'79 C10 - Leaf Spring Helpers? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RedBed · 04-24-2018, 01:00 AM

Just used my '79 to tow a 16' Trailer with Compact Tractor and Implements today.

Did fine, but rear was sagging pretty good. Not enough to keep me from doing the job, but made me curious if there are Leaf Spring Helpers for this truck?

It is a Big 10. I once had a buddy dump +/- a yard of dirt into the bed and it went WAY low with that load!

Dead Parrot · 04-24-2018, 08:47 AM

How many leaves do your springs have? Possible a PO removed some leaves to soften the ride.

What was the tongue weight of that trailer/load combo?

Depending on the water content in that dirt, you were probably way over your nominal 1/2 ton payload limit.

**kwmech** · 04-24-2018, 10:44 AM

If you are using the truck for that kind of hauling, you're going to need at least a 3/4 ton before you break something major. The 1/2 tonners were not meant for that kind of duty

RedBed · 04-24-2018, 11:09 AM

The dirt was definitely pushing it, but it was a 1/2mi trip. The Trailer was loaded with more equipment than it probably ever will be again. And I won't be doing it frequently.

Looks like I have 8 leafs?

**kwmech** · 04-24-2018, 12:21 PM

More than enough leafs for the 1/2 ton. My 3/4 ton has 9. My 1 ton dually has 14 between the 2 packs

RedBed · 04-24-2018, 02:03 PM

Didn't the BIG 10 come with extra Leafs?

Anyway, It would be nice if there was an easy bolt-on spring helper.

moregrip · 04-24-2018, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBed

Didn't the BIG 10 come with extra Leafs?

Anyway, It would be nice if there was an easy bolt-on spring helper.

too bad your not closer, I'd give you a set for free!

RedBed · 04-24-2018, 02:49 PM

What kind do you have? I am having trouble finding anything that will fit.

95 S_Trucker · 04-24-2018, 02:59 PM

I would look into a weight distribution hitch. You'd keep your nice smooth ride when you aren't towing, and you won't sag as much in when you're towing.

BTW, the Big 10 did have some extra leaves in the springs. Just enough to raise the GVW to the next weight class to avoid extra emissions equipment.

tucsonjwt · 04-24-2018, 03:21 PM

x2 on weight distributing hitch. Also, check out Helwig helper springs. Also, 3/4 ton pickup or larger is best for what you are towing. Check your vehicle's maximum towing weight against the load you are towing.

RedBed · 04-24-2018, 06:07 PM

GVWR is 6050 on sticker. Load was maybe 5100 (trailer + load).

The weight distribution hitch sounds like a good idea.

moregrip · 04-24-2018, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBed

What kind do you have? I am having trouble finding anything that will fit.

they are like an add a leaf setup

04-24-2018, 01:00 AM	#1
RedBed Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: TX Posts: 257	'79 C10 - Leaf Spring Helpers? Just used my '79 to tow a 16' Trailer with Compact Tractor and Implements today. Did fine, but rear was sagging pretty good. Not enough to keep me from doing the job, but made me curious if there are Leaf Spring Helpers for this truck? It is a Big 10. I once had a buddy dump +/- a yard of dirt into the bed and it went WAY low with that load! __________________ *1979 Chevrolet Bonanza/305/4L60/Edelbrock Performer/Holley 600 Classic*

04-24-2018, 08:47 AM	#2
Dead Parrot Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 2,611	Re: '79 C10 - Leaf Spring Helpers? How many leaves do your springs have? Possible a PO removed some leaves to soften the ride. What was the tongue weight of that trailer/load combo? Depending on the water content in that dirt, you were probably way over your nominal 1/2 ton payload limit.

04-24-2018, 10:44 AM	#3
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,628	Re: '79 C10 - Leaf Spring Helpers? If you are using the truck for that kind of hauling, you're going to need at least a 3/4 ton before you break something major. The 1/2 tonners were not meant for that kind of duty

04-24-2018, 11:09 AM	#4
RedBed Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: TX Posts: 257	Re: '79 C10 - Leaf Spring Helpers? The dirt was definitely pushing it, but it was a 1/2mi trip. The Trailer was loaded with more equipment than it probably ever will be again. And I won't be doing it frequently. Looks like I have 8 leafs? __________________ *1979 Chevrolet Bonanza/305/4L60/Edelbrock Performer/Holley 600 Classic*

04-24-2018, 12:21 PM	#5
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,628	Re: '79 C10 - Leaf Spring Helpers? More than enough leafs for the 1/2 ton. My 3/4 ton has 9. My 1 ton dually has 14 between the 2 packs

04-24-2018, 02:03 PM	#6
RedBed Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: TX Posts: 257	Re: '79 C10 - Leaf Spring Helpers? Didn't the BIG 10 come with extra Leafs? Anyway, It would be nice if there was an easy bolt-on spring helper. __________________ *1979 Chevrolet Bonanza/305/4L60/Edelbrock Performer/Holley 600 Classic*

04-24-2018, 02:49 PM	#8
RedBed Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: TX Posts: 257	Re: '79 C10 - Leaf Spring Helpers? What kind do you have? I am having trouble finding anything that will fit. __________________ *1979 Chevrolet Bonanza/305/4L60/Edelbrock Performer/Holley 600 Classic*

04-24-2018, 02:59 PM	#9
95 S_Trucker Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: . Posts: 2,187	Re: '79 C10 - Leaf Spring Helpers? I would look into a weight distribution hitch. You'd keep your nice smooth ride when you aren't towing, and you won't sag as much in when you're towing. BTW, the Big 10 did have some extra leaves in the springs. Just enough to raise the GVW to the next weight class to avoid extra emissions equipment.

04-24-2018, 03:21 PM	#10
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,189	Re: '79 C10 - Leaf Spring Helpers? x2 on weight distributing hitch. Also, check out Helwig helper springs. Also, 3/4 ton pickup or larger is best for what you are towing. Check your vehicle's maximum towing weight against the load you are towing.

04-24-2018, 06:07 PM	#11
RedBed Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: TX Posts: 257	Re: '79 C10 - Leaf Spring Helpers? GVWR is 6050 on sticker. Load was maybe 5100 (trailer + load). The weight distribution hitch sounds like a good idea. __________________ *1979 Chevrolet Bonanza/305/4L60/Edelbrock Performer/Holley 600 Classic*



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