rear suspension? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

flatblackc10 · 03-19-2008, 09:53 AM

hey guys im new to the c10 scene i just got a 70 c10 couple weeks ago. i seen something under the bed, it has leaf springs. i havent done that much research. but i dont think 2wd c10s had leafs. i could be wrong but im lookin to you all for the answer. thanks in advance chad

**El Jay** · 03-19-2008, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatblackc10

hey guys im new to the c10 scene i just got a 70 c10 couple weeks ago. i seen something under the bed, it has leaf springs. i havent done that much research. but i dont think 2wd c10s had leafs. i could be wrong but im lookin to you all for the answer. thanks in advance chad

I don't know.
There are lots people around this board that have a ton more knowledge than I

I just jumped in to say, "Welcome aboard!!!!"

You'll find a lot of good help here.

chevy72blu · 03-19-2008, 12:06 PM

They did, they just werent as popular as the coil spring trucks. I thought the same thing for quite a while until joining the boards.

Welcome aboard!

slammed1 · 03-19-2008, 03:17 PM

generally most GMC trucks were leaf and Chevys were coils and since many many many of these trucks are around and swapping parts and interchangeability is easy you dont know what you really have unless you decode it option wise. There are some coil equipped trucks that look like they have leafs from the back but those are overloads that have been installed and are half leafs to support the rear more on a coil spring truck.

Like most on this site will say,pictures really help trying to figure this stuff out. Most like me can spot things in a picture and can help out better that way........if the picture is clear and we can see whats needing info on of course.

Welcome also,hope you hang out as much as most of us.

70GMCer · 03-19-2008, 03:51 PM

rear leaf spring rears were an option for Chevy and standard for GMC.

Spray-Bomb · 03-19-2008, 08:52 PM

Chevy came standard with coils or optional leafs
GMC came standard with leafs or optional coils

greasy68 · 03-19-2008, 10:02 PM

I have leaf spring rear in a chevy long bed. Welcome aboard.

Longhorn Man · 03-20-2008, 07:03 AM

not all years of GMC were standard with leafs.

ETsC10 · 03-20-2008, 07:19 AM

Welcome to the family!

Both my DD and my parts truck are leaf sprung 1968 C-10's. Build sheet shows 04G50GA HD REAR SPRING.

**El Jay** · 03-20-2008, 10:22 AM

A BIG welcome to you.

flatblackc10 · 03-20-2008, 10:31 AM

thanks guys for all your help and you all seem really nice and friendly, unlike other forums ive been on. im glad you all took the time to help. i have more questions about this. ill post some pics. but how can i lower the rear more? my truck has to much of a rake. and i have pics of my rear shackles. they are rubbing on the bottom of my bed. is something wrong?

Wreckless_71 · 03-20-2008, 10:51 AM

those are deffinitley drop shackles... for lowering the truck and they seem to be creating some friction between your bed and your springs...

I'm not really familiar with the lowering process on a rear leaf truck.

flatblackc10 · 03-20-2008, 10:58 AM

could i put lowering blocks in?

slammed1 · 03-20-2008, 02:22 PM

lowering blocks on that set up would raise the truck.

tommypic · 03-20-2008, 04:01 PM

this might help http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...g+leaf+springs
you can put em back stock and flip the axle ( put spring on bottom of axle )

greasy68 · 03-20-2008, 04:22 PM

You can flip the axle.....maybe. We used to do it in my minitruck days. Oh I am so ashamed that I said that. If you are not familiar with the process it involves removing the rear axle from the leaf springs and putting the axle on top of the leaf springs instead of below. It gives you an instant drop of a couple inches and allows the use of lowering blocks to go lower if you want. You may need to C-notch the frame if you go that route. It is not as hard as it sounds. There is some pinion angle stuff you have to worry about but nothing that the folks on this board are not ready to help with. If you decide to go that route it will be cheaper than getting a full trailing arm setup for the rear end also.

1969K10 · 03-20-2008, 05:01 PM

those are NOT factory shackles (between leaf spring & bracket). they are too long. which is why they hit your bed. But the spring is supposed to be on top of the axle.

EAST SIDE LOW LIFE · 03-20-2008, 05:12 PM

You would end up with something that would look like this.

esll.

Zumo · 03-20-2008, 07:21 PM

ESL how big are those? They look like 3"

Quote:

Originally Posted by EAST SIDE LOW LIFE

You would end up with something that would look like this.

esll.

sjarrett71 · 03-20-2008, 08:10 PM

I had a 72 Chevy with rear leafs. The guys at the shop swore it was a GMC in Chevy trim until I showed them the option sticker.

