Dealer recall modification - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**NJM73** · 06-18-2013, 01:09 AM

Finally found a problem I haven't been able to find an answer to on here. I have a 71 suburban 4x4, its originally a half ton. When my grandpa had it there was a dealer recall and the welded a plate on the front spring hanger and then bolted and angle back behind the front spring shackle as a limiter to keep it from over compressing. Both of these mods are only on the drivers side. When my dad and I re did the front suspension lift the front plate got cut off. While measuring for shocks today and testing suspension travel we got in a discussion of the importance of these "mods." My question is what were these for and how vital are they. We made the assumption that they were to relieve stress on the steering box. We put a brace on there awhile ago and are wondering if the shackle limiter can be removed now

Bigdav160 · 06-18-2013, 01:53 PM

I can't answer the question about the purpose of the restraints. I do know that my Suburban has them.

I can't see how it helps the steering box mounting. I would think the forces on the box are more lateral than longitudinal.

**NJM73** · 06-18-2013, 05:41 PM

Does yours have them on both sides of the frame or just one tho? Mine has them on just one, and being that the steering is the only difference on that side I would have to assume thats why. I don't understand how but its just a theory

Keith Seymore · 06-18-2013, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

I can't answer the question about the purpose of the restraints. I do know that my Suburban has them.

I can't see how it helps the steering box mounting. I would think the forces on the box are more lateral than longitudinal.

Can you post a pic?

I might be able to discern the reason from the pics, or at least ask around here.

K

Bigdav160 · 06-19-2013, 08:45 AM

I'm assuming this is what the OP is referring to. They are only on the drivers side.

**NJM73** · 06-19-2013, 06:13 PM

Yes that's them. I have already removed the front one and I'm just concerned about removing the rear one or doing something to replace them

vectorit · 06-19-2013, 07:53 PM

Those were on the '70 K10 I had as well.
No idea what they were intended for, I just guessed that they were to somehow protect the spring? But then why on only one side..

56HOTRODDER · 06-22-2013, 11:18 AM

just a guess , but they are possibly to keep from striking an object that could overcenter the spring perch and cause erratic handling. The drag link is on the drivers side and would be the most vulnerable. I'm sure some one has the real deal info however.

Bigdav160 · 06-23-2013, 06:53 PM

I found the stop in the parts book. Spring shackle stop #326405 two required. So I'm guessing I should have one on the driver and passenger side.

BigRed76 · 06-23-2013, 07:20 PM

My '70 K20 has the same things on the driver side only, the chassis was originally 1/2 ton.

blue 72 gmc 4x4 · 07-19-2013, 05:44 PM

I've always wondered what the hell those were for! They are on all of our 4x4 trucks that we have.

**CUSTOM/10** · 07-25-2013, 01:01 PM

I don't know the official reason for the mod, but in 72 the trucks came from the factory with these, and they saved my butt once when I was on a remote hunting trip in northern Maine. I broke the DS front spring just behind the front bolt / bushing ( No place within 125 mi to fix anything ) and these 2 brackets kept my front spring relatively in place, even drove the truck home
( 450 miles ) like that. I knew something had happened, heard the bang, but looked things over but never noticed the broken eye loop on the main spring until I was home.

Gary

71K20chevy · 07-25-2013, 01:55 PM

They were because due to the push-pull steering system, as you turned, the wheels, it would try to shove the axle and springs. Those stops just keep it from doing that

Keith Seymore · 07-25-2013, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue 72 gmc 4x4

I've always wondered what the hell those were for! They are on all of our 4x4 trucks that we have.

Driver's side only? or driver and passenger side?

K

**CUSTOM/10** · 07-25-2013, 03:26 PM

I've only seen them on the drivers side !

71K20chevy · 07-25-2013, 09:52 PM

Drivers side only

cleszkie · 07-26-2013, 05:58 PM

The purpose of the brackets is to "contain" the leaft spring in the event of either spring eye bolts breaking. If a break should happen and you don't have these brakets, you loose the ability to steer, as the steering box will just push or pull the entite axle. They were not put on the passenger side because the spring eye bolts do not see the steering gear stresses that the driver side ones do, and are not as prone to breakage for that reason. Also, you can still steer the truck if you loose a spring eye bolt on the passenger side.

**CUSTOM/10** · 07-30-2013, 01:25 PM

It worked for me !!!

JJH Jimmy · 07-30-2013, 01:38 PM

There is a set of holes for the angle piece on the rear of the spring on the passenger side of my 72 Jimmy, but i don't think there was ever one installed there.

blue 72 gmc 4x4 · 08-27-2013, 10:43 PM

Cool! Good to know that's what those are for!

06-18-2013, 01:09 AM	#1
NJM73 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Beavercreek, Oregon Posts: 39	Dealer recall modification Finally found a problem I haven't been able to find an answer to on here. I have a 71 suburban 4x4, its originally a half ton. When my grandpa had it there was a dealer recall and the welded a plate on the front spring hanger and then bolted and angle back behind the front spring shackle as a limiter to keep it from over compressing. Both of these mods are only on the drivers side. When my dad and I re did the front suspension lift the front plate got cut off. While measuring for shocks today and testing suspension travel we got in a discussion of the importance of these "mods." My question is what were these for and how vital are they. We made the assumption that they were to relieve stress on the steering box. We put a brace on there awhile ago and are wondering if the shackle limiter can be removed now

06-18-2013, 01:53 PM	#2
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: Dealer recall modification I can't answer the question about the purpose of the restraints. I do know that my Suburban has them. I can't see how it helps the steering box mounting. I would think the forces on the box are more lateral than longitudinal. __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

