Opinions about original helper springs

[pimpston65]

Originally Posted by pimpston65

LMC trucks has em and a guy on Ebay but he wants $20 a piece go with LMC

GM part #

[pimpston65]

Originally Posted by pimpston65

GM part #

LMC's

[Dans66Chevy]

The 64 I just bought has a set on it. I think mine are 5-6 leaves. I will look tomorrow...

[1963c-10]

no problem woogeroo, im always glad to post info if i have it.

jjzeplin, those are correct, just missing the mounts for under the trailing arms.

it appears my frame is drilled for them...i have 4 holes drilled in the rear and the pattern is consistent w/the mount. ill know in a few days when they arrive. i need to check my 64 and 61 frames and see if they have the holes predrilled

[Metalaroundstone]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

no problem woogeroo, im always glad to post info if i have it.

jjzeplin, those are correct, just missing the mounts for under the trailing arms.

it appears my frame is drilled for them...i have 4 holes drilled in the rear and the pattern is consistent w/the mount. ill know in a few days when they arrive. i need to check my 64 and 61 frames and see if they have the holes predrilled

After studying the pictures posted of the correct 3 leaf assist springs, I looked under my 1966 c10 1/2 ton and could not find the 4 necessary holes pre-drilled in the frame. Was your 64 frame pre-drilled? I am wondering if these were a dealer option and the frame had to be drilled for them.
Robert

[aerotruk63]

Below are order sheets for 66 and 63. Auxillary springs were G60. Many Accessories could be installed by the dealer if it was not factory ordered.

1966



1963

[firemanjimtfd]

Here is the pic of the helper or over load springs on my 66 C-10

[jayoldschool]

First time I've ever seen that setup!

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

First time I've ever seen that setup!

Common set up in corvairs and corvettes....I don't know that I've seen them in a classic truck, although GM used them in some 90's applications

[jayoldschool]

Sorry, should have clarified, I've certainly seen transverse leaf springs before. Just not as overload springs on one of our trucks.

[aerotruk63]

Originally Posted by firemanjimtfd

Here is the pic of the helper or over load springs on my 66 C-10

Can we get a picture of how the transverse spring mounts to the frame please.

[1963c-10]

All of my frames... 1961, 1963 & 1964 are predrilled for the auxiliary soprings. I will get some good pics tonight.

I went out last night and mocked mine up. The two rear holes that the stepside rear bumper brackets are two of the holes that are used. I will need to drill two additional holes on the side of the frame once its mounted and one additional on the bottom of the frame rail. Id be willing to bet the long beds are predrilled also.

The hardest and most time consuming part will be putting on the trailing arm mount.

[firemanjimtfd]

The transverse spring clamps with cast iron brackets to the rear end housing but doesn't attach to the frame its between the rubber bumper and housing tube. Several other truck collectors haven't seen one like this either.

[jtrichard]

Originally Posted by firemanjimtfd

The transverse spring clamps with cast iron brackets to the rear end housing but doesn't attach to the frame its between the rubber bumper and housing tube. Several other truck collectors haven't seen one like this either.

just think of the additional load on the center of the rear housing maybe that's why no ones seen one before ....3/4 housing might put up with it but i would not want to put it on a 1/2 ton just my $.02

[1963c-10]

Very interesting....1st one ive seen personally.


Now on the install of the auxiliary springs....best option to install the trailing arm brackets?

[kieth]

Originally Posted by metalaroundstone

i am thinking about finding and installing a set of original helper springs to beef up the load capacity of my 66 c10 lwb. I carried a full load of compost the other day and the bed really angled down in the back. I would like some opinions about how well these helper springs work, and any ideas on where i could get a set. I think this is what one of the springs looks like.
Robert

why not just replace the coils with 2600 series air bags, you will be able to adjust the ride height just using schrader valves , the ride will be better and you can adjust the stance of your truck. Cost about $200.00 kieth

[wutnxt]

Well i have a 66 I am building that has a helper spring set up that i thought was factory but wasn't sure. Mine attaches to the frame behind my cab and pushes down onto the trailing arms just before the coils. I am leaving them on because it's a retro kinda build for me but throwing in a set of air bags is the way I would suggest you go .....I will swing back with a picture tomorrow if i get a chance

[1963c-10]

I found a set a week or so back Budman56.....thank you though.

[1963c-10]

Was putting my collection of 63 material in some kind of order and came across some factory documentation on these springs. I will get some pics tonight and post the 63 literature I have on them.

[aerotruk63]

[1963c-10]

thanks aerotruck63....thats the one i was talking about. nice that you have the scanner, the image came out better than mine would have.

[Irishbleueyes]

I have a set of the aux option and was going to add the Timbren rubber springs as well. They make a set up for a 65 front and rear. Bolts in where the bump stop is.

[1963c-10]

Yes, I just got a set in from LMC...I was pleased with the quality of the mount. I used a knife to cut the heads off the old bump stops and used a little grease to pop the new ones in. I do see NOS ones pop up from time to time on ebay.

My old bump stops were 1/2" shorter from so much use they compressed.

[Metalaroundstone]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

Yes, I just got a set in from LMC...I was pleased with the quality of the mount. I used a knife to cut the heads off the old bump stops and used a little grease to pop the new ones in. I do see NOS ones pop up from time to time on ebay.

My old bump stops were 1/2" shorter from so much use they compressed.

Good to hear that the LMC spring bumpers appear to be of good quality. I ordered a pair.

[Irishbleueyes]

Something to consider, you can buy bump stops of all sizes on Ebay or Local part stores if you need them to be taller. Aftermarket ones bolt in vs the little rubber plug holder of the factory ones. As 63c-10 said, use grease on the factory stops to pull them into place or the knob will tear off.