front springs question - experts help!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**JQ-72** · 07-16-2004, 12:11 AM

I recently got my first 4wd truck so I'm having learning alot about them. My front springs have a slight downward arch to them. Is that normal? I thought they were supposed to have an upward arch or at least be level. The truck is a 72 3/4 ton. Are there supposed to be 3 tapered leafs? Also, if I need new springs, will ones off 73-87 fit? Thanks for any help.

Joshua

**JQ-72** · 07-16-2004, 12:13 AM

another:

Mudder · 07-16-2004, 12:31 AM

The 73 and new trucks do have a arch like that but someone has added lift in the front using cut springs. I would get those off of there soon and get some new springs. I do believe they have messed with the spring pack. They don't look right to me.

**JIMs70GMC** · 07-16-2004, 05:43 AM

Back then the manufactures weren't as concerned about ride height. They all have a slight backwards arch. It actually is suppose to ride smoother. In your second pic it lookss like you have a bent spring(top one). And like mudder said, it looks like a leaf was added. both my trucks had the heavy duty front spring option from the factory which is basically 3 leaves v. 2 leaves and they did not look like that. 73 and up springs will not work as they are 3" too long. Also looks like somebody cut a bunch of springs(4) to stack up front to get more height. Your truck probably sits about 1.5" higher than stock.

My opinion- If you wanted it to stay where it is height wise get some 2" lift front springs.

kickinasphalt · 07-16-2004, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMs70GMC

Back then the manufactures weren't as concerned about
My opinion- If you wanted it to stay where it is height wise get some 2" lift front springs.

I have some 2" Skyjacker front/rear springs that I just pulled off my 72 K10.

stan79chevy · 07-16-2004, 11:45 PM

i know blocks up front is a no no im sure slabs of old springs is too. my 79 has the reverse arch thing too. i think they start out level and then start sagging down over time.

Destructo · 07-17-2004, 07:23 AM

you do have a bent spring on the passenger side looks like, I would put some different springs in there, but don't worry about the negative arch thats pretty normal, and i'm not sure but it looked like there was a shorter leaf between two longer leafs, don't know if thats normal or not, and those cut leafs under the springs are no good, I would remove those.

07-16-2004, 12:11 AM	#1
JQ-72 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Killen, Alabama USA Posts: 3,567	front springs question - experts help!! I recently got my first 4wd truck so I'm having learning alot about them. My front springs have a slight downward arch to them. Is that normal? I thought they were supposed to have an upward arch or at least be level. The truck is a 72 3/4 ton. Are there supposed to be 3 tapered leafs? Also, if I need new springs, will ones off 73-87 fit? Thanks for any help. Joshua Attached Images

07-16-2004, 12:13 AM	#2
JQ-72 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Killen, Alabama USA Posts: 3,567	another: Attached Images

07-16-2004, 05:43 AM	#4
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Back then the manufactures weren't as concerned about ride height. They all have a slight backwards arch. It actually is suppose to ride smoother. In your second pic it lookss like you have a bent spring(top one). And like mudder said, it looks like a leaf was added. both my trucks had the heavy duty front spring option from the factory which is basically 3 leaves v. 2 leaves and they did not look like that. 73 and up springs will not work as they are 3" too long. Also looks like somebody cut a bunch of springs(4) to stack up front to get more height. Your truck probably sits about 1.5" higher than stock. My opinion- If you wanted it to stay where it is height wise get some 2" lift front springs. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

07-16-2004, 11:45 PM	#6
stan79chevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: COVINGTON GEORGIA Posts: 477	that dont look safe i know blocks up front is a no no im sure slabs of old springs is too. my 79 has the reverse arch thing too. i think they start out level and then start sagging down over time. __________________ 79 chevy k20 350/350/205/D44/14bFF 4.56 gears rock LWB pimer black 01 S-10 ZR2 extended cab 4.3/4L60E/233 3.73 gear 31" DICK CEPEK CRUSHERS

07-17-2004, 07:23 AM	#7
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	you do have a bent spring on the passenger side looks like, I would put some different springs in there, but don't worry about the negative arch thats pretty normal, and i'm not sure but it looked like there was a shorter leaf between two longer leafs, don't know if thats normal or not, and those cut leafs under the springs are no good, I would remove those. __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

07-16-2004, 12:31 AM	#3
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	The 73 and new trucks do have a arch like that but someone has added lift in the front using cut springs. I would get those off of there soon and get some new springs. I do believe they have messed with the spring pack. They don't look right to me.



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