EAST SIDE LOW LIFE · 03-20-2008, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zumo

ESL how big are those? They look like 3"

**********************************************************

Blocks are 3' > 4,' .... memory is not what it used to be. Blocks are cut and shaped then welded into place. This is not my 70,' as it runs coils with 2' blocks.

esll.

OldschoolJay · 03-20-2008, 11:44 PM

welcome, my 70 gmc has coils on all corners.

Zumo · 03-20-2008, 11:50 PM

Just curious. I have 2" blocks and stock coils. I have not installed the blocks yet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EAST SIDE LOW LIFE

**********************************************************

Blocks are 3' > 4,' .... memory is not what it used to be. Blocks are cut and shaped then welded into place. This is not my 70,' as it runs coils with 2' blocks.

esll.

EAST SIDE LOW LIFE · 03-21-2008, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zumo

Just curious. I have 2" blocks and stock coils. I have not installed the blocks yet.

**********************************************************

Hey Zumo .... here's a picture uf 2' blocks with coils.

esll.

03-19-2008, 09:53 AM	#1
flatblackc10 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: urbana, ohio Posts: 42	rear suspension? hey guys im new to the c10 scene i just got a 70 c10 couple weeks ago. i seen something under the bed, it has leaf springs. i havent done that much research. but i dont think 2wd c10s had leafs. i could be wrong but im lookin to you all for the answer. thanks in advance chad

03-19-2008, 12:06 PM	#3
chevy72blu Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,188	Re: rear suspension? They did, they just werent as popular as the coil spring trucks. I thought the same thing for quite a while until joining the boards. Welcome aboard! __________________ RIP EastSideLowLife '72 C20 SWB convert. 5 lug, LS1/4l60e

03-19-2008, 03:17 PM	#4
slammed1 1972 Chevrolet SWB Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: FT Smith AR Posts: 512	Re: rear suspension? generally most GMC trucks were leaf and Chevys were coils and since many many many of these trucks are around and swapping parts and interchangeability is easy you dont know what you really have unless you decode it option wise. There are some coil equipped trucks that look like they have leafs from the back but those are overloads that have been installed and are half leafs to support the rear more on a coil spring truck. Like most on this site will say,pictures really help trying to figure this stuff out. Most like me can spot things in a picture and can help out better that way........if the picture is clear and we can see whats needing info on of course. Welcome also,hope you hang out as much as most of us. __________________ My New thread with pics (not my build thread yet.) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...46#post2573646 1972 Chevrolet 1/2 ton short wide bed,68 frt clip Project. 1980 Camaro Inherited when father passed,68K Miles 2003 Ford Mach1 FUN as Hell!! 2002 Dodge Ram 5-8 slam Rolling BillBoard (Gone not forgot) 2004 Dodge Ram HEMI 10" lifted on 37's and 2wd.

03-19-2008, 03:51 PM	#5
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: rear suspension? rear leaf spring rears were an option for Chevy and standard for GMC. __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

03-19-2008, 08:52 PM	#6
Spray-Bomb Texas Big Wig Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 5,620	Re: rear suspension? Chevy came standard with coils or optional leafs GMC came standard with leafs or optional coils __________________ Just not low enough... ----------------------------- Sinister Killer

03-19-2008, 10:02 PM	#7
greasy68 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: austin texas Posts: 202	Re: rear suspension? I have leaf spring rear in a chevy long bed. Welcome aboard. __________________ Mike 68 C10 LWB midnight blue metallic 307ci, 700R4, HEI front discs, leaf spring rear tilt steering wheel, stock ride height, rally wheels, 2007 Dodge Charger(Hemi)

03-20-2008, 07:03 AM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: rear suspension? not all years of GMC were standard with leafs.

03-20-2008, 07:19 AM	#9
ETsC10 Hand Crafted C-10 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Burien, WA Posts: 5,180	Re: rear suspension? Welcome to the family! Both my DD and my parts truck are leaf sprung 1968 C-10's. Build sheet shows 04G50GA HD REAR SPRING. __________________ . Forum Guidelines and Rules Buying and Selling Code of Conduct Become a Board Supporter! Truck FAQ Ellen... the boards artsy-fartsy, eclectic, truck-lovin' gal-member...

