Removing a leaf ?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

81shortwide · 04-29-2005, 11:35 AM

Is there anyone who has removed a leaf from their spring pack? I have an 81 Silverado SWB, the thought is that I could drop the truck a little and also make the ride a little softer. I know how to take the truck apart, but was wondering how the leafs actually seperate from each other? Also curious as to how the locating pin would be effected. Would it need cut down so it doesn't contact the axle tube after it goes through the perch?

Probably self explanatory once it's apart, but I don't want to get 1/2 way into it and find out it wasn't a good idea. Thanks

Truckstuff · 04-29-2005, 11:27 PM

The springs are compressed together, and held by the center pin. Clamp the spring with two large C-Clamps, one on each side of the center pin. Undo the bolt on the pin or cut it. (I wouldn't reuse the pin, get a new one) Then slowly back off the clamps and they will separate. This is also a good time to replace the cushion pads if needed. The pin can be cut after you put the spring back together.

72MARIO · 04-30-2005, 09:59 PM

You may need shorter U-bolts also

keb · 06-05-2005, 09:36 AM

I would like to do this with my 57 Chevy ... how will this affect the steering linkage ... if it will at all?

04-29-2005, 11:35 AM	#1
81shortwide Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Wichita, Ks. Posts: 20	Removing a leaf ?? Is there anyone who has removed a leaf from their spring pack? I have an 81 Silverado SWB, the thought is that I could drop the truck a little and also make the ride a little softer. I know how to take the truck apart, but was wondering how the leafs actually seperate from each other? Also curious as to how the locating pin would be effected. Would it need cut down so it doesn't contact the axle tube after it goes through the perch? Probably self explanatory once it's apart, but I don't want to get 1/2 way into it and find out it wasn't a good idea. Thanks __________________ 66' chevyII-406,glide,9" (12.11@113) 81' chevy shortwide hoping to add a "burb" to the list

04-29-2005, 11:27 PM	#2
Truckstuff Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Cloverdale, British Columbia Canada Posts: 159	The springs are compressed together, and held by the center pin. Clamp the spring with two large C-Clamps, one on each side of the center pin. Undo the bolt on the pin or cut it. (I wouldn't reuse the pin, get a new one) Then slowly back off the clamps and they will separate. This is also a good time to replace the cushion pads if needed. The pin can be cut after you put the spring back together. __________________ Real Trucks are Built not Bought Building: 1981 GM SB LowRider 1985 GM K3500 3+3 1981 GM K2500 SSB 1980 GM K2500 X-BC Hydro 1979 GM K3500 3+3 1976 GM K5 Blazer 1970 Custom 10 http://bc4x4.com/ Last edited by Truckstuff; 04-29-2005 at 11:29 PM.

04-30-2005, 09:59 PM	#3
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,052	You may need shorter U-bolts also __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

06-05-2005, 09:36 AM	#4
keb Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Meridian Idaho Posts: 6	I would like to do this with my 57 Chevy ... how will this affect the steering linkage ... if it will at all?



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