leaf springs and spindles question

[Nukes16]

Hey guys I was just wondering if the rear leaf springs for a long box are the same length as those from a short box. Someone told me that the long box leafs are actually shorter than those on a short box. That doesn't make sense?
Also, my 81 3/4 ton has 8 lug 16.5" wheels. Can I replace the spindles on the front with spindles from my half ton ( with the 5 bolt pattern) and throw a 5 lug rear axle on of course.
What are you guys doing instead of running the 16.5" rims?

thanks again

[J Knight]

I had some 84lwb 1/2 ton leafs on my 82 1/2 ton swb for a little while. I hear there are two lengths for a lwb and one length for a swb. Dont know about 3/4 tons.

[Nukes16]

Thanks, anyone else know out there? Are the rear leaf springs different lengths from long to short box c-10's?

[SCOTI]

I would guess it's not a lwb vs. swb thing that determines spring length. It would be lt.duty vs heavy duty w/the HD trucks getting the 56" units.

My old 74 swb had the HD pkg so it had 8-leaf 56" spring packs.

[78 Chevyrado]

Originally Posted by Nukes16

What are you guys doing instead of running the 16.5" rims?

thanks again

i was running 16's but now im running 18's. there's lots more tire choices for the "even" sizes vs the .5" sizes.

[80SPORT]

The leaf spring length is determined by the load rating on the truck;most frames are drilled for both lengths if you move the rear bracket.

If my memory is correct the 3/4 to 1/2 ton conversion can be done by changing your lower control arm to a 1/2 ton unit;you just have to put a 1/2 ton ball joint in the upper control arm and you can then use 1/2 ton spindles.
The rear end bolts in but driveshaft will also need to be changed.
One of the vendors also make a drop spindle that bolts onto the 3/4 ton ball joints and takes the 1/2 ton rotor;if you were going to a drop spindle anyway that would be the way to go.