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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Sacramento, Ca.
Posts: 66
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leaf springs
I've never dealt with leaf springs before and was wondering how easy or hard it is to remove a leaf or two to level the truck. And how is it done. And thanx to you all who are always willing to help.
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72 GMC Custom Camper 84 Shovelhead |
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#2 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: marion nc
Posts: 588
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Re: leaf springs
previous owner done this to my 69. looks like he took the center leaf out. truck sat level before i tore down. if you do this please please get new u bolts. i have seen people stack washers so the bolts will tighten. good luck
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69 short fleet 350/350 "under construction" 70 short step 307/3 speed |
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#3 |
Chevy Truck Addict
![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Kelowna, BC
Posts: 1,176
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Re: leaf springs
It's pretty easy... Using a C-clamp, secure the spring pack together somewhere close to the middle of the spring pack. Put a set of vice-grips onto the centering bolt and remove the nut on the opposite side. Once you have it removed, undo the clamp and the spring pack will come apart. I would take the bottom 2 springs out which should lower the truck about 2". Get some new centering bolts from your local suspension shop and reverse the process to put them back together.
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. 1970 Chev C/10 SWB, 355 SBC, 700R4, 3.73 Posi, Air Ride (Click to view Build Thread) (SOLD) 1978 Chevy C/10 SWB 1970 Pontiac Lemans . |
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#4 |
Phone's ringin Dude.
![]() Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 1,426
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Re: leaf springs
I pulled my overload leaf (bottom one) on my 72. They say that will get you an inch or so. I put a flip kit on at the same time, so I'm not sure how much you actually get. The whole process is real easy. Put the truck on stands, drop your axle, and unbolt your leaf pack. There is one bolt running through the middle of the leafs. More often than not, it will be one solid unit of rusted metal, so a grinder comes in handy. Take out the desired amount of springs, bolt them up with a new grade 8 bolt, and throw the axle back up. Like redbaron said, don't be a dummy, get new u-bolts. Another option if you want to retain your original ride and towing capacities are drop shackles. The best ones are from Early Classic Enterprises. They are a 1.5'' drop. I've been told if you use 2'' shackles, you need to notch the support beam on the bottom of your bed floor. I think there are some pics in my build thread, but not sure, haven't looked at it in a while.
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![]() ![]() 2003 SILVERADO SS--THE NEW GIRL 1972 GMC--THE OLD GIRL |
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#5 |
Phone's ringin Dude.
![]() Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 1,426
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Re: leaf springs
Damn, looks like c-10driver beat me to the punch! Leaf springers unite!!
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![]() ![]() 2003 SILVERADO SS--THE NEW GIRL 1972 GMC--THE OLD GIRL |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Sacramento, Ca.
Posts: 66
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Re: leaf springs
Thanx guys.
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72 GMC Custom Camper 84 Shovelhead |
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#7 | |
Chevy Truck Addict
![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Kelowna, BC
Posts: 1,176
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Re: leaf springs
Quote:
Good Luck.
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. 1970 Chev C/10 SWB, 355 SBC, 700R4, 3.73 Posi, Air Ride (Click to view Build Thread) (SOLD) 1978 Chevy C/10 SWB 1970 Pontiac Lemans . |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Sacramento, Ca.
Posts: 66
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Re: leaf springs
What exactly would I be looking for in a new u-bolt? Just a shorter bolt length? I know they're the square style, 3.5" wide from center to center of bolt ends.
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72 GMC Custom Camper 84 Shovelhead |
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