1972 K20,, what is this for ?

[72 K20]

I just noticed this "stop" on the drivers side ,front leaf spring today.

It appears to be a suspension stop of sorts,,, am I close ?

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Thank You !
Tom

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by 72 K20

It appears to be a suspension stop of sorts,,, am I close ?

You are.... it is.... ahhhh, I should know this, there was a thread not too long ago explaining why it's there, and I can't recall the exact reason. I want to say that if a leaf spring breaks, it keeps things in place and prevents things from becoming discombobulated. Sure hope someone chimes in and backs me up.... or corrects me and makes me look like a dolt.

[71swb4x4]

I don't think the leaf spring has to break for it to hit it. The shackle will naturally move in that direction as the leaf springs work. I think the spring is most likely to hit that stop when the spring is decompressing.

[jocko]

since the spring pivots and moves on a shackle (pivot point out of the top of the) picture, I believe it's just to prevent the spring from pivoting backward too far - i.e. in the case of a pothole or impact, etc (or any case in which the spring flattens). Without that piece, it would contact the frame, or worse yet, cause unwanted front driveshaft fore/aft movement etc - with a flattening of the spring.

[jocko]

oops, sorry 71swb4x4, we kinda simo posted, but you beat me to it.

[72 K20]

Could it be to maintain control in the event of the leaf spring , or front spring bolt breaking ?

It's only on the drivers side,, none on the right side, no mounting holes for one .

I guess my concern would be that the right side has more suspension travel than the left side.
The stop is only about an 1/8" from the shackle.

I am still wondering...........

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I just reread stockers post and realize that we have said basicly the same thing.

Still wondering.................

[71swb4x4]

Looks like you and stocker were correct: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=480930

[72 K20]

I just went out and looked at the front of the drivers side spring and it has the guard on the end to prevent the spring from moving forward.

71SWB4X4 Thank you for the link !! It cleared up the mystery !!

Thank you all for the input !! I love this site !!

Tom

[haminator]

Yeah my 70 K-10 has both. Just about everyone I've seen has em.