One Ton Leaf Springs - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69GMCLonghorn · 05-08-2009, 04:41 PM

Ok, so it's pretty common knowledge that you just about need a KIDNEY BELT to drive a 67-72 one-ton leaf spring truck with no weight in the bed.

For whatever lame reason, I don't want to take the "1-ton" out of the 1 ton. I want to keep it what it was/is. But if I could save my organs from a little abuse, I'm all for it.

I know some of the newer trucks have like 3 stages to the springs; primary pack (1-2 leaves), secondary (3-4?), then an overload spring or 2. Has anybody upgraded to a more modern leaf and experienced an improvement in the empty ride quality?

On that same note, does anybody know who carries replacement leaf springs for these things? The only leaf's I've come across are for 1/2 ton's.

**special-K** · 05-10-2009, 10:29 PM

A spring shop can build you new leaf packs.The newer springs are longer.You can use those by moving ypur sprimg hangers on the frame.it`s done ll the time on 4wds to gain more flex.

69GMCLonghorn · 05-11-2009, 10:13 AM

Thanks! I'll have to look into that. Of course, a few bags of sand in the bed would accomplish the same thing... and wouldn't hurt the mileage (what mileage?).

**special-K** · 05-11-2009, 02:25 PM

That`s all true.

hicktownhotrodder · 05-11-2009, 04:42 PM

what i found on my first one ton was that it had only about five main leaves(it was a long time ago) and had another leaf pack on top of it of about another 6 or 8 that contacted the factory overload perches on the frame. you probably will need a spring shop to make this for you, or you could find some out of a 3/4 ton and cut the eyelets out. hope this helps

05-08-2009, 04:41 PM	#1
69GMCLonghorn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Porter Ranch, CA Posts: 978	One Ton Leaf Springs Ok, so it's pretty common knowledge that you just about need a KIDNEY BELT to drive a 67-72 one-ton leaf spring truck with no weight in the bed. For whatever lame reason, I don't want to take the "1-ton" out of the 1 ton. I want to keep it what it was/is. But if I could save my organs from a little abuse, I'm all for it. I know some of the newer trucks have like 3 stages to the springs; primary pack (1-2 leaves), secondary (3-4?), then an overload spring or 2. Has anybody upgraded to a more modern leaf and experienced an improvement in the empty ride quality? On that same note, does anybody know who carries replacement leaf springs for these things? The only leaf's I've come across are for 1/2 ton's.

05-10-2009, 10:29 PM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: One Ton Leaf Springs A spring shop can build you new leaf packs.The newer springs are longer.You can use those by moving ypur sprimg hangers on the frame.it`s done ll the time on 4wds to gain more flex. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

05-11-2009, 10:13 AM	#3
69GMCLonghorn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Porter Ranch, CA Posts: 978	Re: One Ton Leaf Springs Thanks! I'll have to look into that. Of course, a few bags of sand in the bed would accomplish the same thing... and wouldn't hurt the mileage (what mileage?).

05-11-2009, 02:25 PM	#4
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: One Ton Leaf Springs That`s all true. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

05-11-2009, 04:42 PM	#5
hicktownhotrodder Rollin Coal Join Date: May 2009 Location: Winnebago Illinios Posts: 131	Re: One Ton Leaf Springs what i found on my first one ton was that it had only about five main leaves(it was a long time ago) and had another leaf pack on top of it of about another 6 or 8 that contacted the factory overload perches on the frame. you probably will need a spring shop to make this for you, or you could find some out of a 3/4 ton and cut the eyelets out. hope this helps __________________ I have three letters to all these import guys: God-Made-Chevy 04 GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax 1972 Chevrolet C-30 Dually Pickup stock? 350 SM465 four speed 1977 GMC K-35, TH-400, 4X4 450 horse 454(dad's) 1993 Dodge cummins 5-speed DEAD!!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.