Rear leaf help

[Mkcustums]

Ok that makes me feel a lot better, I've seen WAY too many people run just one leaf, being a 1 ton I was hoping that's not what you meant.

What N2TRUX said is right, soak them up pretty good, they look pretty rusty so you might use a little heat on them if needed. Just don't get too carried away and catch anything on fire. Worse case just cut them off. Use as many jack stands as possible, that's gonna be a lot of weight coming down, be carefull!!

[1tonchevy]

Originally Posted by Mkcustums

Ok that makes me feel a lot better, I've seen WAY too many people run just one leaf, being a 1 ton I was hoping that's not what you meant.

What N2TRUX said is right, soak them up pretty good, they look pretty rusty so you might use a little heat on them if needed. Just don't get too carried away and catch anything on fire. Worse case just cut them off. Use as many jack stands as possible, that's gonna be a lot of weight coming down, be carefull!!

LOL i'm crazy but not that crazy! So to clarify my original question do i have to detach my main spring from the truck to do this?

The way i was thinking of doing it ( feel free to correct me if it's not a good idea)

-Leave the truck on the ground Block ALL tires,

-Undo/cut the u bolts out Jack the truck up as to relieve pressure from the springs (have them clamped of course) than undo the center pins remove leafes as needed (lots lol) and re install everything.

it sounds good im my head but i just want to make sure. it's a learning experience for me.

[wyattglock]

Originally Posted by 1tonchevy

LOL i'm crazy but not that crazy! So to clarify my original question do i have to detach my main spring from the truck to do this?

The way i was thinking of doing it ( feel free to correct me if it's not a good idea)

-Leave the truck on the ground Block ALL tires,

-Undo/cut the u bolts out Jack the truck up as to relieve pressure from the springs (have them clamped of course) than undo the center pins remove leafes as needed (lots lol) and re install everything.

it sounds good im my head but i just want to make sure. it's a learning experience for me.

That would probably work. However, I would do like N2Trux said and use a couple of c-clamps also. Cant be to safe when working with springs of any kind! When I added a leaf to my 97 Z-71, I was inserting it in the center of the stack and used the c-clamp method to help the jacks relieve the pressure. Just make sure you take your time and dont rush and you should be fine.
Lots of oil, Kano labs sells Kroil. I use it every day on engines that are rusty from non-use and sitting outside, great stuff! PB Blaster is more readily available, still pretty good, just use lots of it!

[1tonchevy]

Originally Posted by wyattglock

That would probably work. However, I would do like N2Trux said and use a couple of c-clamps also. Cant be to safe when working with springs of any kind! When I added a leaf to my 97 Z-71, I was inserting it in the center of the stack and used the c-clamp method to help the jacks relieve the pressure. Just make sure you take your time and dont rush and you should be fine.
Lots of oil, Kano labs sells Kroil. I use it every day on engines that are rusty from non-use and sitting outside, great stuff! PB Blaster is more readily available, still pretty good, just use lots of it!

Thanks for all the advise guys! I feel a bit more comfortable doing this now worse thing happens i can go get my buddy from up the road. hes great at this stuff.

[Mkcustums]

Originally Posted by 1tonchevy

LOL i'm crazy but not that crazy! So to clarify my original question do i have to detach my main spring from the truck to do this?

The way i was thinking of doing it ( feel free to correct me if it's not a good idea)

-Leave the truck on the ground Block ALL tires,

-Undo/cut the u bolts out Jack the truck up as to relieve pressure from the springs (have them clamped of course) than undo the center pins remove leafes as needed (lots lol) and re install everything.

it sounds good im my head but i just want to make sure. it's a learning experience for me.

100's of ways to do it but don't cut or remove anything til everything is completely supported.

If you have never done this Google or Youtube a few movies and see how people do it, it's not a big deal but that's a lot of weight that can hurt you or your friend if you don't really know what to expect.

I quickly typed in "rear leaf spring removal" and got this

YouTube - Chevy Truck Lift Kit...

watch a few of these so you get an idea. This is a 3 + 1 rear leaf setup on a half ton (light in comparison) and watch how fast it drops, you have an 11 + 1 and another 10 or so, (don't exactly remember the count but VERY heavy) but I think you get my point. I know you're not lifting your truck but its the removal instructions you're looking for.

I'm not trying to sound like your mom but I don't want anyone getting hurt either. Just take your time and be safe! If you have any questions post back and ask, everyone here is always welcome to help!!

[1tonchevy]

Originally Posted by Mkcustums

100's of ways to do it but don't cut or remove anything til everything is completely supported.

If you have never done this Google or Youtube a few movies and see how people do it, it's not a big deal but that's a lot of weight that can hurt you or your friend if you don't really know what to expect.

I quickly typed in "rear leaf spring removal" and got this YouTube - Chevy Truck Lift Kit Installation : Chevy Truck: Removing Rear Suspension watch a few of these so you get an idea. This is a 3 + 1 rear leaf setup on a half ton (light in comparison) and watch how fast it drops, you have an 11 + 1 and another 10 or so, (don't exactly remember the count but VERY heavy) but I think you get my point. I know you're not lifting your truck but its the removal instructions you're looking for.

I'm not trying to sound like your mom but I don't want anyone getting hurt either. Just take your time and be safe! If you have any questions post back and ask, everyone here is always welcome to help!!

Thanks for the video i was you tubeing a few last night and found one a guy did on a dodge but he didn't show "him dismantling it. lol and it's ok i under stand you can never be to safe. I'm just glad i know more of what to exspect now.

As for the huge "cross member" it's actually part of the old wheel lift when it had a wrecker on it. and is long gone (What a PITA!!!!!) the bottom double upped frame support i dont think will be an issue but if it is i will be cutting out if need be. alright wish me luck boys! and i hope i dont make it too the emergency room! hahaha

Later Dru

p.s will take lots of pics!