs in the bed.
Frank

Restrorob · 04-25-2010, 09:23 PM

Frank,

I've been looking for the EXACT info you posted for a while but never found a definitive answer....

Thank You VERY much !!!

rare86 · 04-25-2010, 09:27 PM

Me too. Thanks

USSkoval · 04-25-2010, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James McClure

I would be wary of moving the springs inboard. The closer the springs are togther the greater the risk of flipping over in a turn. I don't know much about lowering but it would seem to me to be doable with the springs in both positions. If you do move the springs, lowering will tend to offset the effect of the move. I think if I were in your shoes I would be looking for wheels with a different offset to accomidate your tire choice. Jim

It would really have no effect on how easily the truck would roll over, especially being lowered. Moving them closer together just makes them less effective, like softer springs would when turning.

87chevy.com · 04-26-2010, 01:31 PM

readin' material:
http://73-87.com/7387garage/chassis_suspension/tub.htm

exactly what you wanted to see..

clint

04-24-2010, 05:26 PM	#1
lucekfd142 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Belton,TX Posts: 8	relocation of rear springs I have been wanting to run bigger tires in the rear of the truck. i was told by a friend that if I relocate the springs to the inside of the frame that it would allow me to run a 12 rim and tire. I was wondering if anyone could provide information on how to go about doing this and if you could still run a drop kit if doing this procedure. i am planning on installing a 5/7 drop asap.

04-25-2010, 09:29 AM	#2
James McClure One shot, one kill. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saratoga Springs NY Posts: 859	Re: relocation of rear springs I would be wary of moving the springs inboard. The closer the springs are togther the greater the risk of flipping over in a turn. I don't know much about lowering but it would seem to me to be doable with the springs in both positions. If you do move the springs, lowering will tend to offset the effect of the move. I think if I were in your shoes I would be looking for wheels with a different offset to accomidate your tire choice. Jim __________________ 1984 K20 350M engine with 465,000 miles. Well, it's finally done!! Almost 2 years of work, but it was really worth the effort. Little stuff left to do is mount winch, wet sand & buff out and build belly pan\running boards. Body work takes lots and LOTS of beer!!!! God, Guts and Guns made America and God, Guts and Guns will preserve it! The worst thing you could do is get into my sights, but that don't matter, you'll never know it, cause you'll never hear the shotJim or Paladin whichever you choose.

04-25-2010, 11:00 AM	#3
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: relocation of rear springs They can be moved to the inside of the framerails (it's been done for years). It's not a simple un-bolt/re-install operation though. The frame needs to be boxed to relocate the spring hangers & the rear housing mounting pads need to be re-positioned on the housing. With a 5/7 drop, you might need to stick w/a 10" width max. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

04-25-2010, 12:15 PM	#4
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: relocation of rear springs Many trucks have been lowered and tubbed with the springs in the factory location. A 15x12 with 7.5 inches of backspacing and a 29x15.5x15 Mickey Thompson will fit with the springs in the stock location. Just widen the wheel tubs in the bed. Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

04-25-2010, 09:23 PM	#5
Restrorob The One And Only !!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hole in the woods Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: relocation of rear springs Frank, I've been looking for the EXACT info you posted for a while but never found a definitive answer.... Thank You VERY much !!! __________________ 93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. *"Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!* Last edited by Restrorob; 04-25-2010 at 10:20 PM.

04-25-2010, 09:27 PM	#6
rare86 Extended cab fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardendale, Tx Posts: 314	Re: relocation of rear springs Me too. Thanks __________________ If it has a motor, it has my attention.

04-26-2010, 01:31 PM	#8
87chevy.com BMW & ASE Master Certified Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 1,266	Re: relocation of rear springs readin' material: http://73-87.com/7387garage/chassis_suspension/tub.htm exactly what you wanted to see.. clint __________________ 1987 Silverado - L83 5.3 w/ 6L80e ,A/C,P/W,P/L,TILT, HID projectors, Wilwood C-10 Pro Spindles w/ 2018 silverado front brakes & C-5 Corvette Rear Disc Brakes 1999 BMW 528i - 5.7 LS1 w/ 4l60e, Ford 8.8 IRS w31 spline posi & FX-r projector retrofit New project: 2006 BMW x5 6cyl AWD to L83 6l80e 4wd to 2WD / RWD A poor man buy's it twice finally got my domain name back, 87chevy.com.... site rework in progress

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