03-20-2008, 10:22 AM	#10
El Jay Gone to greener pastures Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gateway to the Delta Posts: 7,354	Re: rear suspension? A BIG welcome to you. __________________ '69 Chevy 1/2 T LWB Stepper: Daily Beater '72 GMC 3/4 T Fleet: Another Daily Beater '72 Plymouth Gran Coupe: ? "Ah women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent." Friedrich Nietzsche "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day." Harry S. Truman GUN CONTROL: Never having to say, "I missed you." Always fire two warning shots into your attacker's chest area before putting a bullet between his eyes. Paraphrased from Louis Awerbuck

03-20-2008, 10:31 AM	#11
flatblackc10 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: urbana, ohio Posts: 42	Re: rear suspension? thanks guys for all your help and you all seem really nice and friendly, unlike other forums ive been on. im glad you all took the time to help. i have more questions about this. ill post some pics. but how can i lower the rear more? my truck has to much of a rake. and i have pics of my rear shackles. they are rubbing on the bottom of my bed. is something wrong? Attached Images

03-20-2008, 10:51 AM	#12
Wreckless_71 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kelso, WA Posts: 363	Re: rear suspension? those are deffinitley drop shackles... for lowering the truck and they seem to be creating some friction between your bed and your springs... I'm not really familiar with the lowering process on a rear leaf truck. __________________ 1972 K10 4" lift, 35’s, 383 stroker, 700r4, current project. 1971 C10 3"/5" static drop, 355/350. "La Bamba.” The current daily driver.

03-20-2008, 10:58 AM	#13
flatblackc10 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: urbana, ohio Posts: 42	Re: rear suspension? could i put lowering blocks in?

03-20-2008, 02:22 PM	#14
slammed1 1972 Chevrolet SWB Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: FT Smith AR Posts: 512	Re: rear suspension? lowering blocks on that set up would raise the truck. __________________ My New thread with pics (not my build thread yet.) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...46#post2573646 1972 Chevrolet 1/2 ton short wide bed,68 frt clip Project. 1980 Camaro Inherited when father passed,68K Miles 2003 Ford Mach1 FUN as Hell!! 2002 Dodge Ram 5-8 slam Rolling BillBoard (Gone not forgot) 2004 Dodge Ram HEMI 10" lifted on 37's and 2wd.

03-20-2008, 04:01 PM	#15
tommypic Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Piedmont , SC Posts: 728	Re: rear suspension? this might help http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...g+leaf+springs you can put em back stock and flip the axle ( put spring on bottom of axle )

03-20-2008, 04:22 PM	#16
greasy68 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: austin texas Posts: 202	Re: rear suspension? You can flip the axle.....maybe. We used to do it in my minitruck days. Oh I am so ashamed that I said that. If you are not familiar with the process it involves removing the rear axle from the leaf springs and putting the axle on top of the leaf springs instead of below. It gives you an instant drop of a couple inches and allows the use of lowering blocks to go lower if you want. You may need to C-notch the frame if you go that route. It is not as hard as it sounds. There is some pinion angle stuff you have to worry about but nothing that the folks on this board are not ready to help with. If you decide to go that route it will be cheaper than getting a full trailing arm setup for the rear end also. __________________ Mike 68 C10 LWB midnight blue metallic 307ci, 700R4, HEI front discs, leaf spring rear tilt steering wheel, stock ride height, rally wheels, 2007 Dodge Charger(Hemi)



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03-20-2008, 05:01 PM	#17
1969K10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Clarks Hill, Indiana Posts: 733	Re: rear suspension? those are NOT factory shackles (between leaf spring & bracket). they are too long. which is why they hit your bed. But the spring is supposed to be on top of the axle. __________________ 1969 K10 - V8, 465, 205, 12 bolt, D44 2002-current 1969 K20 - V8, 465, 221, Eaton, D44 2012-current Nothin' but drums on all 4 corners! past horses in the stable 72 C10-short step (97-02), 68 C10-long fleet (06-12) Last edited by 1969K10; 03-20-2008 at 05:02 PM.

03-20-2008, 05:12 PM	#18
EAST SIDE LOW LIFE Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C., Canada Posts: 1,602	Re: rear suspension? You would end up with something that would look like this. esll. Attached Images __________________ Tomorrow is for doing today's stuff. ************************************* This truck has just the right amount of energy for me! Author: Warren Lake .... (member) Last edited by EAST SIDE LOW LIFE; 03-20-2008 at 05:13 PM.

03-20-2008, 08:10 PM	#20
sjarrett71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 2,463	Re: rear suspension? I had a 72 Chevy with rear leafs. The guys at the shop swore it was a GMC in Chevy trim until I showed them the option sticker. __________________ -Scott-

03-20-2008, 11:44 PM	#22
OldschoolJay Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: victoria bc canada Posts: 60	Re: rear suspension? welcome, my 70 gmc has coils on all corners. __________________ 1950 dodge truck 1970 gmc custom 1972 toyota celica 1974 toyota corolla

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