overload sgrings - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71-8.5 GiMiC · 02-04-2005, 01:19 AM

Looking for stock type overload springs for my 71 longhorn. Someone told me my frame is different then a regular 3/4 ton? Going to check out the wrecking yards.What should I look for? Will the newer years (73+) work?

Americanrider · 02-04-2005, 02:40 AM

to the board! You should put your location in the top L/h corner so we can find you. It makes it a whole lot easier to trade/locate parts.

**COBALT** · 02-04-2005, 02:53 AM

There's no difference in the frames between 3/4 ton with or without overload springs. Basically the overload springs are steel stock plates bent to contact a rubber pad on the shock bracket. It's connected to the frame with a heavy duty bracket that's connected with about a thousand bolts. Once a specific weight compresses the spring enough the overload contacts the rubber stop on the bracket, and adds extra resistance to compression.

dwaite72lnghrn · 02-04-2005, 06:57 AM

The longhorn has a frame similar to a 4x4 straight sides and leaf springs. The G60 option for the the 1 ton longhorn increased the weight per spring to 3750lb. I think the later spring packs out of 73 up might work but you need the whole setup, Blocks, springs, U-bolts and last but not least the spring pad perchs that are rivited to the frame. Not an easy job but i guess it could be done.
My 1 ton G60 is just 1 massive leaf that starts to hit the perch with around 2000lb in the bed with about 1000lb and up you get alot of spring slap everytime you hit a bump.

edit:
Sorry Welcome to the board

If you need picture I can go out and take what the 1 ton looks like.

*dtlilly* · 02-04-2005, 07:07 AM

Welcome to the truck board from the shadow of Lambeau Field.

Longhorn Man · 02-04-2005, 09:13 AM

dwaite72lnghrn, interesting that your one ton only has one leaf on the overloads. I'm thinking mine has more like 3. (also a one ton longhorn with the G60)
71-8.5 GiMiC, welcome to the board from central Ohio...where are you located?
The very first thing you need to do, is inspect the springs that are in there right now, it is very common to have a broken leaf in there. I have personally seen about 6 trucks like that. I don't know if that was crappy springs, or just the fact that these trucks were probably overloaded.
Take a look at the longhorn website in my signiture....some good info in there.

Got any pics of your rig?

GenIIIShorty · 02-04-2005, 09:20 AM

the rear springs are different between 67-72 and 73-up! be careful, the centerbolt on a 73-up spring is set dead center, whereas a 67-72 spring the centerbolt is 2" back of the centerline i believe. my buddy had a 2wd stepside, and we couldn't figure out why the rear tire was not centered in the opening, found out it had later springs on it. we made some mods involving a torch and a welder and fixed it, but something you might wanna think about. other than your axle sitting 2" close to the front of your truck, there is another difference. the springs are wider, too! have fun fitting everything in your spring perches when the springs are wider. not much wider, but enough that you won't get proper articulation because everything will be bound up at your shackle and spring perch. so, if you take all the mounts off the '73-up and have no problem with your tire sitting 2" forward, then go for it! just a warning from a problem i have run into before.
and welcome to the board from good ol' spokane ,WA

dwaite72lnghrn · 02-04-2005, 08:28 PM

Here is a picture of the 1 ton longhorn SRW G60 helper spring. If you need the frame spring perch picts it will have to wait till tomorrow as the ground is wet and snowy and I might melt if I go out and lay in it again.

stllookn · 02-04-2005, 09:18 PM

dwaite...if that is the 1 t. spring pack...what does the 3/4 t. spring pack look like? How many springs in it?

71-8.5 GiMiC · 02-05-2005, 12:38 AM

Wow! I'm overwhelmed with this site.( Still finding my way around here)Thank-you all!Now I know what to look for, thanx dwaite. I guess my chances are slim to find a used set.But I kind of like to make my own setup anyway.I love fabricating stuff.

Rod · 02-05-2005, 12:51 AM

Interesting block on top to trap the u-bolt...don't know if I've noticed that before.

dwaite72lnghrn · 02-05-2005, 01:03 AM

Last year I had 3 broken leafs on the right side. I took it to Stanley Springs in Harrisburg pa they had everything in stock and 1.5 hours later I was on the road. Check local frame/spring shops they might be able to hook you up with springs if you just want more weight or height. That way you don't need to find frame perches.

Longhorn Man · 02-05-2005, 01:29 AM

And if you have more than one spring shop, call all of them. I know one of ours is crazy high on there prices. I thought about going to them, but they wanted something like 100 bucks for 2 U bolts for a coil rear!!!!!!
Even LMC isn't that dam expensive!
Make sure you don't cheap out and re-use the 30+ year old U-bolts. It's just not worth it.

dwaite72lnghrn · 02-05-2005, 08:43 AM

I can't remember exactly but I think for the spring pack of 6 springs (they reused the helper), 2 U-bolts (they torched the old ones), new shackle bolts and 1.25 hours labor it came to around $200 and some change.

krue · 02-05-2005, 11:20 AM

Hey welcome to the board from South Mississippi!

