leaf spring vs coil spring frame differences? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Vince Putt · 11-28-2004, 10:18 AM

I'm still search for a SWB Frame. My questions of the day are.
1. are the leaf spring frames any different from coil spring frames? I was looking at some pictures of a coil spring frame and it looked as if the frame got wider in the area the coil spring area.

2. Truck builder magazine is doing a buildup of a 67, It has a custom chassis. I missed the first few issues of the buildup. Any idea who makes-builds the chassis?

Robert1970C20rstbukt · 11-28-2004, 10:59 AM

Coil spring trucks have trailing arms, leaf spring trucks just have shackles that hold the springs to the frame. Leaf springs can hold a load without sagging a lot, and if the coils are shot like mine are, it will sag a little bit but the ride in my opinion is awesome. I think coil spring suspensions spread out more than leaf springs but I've never compared 'em before.

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 11-28-2004, 11:03 AM

The only difference that I know of is different rear shock's. I tried to used some old shocks off my coil 72 on my leaf 69 and they would not interchange..

djracer · 11-28-2004, 01:55 PM

It depends on what you are using the truck for as to the frame you should use. If it will be a work truck hauling lots or towing lots you might prefer the leaf springs! I prefer the trailing arm coil spring setups they ride better and are easier to lower and or hot rod! By that I mean you can make the trailing arm trucks hook much better! I don't think the frames are very different!

Vince Putt · 11-28-2004, 02:28 PM

I'm looking for max tire clearance with 15X15 wheels with 7-1/2 " backspacing wheels. I'm running a 9 inch ford from a lincoln versilles with disk brakes. Coil springs and ladder bars. I'm hoping to use this setup, it was under my 85 SWB.

68LSS1 · 11-28-2004, 03:10 PM

Vince, I'm pretty sure with a trailing arm frame, the 15X15 wheels will fit. I'm putting in a 8.8 w/disc and although I will have to minitub it, I think they will fit. I'm just fitting the rear end now and with 16X8's I still have about four more inches inboard of clearance. Not sure on outboard unitl I get the bed on. Sounds like your building something with a little performance, I'd definately go with a coil spring suspensioned truck.

crazy longhorn · 11-28-2004, 03:15 PM

The 2wd frames are basically the same for leaf or coil(with the exception of crossmember & brackets). both frames bow outward at the rear axle. the 1 ton 2wd(dually), the Longhorn, & the 4wd (all leaf), have straight rails that measure right @ 34" rail to rail. sorry, I dont have any pics to help.....crazyL

djracer · 11-28-2004, 07:59 PM

Vince
I think if you keep trailing arms and use coilovers with your 9 inch it will hook better than the ladder bars! I know 67 dragtruck had lots of good luck with this setup. I know you can run a 14x32 with just mini tubs! I have this setup on my truck with a 12.5 wide tire and no mini tubs!

11-28-2004, 10:18 AM	#1
Vince Putt Hippy Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: kaska, pa Posts: 95	leaf spring vs coil spring frame differences? I'm still search for a SWB Frame. My questions of the day are. 1. are the leaf spring frames any different from coil spring frames? I was looking at some pictures of a coil spring frame and it looked as if the frame got wider in the area the coil spring area. 2. Truck builder magazine is doing a buildup of a 67, It has a custom chassis. I missed the first few issues of the buildup. Any idea who makes-builds the chassis?

11-28-2004, 10:59 AM	#2
Robert1970C20rstbukt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Beeville, Texas Posts: 1,943	Coil spring trucks have trailing arms, leaf spring trucks just have shackles that hold the springs to the frame. Leaf springs can hold a load without sagging a lot, and if the coils are shot like mine are, it will sag a little bit but the ride in my opinion is awesome. I think coil spring suspensions spread out more than leaf springs but I've never compared 'em before. __________________ RJD 1984 Chevrolet C30 welding truck 454/SM465 1977 GMC C15 pickup 350/TH350 1970 Chevrolet C20 pickup 350/TH400 1970 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 454/TH350 1969 GMC 8500 478M V6/5 spd winch truck

11-28-2004, 11:03 AM	#3
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,594	The only difference that I know of is different rear shock's. I tried to used some old shocks off my coil 72 on my leaf 69 and they would not interchange.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

11-28-2004, 01:55 PM	#4
djracer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wetumpka, Al, U.S. Posts: 8,891	It depends on what you are using the truck for as to the frame you should use. If it will be a work truck hauling lots or towing lots you might prefer the leaf springs! I prefer the trailing arm coil spring setups they ride better and are easier to lower and or hot rod! By that I mean you can make the trailing arm trucks hook much better! I don't think the frames are very different! __________________ Kevin Special Thanks to All who have helped on the TRUCK! My Pass Time Show http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p...Chapter1-0.mp4 So Far my best Times are: Motor only: 6.44 1/8 @ 104.13 10.39 1/4 @ 125.83 Nitrous Times: 5.785 1/8 @ 118.65 with a 1.336 60ft 9.168 1/4 @ 142.58 with a 250 shot dead out of the hole!

11-28-2004, 03:10 PM	#6
68LSS1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 1,191	Vince, I'm pretty sure with a trailing arm frame, the 15X15 wheels will fit. I'm putting in a 8.8 w/disc and although I will have to minitub it, I think they will fit. I'm just fitting the rear end now and with 16X8's I still have about four more inches inboard of clearance. Not sure on outboard unitl I get the bed on. Sounds like your building something with a little performance, I'd definately go with a coil spring suspensioned truck. __________________ '68 Short Step LS1/T56, Hydratech, Fatman Fabrications Stage III, Baer, Hot Rods to Hell, US Body, S&W, etc

11-28-2004, 02:28 PM	#5
Vince Putt Hippy Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: kaska, pa Posts: 95	I'm looking for max tire clearance with 15X15 wheels with 7-1/2 " backspacing wheels. I'm running a 9 inch ford from a lincoln versilles with disk brakes. Coil springs and ladder bars. I'm hoping to use this setup, it was under my 85 SWB.

11-28-2004, 03:15 PM	#7
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	The 2wd frames are basically the same for leaf or coil(with the exception of crossmember & brackets). both frames bow outward at the rear axle. the 1 ton 2wd(dually), the Longhorn, & the 4wd (all leaf), have straight rails that measure right @ 34" rail to rail. sorry, I dont have any pics to help.....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....

11-28-2004, 07:59 PM	#8
djracer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wetumpka, Al, U.S. Posts: 8,891	Vince I think if you keep trailing arms and use coilovers with your 9 inch it will hook better than the ladder bars! I know 67 dragtruck had lots of good luck with this setup. I know you can run a 14x32 with just mini tubs! I have this setup on my truck with a 12.5 wide tire and no mini tubs! __________________ Kevin Special Thanks to All who have helped on the TRUCK! My Pass Time Show http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p...Chapter1-0.mp4 So Far my best Times are: Motor only: 6.44 1/8 @ 104.13 10.39 1/4 @ 125.83 Nitrous Times: 5.785 1/8 @ 118.65 with a 1.336 60ft 9.168 1/4 @ 142.58 with a 250 shot dead out of the hole!



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