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#1 |
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Location: San Carlos, Ca.
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
I was kinda thinking the same thing Jason. If it doesn't come down enough after the bed and fuel, I'll either shorten the shackles or find a big winch to hang back there lol. I still have a little ways to go before we know how it's going to turn out. We're close though.
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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#2 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
I don't have any new pics at the moment but I did get the bed back on yesterday, receiver hitch and parking brake connected yesterday. After having one of the 35s blow a bead from being aired down too much, I finally got it out of the garage, connected the tail lights and took her for a spin. First impression - bring on the speed bumps!!! All I can say is that it rides a hundred times better than it did with the stock springs. There is a fair amount of body roll (which wasn't there with the stock stuff) which is kind of annoying but nothing that a sway bar or 2 won't take care of.
I am battling a driveshaft vibration that is about to make me insane. I think I'm going to be playing with shims for a while between the divorced t case and the rear driveshaft. The 4 wheel discs work KILLAR! and although the original rear brakes needed work, I can't remember having a truck that has stopped this well. Cant wait to tow with it and really test em out. All in all, I would recommend this for anyone who is not crazy about the way their older truck rides and would like a smoother ride. I haven't been able to get it out to any trails yet but even with the limited drive time that I have on it now, I can tell you it WILL increase the flex over the stock suspension. in fact, I may be looking at limiting straps in the near future. If anyone has any questions or wants pics of anything in particular, just say the word. I still have the fuel tank to connect and find a location for the filler. The wiring is mostly done save for the tie into the gauge and installing a resistor. For now Im going to be tracing the source of this driveshaft vibration before I start driving it more regularly. Its one loose end that really has me worried. The thought of spitting a shaft at freeway or any speed for that matter scares the hell out of me. Thanks to all who have commented and advised me along the way. It's really helped to have more than one set of eyes on this and your inputs have been greatly appreciated! Chris
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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#3 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
Darn you, Chris! Now I have to add front 52s to my long list of truck projects!
I'm glad it worked out so well. have you measured your transfer case output angle amd your rear pinion angle? How far off are they?
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Jason M. @argonaut62 1972 K5 Blazer CST, Turquoise 1966 K20 Short Fleet Pickup, Big Ugly 1964 C10 Short Fleet, Gertrude 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 1996 Ford Bronco XLT 1980 Jeep Wagoneer 2008 Honda CBR1000RR 2005 Honda RC51 1981 Honda CB750C No dis-assemble Johnny Five! No dis-assemble! |
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#4 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
Sorry Jason. It will be a breeze for you though. You've got some pretty mad skills! I've got the trans to tcase joints parallel and a working angle of 2 degrees. The tcase to Pinion was parallel as well with around 5 deg working angle but it felt like I was getting a little axle wrap as I would take off so having nothing but a 5 degree shim, I put it in and pointed the Pinion down. The vibration did change but its a little stronger. I almost think that the tcase may be moving around a little too. More investigating. May have to mount a GoPro underneath to see what's going on
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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#5 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
And get on those 52s! You won't regret it!
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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#6 | |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
Quote:
I will spare the lengthy version, but what mine ended up being is one of the nylon washers that fits between the u-joint cap and the actual cardan cross portion itself. While I was installing the drive line, both u-joint caps at the differential end came off. I simply put them back on except one of those little washers stuck to the cardan cross, the other stuck inside the u-joint cap...I failed to notice this when i put the caps back on...and ended up having one cap with 2 washers and another with zero. This obviously off-centers the drive line and thus causes a vibration. Not all u-joints have those washers in them, but if yours do, you might give it a look. It just about drove me nuts but it ended up being that simple. Just an idea. Great thread and great work on your truck.
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1960 GMC K1500 LB Fleet Side 1962 GMC K1000 LB Step Side 1988 Chevrolet C2500 |
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#7 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
nice project along w/ the progress =0)
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dont want to hear excuses, i want to hear solution(s) |
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#8 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
Thanks. So far its been the best upgrade (next to getting the truck in the first place) that Ive done to it.
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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#9 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
On the rear 63 did you just move the front stock frame hanger forward ?
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James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change! |
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#10 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
The stock hangers (all 8 front and rear) were removed. Once you bust the first rivet out, they're just repetitive after that. I installed the rear / rear hanger from DIY and the front / rear is from ORU. Both are excellent quality.
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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#11 |
Windy Corner of a Dirty Street
Join Date: Jun 2003
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
I love this truck! Looks great Chris!
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Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles
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#12 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
Thanks Larry, after seeing the work that you and some of the others on here do to their trucks, the compliments are quite humbling for me. I've got a few more things to finish up to close out this thread (gas tank, and front sway bar) but I'm in a sort of holding pattern at the moment. Got a refi and some family stuff going on. Hoping to get back to it soon once the dust settles. Thanks again for the kind words Larry!
Chris
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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#13 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
Was the truck lifted already before you did this spring swap? I saw in the first post you mentioned you had 5 1/2" blocks in the rear.