Longhorn Man · 02-05-2005, 09:33 PM

Oh and dwaite...I looke4d under my longhorn, and it looks exactly like yours.
That's what I get for trusting my memory.

67cst · 02-05-2005, 10:01 PM

hey where in bc are you? im in kelowna, ive got an overload you can have if you pick it up....a couple weeks ago 2 leafs broke in my main spring pack which led to busting a u bolt then my rear end shifted then that cause both my rear ujoints to explode, i stopped grabbed my driveshaft and took off in 4x4, went to fix the truck and saw that i lost my overloads when everything came apart so i just got 4 shorter u bolts and put in another regular set of springs and took the overload out on the otherside, so im left with that now and im just running regular leafs inthe back, so if your close we can meet up and you can have it

dwaite72lnghrn · 02-06-2005, 07:56 AM

Andy the 1 ton dually had the multi-leaf setup whith the 11,000lb axle.
71-8.5GiMiC I am not sure the 3/4 longhorn had that option G60 from factory, Not sure if they had like a G50 or something that might have been smaller leaf. But thats whats nice about these trucks, You can add any option you want as long as you are not restoring to factory for show. The show circuit you need everything to match the glove box sticker, This would be at places like Hershey PA car show where everything is pretty much as they left the factory floor.

71-8.5 GiMiC · 02-06-2005, 05:23 PM

Derek, I think I'm going to check out the local spring shops here in Chilliwack, but thanks for the offer.Dave, You're right, I've got the G50 on mine. Just the 6 springs.

*dtlilly* · 02-07-2005, 02:27 AM

Andy and Dave, my spring packs on the C-30 look just like the picture too.

02-04-2005, 01:19 AM	#1
71-8.5 GiMiC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 9	overload sgrings Looking for stock type overload springs for my 71 longhorn. Someone told me my frame is different then a regular 3/4 ton? Going to check out the wrecking yards.What should I look for? Will the newer years (73+) work?

02-04-2005, 02:53 AM	#3
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	There's no difference in the frames between 3/4 ton with or without overload springs. Basically the overload springs are steel stock plates bent to contact a rubber pad on the shock bracket. It's connected to the frame with a heavy duty bracket that's connected with about a thousand bolts. Once a specific weight compresses the spring enough the overload contacts the rubber stop on the bracket, and adds extra resistance to compression. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

02-04-2005, 06:57 AM	#4
dwaite72lnghrn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: central pa Posts: 1,525	The longhorn has a frame similar to a 4x4 straight sides and leaf springs. The G60 option for the the 1 ton longhorn increased the weight per spring to 3750lb. I think the later spring packs out of 73 up might work but you need the whole setup, Blocks, springs, U-bolts and last but not least the spring pad perchs that are rivited to the frame. Not an easy job but i guess it could be done. My 1 ton G60 is just 1 massive leaf that starts to hit the perch with around 2000lb in the bed with about 1000lb and up you get alot of spring slap everytime you hit a bump. edit: Sorry Welcome to the board If you need picture I can go out and take what the 1 ton looks like. __________________ 72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne Last edited by dwaite72lnghrn; 02-04-2005 at 07:18 AM. Reason: Manners

02-04-2005, 09:20 AM	#7
GenIIIShorty JUNK COLLECTOR!!!!! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 514	the rear springs are different between 67-72 and 73-up! be careful, the centerbolt on a 73-up spring is set dead center, whereas a 67-72 spring the centerbolt is 2" back of the centerline i believe. my buddy had a 2wd stepside, and we couldn't figure out why the rear tire was not centered in the opening, found out it had later springs on it. we made some mods involving a torch and a welder and fixed it, but something you might wanna think about. other than your axle sitting 2" close to the front of your truck, there is another difference. the springs are wider, too! have fun fitting everything in your spring perches when the springs are wider. not much wider, but enough that you won't get proper articulation because everything will be bound up at your shackle and spring perch. so, if you take all the mounts off the '73-up and have no problem with your tire sitting 2" forward, then go for it! just a warning from a problem i have run into before. and welcome to the board from good ol' spokane ,WA __________________ baby The dark side! 2000 XLT PSD F-250 4x4! Offroad package 1970 C10 Short-step soon to be short fleet, maybe? Corvette in truck's clothing in work! Corvette IFS, IRS, TPI and Doug Nash 4+3

02-04-2005, 08:28 PM	#8
dwaite72lnghrn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: central pa Posts: 1,525	Here is a picture of the 1 ton longhorn SRW G60 helper spring. If you need the frame spring perch picts it will have to wait till tomorrow as the ground is wet and snowy and I might melt if I go out and lay in it again. Attached Images __________________ 72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne

02-04-2005, 02:40 AM	#2
Americanrider Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NW, WA. Posts: 1,421	to the board! You should put your location in the top L/h corner so we can find you. It makes it a whole lot easier to trade/locate parts.