06-19-2013, 08:45 AM	#5
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: Dealer recall modification I'm assuming this is what the OP is referring to. They are only on the drivers side. Attached Images __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

06-19-2013, 06:13 PM	#6
NJM73 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Beavercreek, Oregon Posts: 39	Re: Dealer recall modification Yes that's them. I have already removed the front one and I'm just concerned about removing the rear one or doing something to replace them __________________ '71 chevy suburban -all purpose rig- in progress '93 cherokee -dd- mild wheeler '65 chevy c30 c&c 12' flatbed -farm truck - future tow rig

06-19-2013, 07:53 PM	#7
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: Dealer recall modification Those were on the '70 K10 I had as well. No idea what they were intended for, I just guessed that they were to somehow protect the spring? But then why on only one side.. __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

06-18-2013, 05:41 PM	#3
NJM73 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Beavercreek, Oregon Posts: 39	Re: Dealer recall modification Does yours have them on both sides of the frame or just one tho? Mine has them on just one, and being that the steering is the only difference on that side I would have to assume thats why. I don't understand how but its just a theory __________________ '71 chevy suburban -all purpose rig- in progress '93 cherokee -dd- mild wheeler '65 chevy c30 c&c 12' flatbed -farm truck - future tow rig

06-22-2013, 11:18 AM	#8
56HOTRODDER Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: troy me Posts: 106	Re: Dealer recall modification just a guess , but they are possibly to keep from striking an object that could overcenter the spring perch and cause erratic handling. The drag link is on the drivers side and would be the most vulnerable. I'm sure some one has the real deal info however.

06-23-2013, 06:53 PM	#9
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: Dealer recall modification I found the stop in the parts book. Spring shackle stop #326405 two required. So I'm guessing I should have one on the driver and passenger side. __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

06-23-2013, 07:20 PM	#10
BigRed76 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 1,921	Re: Dealer recall modification My '70 K20 has the same things on the driver side only, the chassis was originally 1/2 ton. __________________ Zach 1970 Chevrolet Custom Camper K20 1971 GMC Super K2500, 12V/NV4500 swap in progress 1971 Chevrolet Custom C10 1972 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C20, 5.3/4L60E 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 455/TH400, 3.73 posi 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD, LB7/Allison, CCSB 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3/4L60E, CCSB

07-19-2013, 05:44 PM	#11
blue 72 gmc 4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Aladdin Wy Posts: 796	Re: Dealer recall modification I've always wondered what the hell those were for! They are on all of our 4x4 trucks that we have. __________________ 1955 GMC Hydramatic 1959 Chevy Spartan 100 1969 Chevy C/10 1969 Chevy C/30 Bruiser 1972 GMC (Wrecked) 1972 GMC pickup..old blue Restored Vent Windows https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=766598 1955 GMC hydramatic build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=429417

07-25-2013, 01:01 PM	#12
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,854	Re: Dealer recall modification I don't know the official reason for the mod, but in 72 the trucks came from the factory with these, and they saved my butt once when I was on a remote hunting trip in northern Maine. I broke the DS front spring just behind the front bolt / bushing ( No place within 125 mi to fix anything ) and these 2 brackets kept my front spring relatively in place, even drove the truck home ( 450 miles ) like that. I knew something had happened, heard the bang, but looked things over but never noticed the broken eye loop on the main spring until I was home. Gary __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859 Last edited by CUSTOM/10; 07-25-2013 at 01:23 PM.

07-25-2013, 01:55 PM	#13
71K20chevy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Ft Wayne Indiana Posts: 1,204	Re: Dealer recall modification They were because due to the push-pull steering system, as you turned, the wheels, it would try to shove the axle and springs. Those stops just keep it from doing that __________________ 71 K20 64 GMC mud truck

07-25-2013, 03:26 PM	#15
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,854	Re: Dealer recall modification I've only seen them on the drivers side ! __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859

07-25-2013, 09:52 PM	#16
71K20chevy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Ft Wayne Indiana Posts: 1,204	Re: Dealer recall modification Drivers side only __________________ 71 K20 64 GMC mud truck

07-26-2013, 05:58 PM	#17
cleszkie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 2,191	Re: Dealer recall modification The purpose of the brackets is to "contain" the leaft spring in the event of either spring eye bolts breaking. If a break should happen and you don't have these brakets, you loose the ability to steer, as the steering box will just push or pull the entite axle. They were not put on the passenger side because the spring eye bolts do not see the steering gear stresses that the driver side ones do, and are not as prone to breakage for that reason. Also, you can still steer the truck if you loose a spring eye bolt on the passenger side.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

07-30-2013, 01:25 PM	#18
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,854	Re: Dealer recall modification It worked for me !!! __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859

07-30-2013, 01:38 PM	#19
JJH Jimmy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan Posts: 928	Re: Dealer recall modification There is a set of holes for the angle piece on the rear of the spring on the passenger side of my 72 Jimmy, but i don't think there was ever one installed there. __________________ 1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565

08-27-2013, 10:43 PM	#20
blue 72 gmc 4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Aladdin Wy Posts: 796	Re: Dealer recall modification Cool! Good to know that's what those are for! __________________ 1955 GMC Hydramatic 1959 Chevy Spartan 100 1969 Chevy C/10 1969 Chevy C/30 Bruiser 1972 GMC (Wrecked) 1972 GMC pickup..old blue Restored Vent Windows https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=766598 1955 GMC hydramatic build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=429417

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.