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Zach 1970 Chevrolet Custom Camper K20 1971 GMC Super K2500, 12V/NV4500 swap in progress 1971 Chevrolet Custom C10 1972 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C20, 5.3/4L60E 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 455/TH400, 3.73 posi 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD, LB7/Allison, CCSB 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3/4L60E, CCSB |
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#14 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
It had the stock "I beam" style blocks when I got it. Not sure if it t was lifted when I got it. It still had the original grease pin shackles and as far as I know, there are no lifts available for that style. It did have a add a leaf in the front which I think added to the poor ride quality. Right now with the 63"-52" swap, it looks to be maybe 1/2" -3/4" higher than before. Believe me that was more of a stroke of luck than engineering in my part! And I will say it again - best upgrade for this truck yet! Hell, the wife will even ride in it now. She won't admit it, but it does ride better than her '04 Yukon.
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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#15 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
Ok, that makes more sense. This swap is definitely on my list for my '70 GMC. The few of these swaps I've seen done on 67-72 trucks they've all said the 52" springs gave them 3-4" of lift in the front. I wouldn't mind that much lift but I do appreciate the truck being stock height.
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Zach 1970 Chevrolet Custom Camper K20 1971 GMC Super K2500, 12V/NV4500 swap in progress 1971 Chevrolet Custom C10 1972 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C20, 5.3/4L60E 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 455/TH400, 3.73 posi 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD, LB7/Allison, CCSB 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3/4L60E, CCSB |
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#16 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
The 60-66 4x4s have a much higher stock height than the 67 and up pickups.
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Jason M. @argonaut62 1972 K5 Blazer CST, Turquoise 1966 K20 Short Fleet Pickup, Big Ugly 1964 C10 Short Fleet, Gertrude 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 1996 Ford Bronco XLT 1980 Jeep Wagoneer 2008 Honda CBR1000RR 2005 Honda RC51 1981 Honda CB750C No dis-assemble Johnny Five! No dis-assemble! |
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#17 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
Good to know, thank you
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Zach 1970 Chevrolet Custom Camper K20 1971 GMC Super K2500, 12V/NV4500 swap in progress 1971 Chevrolet Custom C10 1972 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C20, 5.3/4L60E 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 455/TH400, 3.73 posi 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD, LB7/Allison, CCSB 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3/4L60E, CCSB |
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#18 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
Interesting. I didn't know that but it makes total sense. I always used to have people ask how much I had lifted it. I never really knew what to say except for that it was stock which usually left people looking at me like I was an idiot. Lol. Thanks Jason
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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#19 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
The '60-'66 K10/15/20's were pretty tall from the factory. I saw this one on ebay a while back, and the seller said it was on 35's, no lift.
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#20 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
One more question, I didn't see it mentioned anywhere but are those rancho shocks?
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Zach 1970 Chevrolet Custom Camper K20 1971 GMC Super K2500, 12V/NV4500 swap in progress 1971 Chevrolet Custom C10 1972 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C20, 5.3/4L60E 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 455/TH400, 3.73 posi 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD, LB7/Allison, CCSB 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3/4L60E, CCSB |
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#21 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
Yes they are RS9000S. I got them when I first swapped the axles a few years ago. The springs were so stiff that I never noticed a difference after adjusting them. Now it's night and day when I adjust them.
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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#22 | |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
Quote:
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Zach 1970 Chevrolet Custom Camper K20 1971 GMC Super K2500, 12V/NV4500 swap in progress 1971 Chevrolet Custom C10 1972 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C20, 5.3/4L60E 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 455/TH400, 3.73 posi 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD, LB7/Allison, CCSB 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3/4L60E, CCSB |
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#23 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
I just got tired of waiting for someone else to be the test dummy. I tell ya though, had this not worked, I'd be sleeping in the kids treehouse out back. Lol. Thanks for the compliments.
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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#24 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
I've been contemplating the 52" front spring sway for a while, but just haven't had the time or space to dive into it yet. I was also under the impression that longer rear springs wouldn't make enough difference to justify all the work, but it seems you've proved it to be well worth the extra work.
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Zach 1970 Chevrolet Custom Camper K20 1971 GMC Super K2500, 12V/NV4500 swap in progress 1971 Chevrolet Custom C10 1972 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C20, 5.3/4L60E 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 455/TH400, 3.73 posi 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD, LB7/Allison, CCSB 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3/4L60E, CCSB |
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#25 |
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Re: Spring Swap Thread - 1963 K15
Hey Zach, yeah it was definitely worth all the work in my mind. I really like driving the truck again. Although I think that the rear 56 swap is just about moving the rear hanger, I've had several trucks with the 56s and a few with the 63s. There really wasn't a comparison for me. If I ever need more capacity, I'll dig up some 63" 3/4 ton springs and mess with those.
BTW, where in Loveland are you? My Father in Law lives there. Been there a few times myself for Thanksgiving. Real nice country.
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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