02-04-2005, 07:07 AM	#5
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	Welcome to the truck board from the shadow of Lambeau Field.

02-04-2005, 09:13 AM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	dwaite72lnghrn, interesting that your one ton only has one leaf on the overloads. I'm thinking mine has more like 3. (also a one ton longhorn with the G60) 71-8.5 GiMiC, welcome to the board from central Ohio...where are you located? The very first thing you need to do, is inspect the springs that are in there right now, it is very common to have a broken leaf in there. I have personally seen about 6 trucks like that. I don't know if that was crappy springs, or just the fact that these trucks were probably overloaded. Take a look at the longhorn website in my signiture....some good info in there. Got any pics of your rig?

02-04-2005, 09:18 PM	#9
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	dwaite...if that is the 1 t. spring pack...what does the 3/4 t. spring pack look like? How many springs in it? __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

02-05-2005, 12:38 AM	#10
71-8.5 GiMiC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 9	Wow! I'm overwhelmed with this site.( Still finding my way around here)Thank-you all!Now I know what to look for, thanx dwaite. I guess my chances are slim to find a used set.But I kind of like to make my own setup anyway.I love fabricating stuff. __________________ 71 GMC Longhorn 70 Chevelle 73 Triumph 750 Bonnevelle Don

02-05-2005, 12:51 AM	#11
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	Interesting block on top to trap the u-bolt...don't know if I've noticed that before. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

02-05-2005, 01:03 AM	#12
dwaite72lnghrn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: central pa Posts: 1,525	Last year I had 3 broken leafs on the right side. I took it to Stanley Springs in Harrisburg pa they had everything in stock and 1.5 hours later I was on the road. Check local frame/spring shops they might be able to hook you up with springs if you just want more weight or height. That way you don't need to find frame perches. __________________ 72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne

02-05-2005, 01:29 AM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	And if you have more than one spring shop, call all of them. I know one of ours is crazy high on there prices. I thought about going to them, but they wanted something like 100 bucks for 2 U bolts for a coil rear!!!!!! Even LMC isn't that dam expensive! Make sure you don't cheap out and re-use the 30+ year old U-bolts. It's just not worth it.

02-05-2005, 08:43 AM	#14
dwaite72lnghrn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: central pa Posts: 1,525	I can't remember exactly but I think for the spring pack of 6 springs (they reused the helper), 2 U-bolts (they torched the old ones), new shackle bolts and 1.25 hours labor it came to around $200 and some change. __________________ 72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne

02-05-2005, 11:20 AM	#15
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Hey welcome to the board from South Mississippi! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"



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02-05-2005, 09:33 PM	#16
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Oh and dwaite...I looke4d under my longhorn, and it looks exactly like yours. That's what I get for trusting my memory.

02-05-2005, 10:01 PM	#17
67cst i love summertime Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Posts: 4,303	hey where in bc are you? im in kelowna, ive got an overload you can have if you pick it up....a couple weeks ago 2 leafs broke in my main spring pack which led to busting a u bolt then my rear end shifted then that cause both my rear ujoints to explode, i stopped grabbed my driveshaft and took off in 4x4, went to fix the truck and saw that i lost my overloads when everything came apart so i just got 4 shorter u bolts and put in another regular set of springs and took the overload out on the otherside, so im left with that now and im just running regular leafs inthe back, so if your close we can meet up and you can have it __________________ 1967 shortbox stepside Chevy, 365 hp 327, th400. GLOVE BOX LIGHTS FORSALE, click link for info http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=273724

02-06-2005, 07:56 AM	#18
dwaite72lnghrn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: central pa Posts: 1,525	Andy the 1 ton dually had the multi-leaf setup whith the 11,000lb axle. 71-8.5GiMiC I am not sure the 3/4 longhorn had that option G60 from factory, Not sure if they had like a G50 or something that might have been smaller leaf. But thats whats nice about these trucks, You can add any option you want as long as you are not restoring to factory for show. The show circuit you need everything to match the glove box sticker, This would be at places like Hershey PA car show where everything is pretty much as they left the factory floor. __________________ 72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne

02-06-2005, 05:23 PM	#19
71-8.5 GiMiC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 9	Derek, I think I'm going to check out the local spring shops here in Chilliwack, but thanks for the offer.Dave, You're right, I've got the G50 on mine. Just the 6 springs. __________________ 71 GMC Longhorn 70 Chevelle 73 Triumph 750 Bonnevelle Don

02-07-2005, 02:27 AM	#20
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	Andy and Dave, my spring packs on the C-30 look just like the picture too.

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