My 1st project on my 1st truck... have questions... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

amstaff · 11-16-2002, 07:38 PM

My first project is to replace coil springs... I have a 350 in the truck, If I installed 1/2 ton Big Block springs up front will that help keep the front up by an inch or so? The only reason I would do this is if I can get about an inch up front to level out the rake at least a little. Also, I was told variable rate springs have same ride as stock 1/2 ton, but when put under weight they will perform as if a 3/4 ton. Anyone have experience with this? Don't know if I should install variable in rear or 3/4 ton springs. Will I totally ruin ride quality by going w/ BB up front and 3/4 ton in rear? Any input would help me out greatly.
Greg

CustomChevy · 11-16-2002, 08:15 PM

you can do that, however, the ride will be somewhat stiffer. depending on the amount of height increase you are desiring, you may also want to look into shock mount extensions or longer shocks. you could also use rubber spacers to increase height, whic allows you to maintain ride quality.

there's my .02 worth. good luck~!

Terry'sToy · 11-17-2002, 12:41 PM

I'm having the same problem. So far what I've done is put 3/4 ton coils in the back. I did this because I am hauling a camper, and also because I got them from the wreckers alot cheaper than new ones. The ride is stiffer but it does handle better. As for the front I am confused also. I was wondering about BB springs or 3/4 ton springs from a 73 and up model.

dubie · 11-18-2002, 05:11 PM

I replaced my stock rear coils with the variable rates, but have yet to try them out. A buddy of mine who is 330lbs, stood on the rear frame and bounced up and down and they hardly moved. It will more than likely be a stiffer ride than what I'm used to, but I will be hauling a lot of different things with it too.

Terry'sToy · 11-18-2002, 09:16 PM

O.K for anyone interested, the front springs from a 73 and up are a bit taller than ours. If you are going to use them you will need to cut a coil off somewhat. I think it would be better to just use the BB springs for our year, if your not into playing around with taking springs in and out.
By the way, 3/4 and 1 ton sway bars out of the 73 and up will fit out trucks. I am putting a 1ton bar on mine in the next couple of weeks.

amstaff · 11-19-2002, 09:18 PM

Well looks like I am going with the 1/2 Big Block up front and the variable rate in the rear. I will try to get some good before and after shots, and will take some measurements as well so we know how much it helped. Will not be done for a few weeks.
Greg

11-16-2002, 07:38 PM	#1
amstaff Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: State College, PA Posts: 178	My 1st project on my 1st truck... have questions... My first project is to replace coil springs... I have a 350 in the truck, If I installed 1/2 ton Big Block springs up front will that help keep the front up by an inch or so? The only reason I would do this is if I can get about an inch up front to level out the rake at least a little. Also, I was told variable rate springs have same ride as stock 1/2 ton, but when put under weight they will perform as if a 3/4 ton. Anyone have experience with this? Don't know if I should install variable in rear or 3/4 ton springs. Will I totally ruin ride quality by going w/ BB up front and 3/4 ton in rear? Any input would help me out greatly. Greg

11-17-2002, 12:41 PM	#3
Terry'sToy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Victoria B.C Posts: 109	I'm having the same problem. So far what I've done is put 3/4 ton coils in the back. I did this because I am hauling a camper, and also because I got them from the wreckers alot cheaper than new ones. The ride is stiffer but it does handle better. As for the front I am confused also. I was wondering about BB springs or 3/4 ton springs from a 73 and up model. __________________ 69 GMC 1/2 ton lwb, LS1, headers X-pipe 4L60E Yank 3500 stall 3.73 w/eaton brute force. moroso trick front springs,jeep rear springs, QA1's

11-18-2002, 05:11 PM	#4
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,853	I replaced my stock rear coils with the variable rates, but have yet to try them out. A buddy of mine who is 330lbs, stood on the rear frame and bounced up and down and they hardly moved. It will more than likely be a stiffer ride than what I'm used to, but I will be hauling a lot of different things with it too. __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

11-18-2002, 09:16 PM	#5
Terry'sToy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Victoria B.C Posts: 109	O.K for anyone interested, the front springs from a 73 and up are a bit taller than ours. If you are going to use them you will need to cut a coil off somewhat. I think it would be better to just use the BB springs for our year, if your not into playing around with taking springs in and out. By the way, 3/4 and 1 ton sway bars out of the 73 and up will fit out trucks. I am putting a 1ton bar on mine in the next couple of weeks. __________________ 69 GMC 1/2 ton lwb, LS1, headers X-pipe 4L60E Yank 3500 stall 3.73 w/eaton brute force. moroso trick front springs,jeep rear springs, QA1's

11-16-2002, 08:15 PM	#2
CustomChevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 461	you can do that, however, the ride will be somewhat stiffer. depending on the amount of height increase you are desiring, you may also want to look into shock mount extensions or longer shocks. you could also use rubber spacers to increase height, whic allows you to maintain ride quality. there's my .02 worth. good luck~!

11-19-2002, 09:18 PM	#6
amstaff Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: State College, PA Posts: 178	Well looks like I am going with the 1/2 Big Block up front and the variable rate in the rear. I will try to get some good before and after shots, and will take some measurements as well so we know how much it helped. Will not be done for a few weeks. Greg



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