56" leaf spring swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MB_70 · 11-04-2010, 10:15 AM

Is this swap really worth the time and effort involved?

Does this swap provide a better ride on the highway iin comparison to the 4" lift kits that are available?

I assume it doesnt effect towing abilities too much as well?

Im looking into this modification for the benefit of "free lift" without sacrificing ride quality. Do you gain any lift by doing this swap?

Do you have to move all 8 spring pockets, or just 4 of them to accomidate?

I have a stock 1970 K-5 that will be getting a 427 and a TH700R4 swapped in as soon as I get home from overseas.

Eventually, I want to go to 3/4 ton axles, and 35 - 37" tires. I figure this is a nice was to set my rig up for that.

I plan to use my Blazer for mild off roading and back roads with some occasional towing inbetween.

63chevyll · 11-09-2010, 07:28 PM

free bump

'63GENIII · 11-10-2010, 01:51 AM

I haven't done the swap myself but I am setting to do the 63" rears with 52" fronts to try to get a better ride yet still maintain tow / haul capabilities. I may use a shackle flip in the rear for the 63"ers. I have heard that it does change the ride to a flexier one.

vk_chevy · 11-10-2010, 02:19 AM

There are some posts about doing this swap but I don't recall seeing a "how-to" or a comprehensive guide on the subject. Perhaps it's a real easy job but even info from vendors that sell parts for these swaps seems to be lacking.

From what I understand, doing the 52's will net you around 4-5 inches of lift based on what springs you use.

I am about to resurrect my my old 4x4 3/4 build and this is the route that I'll be taking as well. I think our objectives are very similar as far as the lift and tires go. I have many ideas for the engine/trans/transfer but most likely will be sticking to the stock 350/350/205. My main concerns are steering and pinion angles as I lack knowledge in drive train department. I got a few things to finish up before my truck goes into the garage and hopefully I'll be able to start on it in about a month or so.

**Captainfab** · 11-11-2010, 01:27 AM

There is a lot of info on this swap over here....http://www.coloradok5.com

You can purchase the necessary conversion brackets and rear shackle flip from Kert at DIY4X

http://www.diy4x.com

Kert is a very nice and helpful guy to deal with.

**special-K** · 11-11-2010, 07:37 AM

Is the question about 56" on the rear or front?

DirtyLarry · 11-11-2010, 08:21 PM

If for the rear, I think they are worth it. I mainly swapped to 56’ rear springs to increase the load capacity as well as the added flexibility. The truck actually does ride better too (but that could have been the shackle flip) and I can haul more crap in the back without it sagging so badly. I grabbed 56” rear springs from a LWB ¾ ton 4x4.

Here is the thread from my install.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=345632

Flex pictures from our Canyonlands trip this past summer.

**special-K** · 11-12-2010, 08:54 AM

I have 4" EZ-rides from a '91 Suburban (56") and I want to put them under an '85 Jimmy.But,this will change the ride height,right?I don't want it any higher,so I'm thinking maybe I'll do a shackle flip with original springs instead.Just wanted to use what I have if I could.

11-04-2010, 10:15 AM	#1
MB_70 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Lake Mary, Florida Posts: 35	52" leaf spring swap Is this swap really worth the time and effort involved? Does this swap provide a better ride on the highway iin comparison to the 4" lift kits that are available? I assume it doesnt effect towing abilities too much as well? Im looking into this modification for the benefit of "free lift" without sacrificing ride quality. Do you gain any lift by doing this swap? Do you have to move all 8 spring pockets, or just 4 of them to accomidate? I have a stock 1970 K-5 that will be getting a 427 and a TH700R4 swapped in as soon as I get home from overseas. Eventually, I want to go to 3/4 ton axles, and 35 - 37" tires. I figure this is a nice was to set my rig up for that. I plan to use my Blazer for mild off roading and back roads with some occasional towing inbetween. Last edited by MB_70; 11-04-2010 at 10:39 AM. Reason: spelling errors

11-09-2010, 07:28 PM	#2
63chevyll gets board easy....... Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 717	Re: 56" leaf spring swap free bump

11-10-2010, 01:51 AM	#3
'63GENIII Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Carlos, Ca. Posts: 3,048	Re: 56" leaf spring swap I haven't done the swap myself but I am setting to do the 63" rears with 52" fronts to try to get a better ride yet still maintain tow / haul capabilities. I may use a shackle flip in the rear for the 63"ers. I have heard that it does change the ride to a flexier one. __________________ Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29

11-10-2010, 02:19 AM	#4
vk_chevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 231	Re: 56" leaf spring swap There are some posts about doing this swap but I don't recall seeing a "how-to" or a comprehensive guide on the subject. Perhaps it's a real easy job but even info from vendors that sell parts for these swaps seems to be lacking. From what I understand, doing the 52's will net you around 4-5 inches of lift based on what springs you use. I am about to resurrect my my old 4x4 3/4 build and this is the route that I'll be taking as well. I think our objectives are very similar as far as the lift and tires go. I have many ideas for the engine/trans/transfer but most likely will be sticking to the stock 350/350/205. My main concerns are steering and pinion angles as I lack knowledge in drive train department. I got a few things to finish up before my truck goes into the garage and hopefully I'll be able to start on it in about a month or so. __________________ 72 Chevy C20 Longhorn 72 Chevy, K20 Custom Camper 67 Chevy, LWB, C20, 350/350, PS, PB, 65 Jag MKII

11-11-2010, 01:27 AM	#5
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: 56" leaf spring swap There is a lot of info on this swap over here....http://www.coloradok5.com You can purchase the necessary conversion brackets and rear shackle flip from Kert at DIY4X http://www.diy4x.com Kert is a very nice and helpful guy to deal with. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

11-11-2010, 07:37 AM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: 56" leaf spring swap Is the question about 56" on the rear or front? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-11-2010, 08:21 PM	#7
DirtyLarry Windy Corner of a Dirty Street Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pueblo West, Colorado Posts: 2,926	Re: 56" leaf spring swap If for the rear, I think they are worth it. I mainly swapped to 56’ rear springs to increase the load capacity as well as the added flexibility. The truck actually does ride better too (but that could have been the shackle flip) and I can haul more crap in the back without it sagging so badly. I grabbed 56” rear springs from a LWB ¾ ton 4x4. Here is the thread from my install. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=345632 Flex pictures from our Canyonlands trip this past summer. __________________ Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles Instagram

11-12-2010, 08:54 AM	#8
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: 56" leaf spring swap I have 4" EZ-rides from a '91 Suburban (56") and I want to put them under an '85 Jimmy.But,this will change the ride height,right?I don't want it any higher,so I'm thinking maybe I'll do a shackle flip with original springs instead.Just wanted to use what I have if I could. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~



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