Drilling a leaf spring, would ya? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cobinder · 10-15-2007, 11:11 AM

I've put my 80 GMC K20 chassis under an old 49 International truck body. The front wheels need to move about 2-1/4" forward for the 39" Michlins to be centered in the wheel openings. I don't want or need any lift. Is it a sin to drill new mounting holes in the leafs? There are only two leafs in this spring. This truck is a city looker/snow driver. She's too hard to find body parts for to go off-roading.

Bishops Trucks · 10-15-2007, 11:35 AM

I would say as long as you keep the drillbit lubed and cool while drilling, it shouldn't be a problem. That is going to be one sweet ride.

hilbilly · 10-15-2007, 02:25 PM

no problem, done it quite a few times. mostly to enlarge the center pin hole so they will accept longer pins.

**Yukon Jack** · 10-15-2007, 03:16 PM

You have got to post more pics of that truck - I like it alot!

Take your time drilling those holes as that is some hard steel!

abebummy26 · 10-15-2007, 06:43 PM

Binders are sweet

my old man's first truck was a 61 b110 or b100 I cant remember which

cobinder · 10-17-2007, 07:10 PM

Thanks guys for all the help. It's very cool that even thought my truck isn't a full blooded Chevy or GMC you still show me the love. I don't have many pics because my shop is so small I can't get far enough away to take a pic worth a damn.

But heres a few.

Remote control electric tilt front clip.
330 hp 350SB mates to a NV4500 5 speed
62 piece Stainless steel grill

I had to move the steering to the inboard side of the frame rail. The old truck is more narrow then a mini truck and I hated the idea of the steering shaft going through the inner fender wall.

earl87gta · 10-18-2007, 12:26 AM

That is a way cool truck.

abebummy26 · 10-18-2007, 02:32 AM

My machine tool instructor bought a 35 2&1/2 ton that he is going to make into a rat rod Its gonna be sweet.

**Yukon Jack** · 10-18-2007, 10:29 AM

The front end of that truck brings a smile to my face - very cool looking!

cobinder · 10-18-2007, 12:10 PM

I drilled the springs last night and they drilled out pretty easy. I guess it stands to reason spring steel has to flex so it can't be too hardened.

bdozeraz · 10-19-2007, 02:20 PM

I have drilled the springs on a couple of mine with no problems. The thing you want to watch out for is if the old pin whole ends up where it is not still sandwitched between the spring pad and top plate. If it ends up right at the edge of the spring pad you stand a real good chance of the spring breaking right there.

cobinder · 10-19-2007, 05:22 PM

I agree bdozeraz. even when I drill mine it still is at least 3/4" on the mounting perch on the axle and under the spring plate on the top.

10-15-2007, 11:11 AM	#1
cobinder Everything is work in progress Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 326	Drilling a leaf spring, would ya? I've put my 80 GMC K20 chassis under an old 49 International truck body. The front wheels need to move about 2-1/4" forward for the 39" Michlins to be centered in the wheel openings. I don't want or need any lift. Is it a sin to drill new mounting holes in the leafs? There are only two leafs in this spring. This truck is a city looker/snow driver. She's too hard to find body parts for to go off-roading. Attached Images __________________ Good luck with your truck! How much?! It's just an old truck part!! 49 International on a 80 GMC 3/4ton 4x4 chassis 48 International KB-5 2 ton dump bed 04 Honda CRF "500" 09 Honda CRF450 fuel injected rocket 03 Suzuki hayabusa carbonfiber wheeled monster. 02 Ford diesel stretch van (toy hauler) 01 38' Monaco diesel pusher motorhome Last edited by cobinder; 10-15-2007 at 02:54 PM.

