Suspension questions

[C-cab23]

This is my 68 longbed stepside 1 ton. I am finally going to start doing the truck completely over. My question is what is the best way to give the truck a better ride. I know the 1 ton frame is taller than the half ton frame so I just can't easily change all the suspension parts. I want to keep the 9 foot bed so I think putting a half ton frame isn't an option. Looking for ideas. Thanks

[HotWheelsFan]

Heavy duty springs give 3/4 - 1 ton trucks a stiff ride, especially in the rear. My 3/4 ton is stiff and I'm OK with it...

I had a 1976 crew cab 1 ton dually and it was very stiff riding. It had a dual leaf spring type of overload spring set up with an extra leaf or two above the regular leaf springs on each side. They would come in contact with a set of pads or brackets mounted to the frame. They would normally be a couple inches away from contacting them until you load the bed down. They would add extra stiffness when loaded. Anyhow, I took a couple leafs out of my main set and added them to the top stack to work with the overload set when my truck was loaded down.

Taking 2 leafs out of my rear springs made a huge difference in making my 1 ton much nicer to drive with less stiffness.

I think 73 - 80 factory front coil springs may only have 4 options? 1/2 ton with sm. block, 1/2 with big block, 3/4 - 1 ton with sm. block, and 3/4 - 1 ton with big block... Might be similar to 67 - 72 model years.


Lighter duty springs might be more comfortable and lower it a little. Nice shocks also help with ride quality.

[SCOTI]

Will you still be using it as a HD truck or what is the intent? The answer to those questions should help your decision process.

[C-cab23]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Will you still be using it as a HD truck or what is the intent? The answer to those questions should help your decision process.

I have no plans to use it as a HD truck.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by C-cab23

I have no plans to use it as a HD truck.

Is the rear suspension leaf spring or coil?

For the font end you could swap to some lighter duty coil springs & swap to a more current wheel/tire combo.

[C-cab23]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Is the rear suspension leaf spring or coil?

For the font end you could swap to some lighter duty coil springs & swap to a more current wheel/tire combo.

It has lead springs.

[Wikid61]

Adding a 1 ton front sway bar from a dually. Lower it both ends 2". Add some really good ($$$) shocks! Rebuild the rear leaf pack by rounding each leaf of its sharp corners. Grind/sand each leaf smooth. Teflon liners between each leaf.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by C-cab23

It has lead springs.

You could go w/some 1/2 ton rated leaf springs vs. the HD leafs. Later model leafs have better ride quality vs. earlier trucks. Same w/the front coils. Half-ton coils w/a lighter spring rate can help w/a better ride.

As mentioned, some good quality shocks help. I like Bilsteins.
Sway bars to tame any lean up front.

[C-cab23]

Thanks for all the info...I am gonna have my work cut out for me. I should be starting on it in the near future

[SCOTI]

If you're keeping the 8-lug pattern, 16" steel or aluminum wheels & some Light Truck or tall enough pass car tires will help as well vs 6/8/10-ply HD rated tires.