My 71 has leaf springs AND coilovers - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JJSimon904 · 02-13-2014, 03:41 PM

Hi, I just started my first restoration 1971 GMC 1500 long bed and was surprised at how well it rode right off the bat. Someone changed out the 5 lug rear end with a 6 lug 12bolt. It also has leaf springs with coil overs. I've attached a picture of it. I've done a little research and found that trucks came with one or the other, but not both as far as I can tell. Has anyone come across this before? I eventually want to drop the truck 2/4 but not sure where to begin with a setup like this.

Thanks ahead of time.

chevjayfsd · 02-13-2014, 04:59 PM

None of these trucks came with coilovers... They only came with coils or leafs. Looks like PO put them on in place of shocks... Maybe to assist?

Sicklajoie · 02-13-2014, 05:02 PM

Those coil overs are obviously aftermarket.
There's a difference between that and the coil spring/truck arm setup that's on a lot of these trucks.
Pictured below:

hugger6933 · 02-13-2014, 05:07 PM

Those are aftermarket shocks with a overload coil assist spring or some shock companies call them coil overs but they are not the same type coil overs we know and love. From what I have gathered, GMC's had leafs standard and coils optional and Chevrolets the other way around. Welcome to the board there is a lot of truck knowledge here so enjoy. Jim

JJSimon904 · 02-13-2014, 05:22 PM

Thanks for the responses. It being a helper coil makes sense. I don't plan on doing hauling anything that would require such a setup. When I do drop it, I will switch to a good shock and drop it with blocks or shackles.

02-13-2014, 03:41 PM	#1
JJSimon904 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Denham Springs, La Posts: 2	My 71 has leaf springs AND coilovers Hi, I just started my first restoration 1971 GMC 1500 long bed and was surprised at how well it rode right off the bat. Someone changed out the 5 lug rear end with a 6 lug 12bolt. It also has leaf springs with coil overs. I've attached a picture of it. I've done a little research and found that trucks came with one or the other, but not both as far as I can tell. Has anyone come across this before? I eventually want to drop the truck 2/4 but not sure where to begin with a setup like this. Thanks ahead of time. Attached Images

02-13-2014, 04:59 PM	#2
chevjayfsd Project 7dos Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Abilene, Texas Posts: 876	Re: My 71 has leaf springs AND coilovers None of these trucks came with coilovers... They only came with coils or leafs. Looks like PO put them on in place of shocks... Maybe to assist? __________________ 7DOS - 1972 C-10 350/350 Porterbuilt/Accuair 20x8.5/20x10 Ride Low or Die PSSST - Yes it's bagged. 7dos build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=610290

02-13-2014, 05:02 PM	#3
Sicklajoie The Niner Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Broad Brook, CT Posts: 2,499	Re: My 71 has leaf springs AND coilovers Those coil overs are obviously aftermarket. There's a difference between that and the coil spring/truck arm setup that's on a lot of these trucks. Pictured below: Attached Images __________________ "A good racer is one whose head is in communication with his balls." - Richie Evans 1970 C/20 - 402/TH400/3.54s - 74K miles 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 - Wheatland Yellow Niner Progression Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=697183 Classic Trucks article: https://www.motortrend.com/features/...et-c20-driven/

02-13-2014, 05:07 PM	#4
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,280	Re: My 71 has leaf springs AND coilovers Those are aftermarket shocks with a overload coil assist spring or some shock companies call them coil overs but they are not the same type coil overs we know and love. From what I have gathered, GMC's had leafs standard and coils optional and Chevrolets the other way around. Welcome to the board there is a lot of truck knowledge here so enjoy. Jim

02-13-2014, 05:22 PM	#5
JJSimon904 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Denham Springs, La Posts: 2	Re: My 71 has leaf springs AND coilovers Thanks for the responses. It being a helper coil makes sense. I don't plan on doing hauling anything that would require such a setup. When I do drop it, I will switch to a good shock and drop it with blocks or shackles.



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