10-15-2007, 11:35 AM	#2
Bishops Trucks KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sterling, Va. Posts: 5,730	Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya? I would say as long as you keep the drillbit lubed and cool while drilling, it shouldn't be a problem. That is going to be one sweet ride. __________________ JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 Father/Son Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER"

10-15-2007, 02:25 PM	#3
hilbilly I do everything twice, so what Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: To the Right. One may go as far to say WAY to the Right Posts: 378	Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya? no problem, done it quite a few times. mostly to enlarge the center pin hole so they will accept longer pins. __________________ www.hilbillytruckpulling.com

10-15-2007, 03:16 PM	#4
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya? You have got to post more pics of that truck - I like it alot! Take your time drilling those holes as that is some hard steel! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

10-15-2007, 06:43 PM	#5
abebummy26 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Haven, MO Posts: 1,243	Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya? Binders are sweet my old man's first truck was a 61 b110 or b100 I cant remember which __________________ -Lincoln 1987 GMC S15 (soon to be a chevy clone) 2.5l, 4 speed, no ps, no pb, no ac Silence is golden, but duct tape is silver. Spoken by Cletus the hillbilly I like stickers... a whole bunch. Last edited by abebummy26; 10-15-2007 at 06:45 PM.

10-17-2007, 07:10 PM	#6
cobinder Everything is work in progress Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 326	Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya? Thanks guys for all the help. It's very cool that even thought my truck isn't a full blooded Chevy or GMC you still show me the love. I don't have many pics because my shop is so small I can't get far enough away to take a pic worth a damn. But heres a few. Remote control electric tilt front clip. 330 hp 350SB mates to a NV4500 5 speed 62 piece Stainless steel grill I had to move the steering to the inboard side of the frame rail. The old truck is more narrow then a mini truck and I hated the idea of the steering shaft going through the inner fender wall. Attached Images __________________ Good luck with your truck! How much?! It's just an old truck part!! 49 International on a 80 GMC 3/4ton 4x4 chassis 48 International KB-5 2 ton dump bed 04 Honda CRF "500" 09 Honda CRF450 fuel injected rocket 03 Suzuki hayabusa carbonfiber wheeled monster. 02 Ford diesel stretch van (toy hauler) 01 38' Monaco diesel pusher motorhome Last edited by cobinder; 10-17-2007 at 07:29 PM.

10-18-2007, 12:26 AM	#7
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya? That is a way cool truck. __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

10-18-2007, 02:32 AM	#8
abebummy26 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Haven, MO Posts: 1,243	Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya? My machine tool instructor bought a 35 2&1/2 ton that he is going to make into a rat rod Its gonna be sweet. __________________ -Lincoln 1987 GMC S15 (soon to be a chevy clone) 2.5l, 4 speed, no ps, no pb, no ac Silence is golden, but duct tape is silver. Spoken by Cletus the hillbilly I like stickers... a whole bunch.

10-18-2007, 10:29 AM	#9
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya? The front end of that truck brings a smile to my face - very cool looking! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

10-18-2007, 12:10 PM	#10
cobinder Everything is work in progress Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 326	Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya? I drilled the springs last night and they drilled out pretty easy. I guess it stands to reason spring steel has to flex so it can't be too hardened. __________________ Good luck with your truck! How much?! It's just an old truck part!! 49 International on a 80 GMC 3/4ton 4x4 chassis 48 International KB-5 2 ton dump bed 04 Honda CRF "500" 09 Honda CRF450 fuel injected rocket 03 Suzuki hayabusa carbonfiber wheeled monster. 02 Ford diesel stretch van (toy hauler) 01 38' Monaco diesel pusher motorhome

10-19-2007, 02:20 PM	#11
bdozeraz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Phx, Az Posts: 51	Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya? I have drilled the springs on a couple of mine with no problems. The thing you want to watch out for is if the old pin whole ends up where it is not still sandwitched between the spring pad and top plate. If it ends up right at the edge of the spring pad you stand a real good chance of the spring breaking right there. Last edited by bdozeraz; 10-19-2007 at 02:20 PM.

10-19-2007, 05:22 PM	#12
cobinder Everything is work in progress Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 326	Re: Drilling a leaf spring, would ya? I agree bdozeraz. even when I drill mine it still is at least 3/4" on the mounting perch on the axle and under the spring plate on the top. __________________ Good luck with your truck! How much?! It's just an old truck part!! 49 International on a 80 GMC 3/4ton 4x4 chassis 48 International KB-5 2 ton dump bed 04 Honda CRF "500" 09 Honda CRF450 fuel injected rocket 03 Suzuki hayabusa carbonfiber wheeled monster. 02 Ford diesel stretch van (toy hauler) 01 38' Monaco diesel pusher motorhome

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