rear 8-leaf spring question

[RapidRide2]

I have a 2-wheel drive 79' silverado 8ft. bed. It has the heavy duty 8-leaf spring suspension. It is a little too firm for me. I thought about about removing a couple of leafs,,, anyone ever do this???? any problems???? what are the best leafs to remove???? Thanks

[Tom]

I did this on my 78 shortbed. I did it for height reasons though, and it didn't loosen the ride up any. I took the overload and the second to last spings. Might just want to go to the junkyard and get the normal pack.

[bodydropped]

i got a 78 thats an 8ft bed that is lowered and im runnin 10 leafs on each side and it rides pretty smooth

[Zilverado]

Originally Posted by Tom

I did this on my 78 shortbed. I did it for height reasons though, and it didn't loosen the ride up any. I took the overload and the second to last spings. Might just want to go to the junkyard and get the normal pack.

I agree – the bone yard might be the better option. That way you don’t mess with the original spring design and function (or safety).

If you do this, just be aware that the regular “softer” spring pack will likely have a 6” shorter eye-to-eye dimension than the heavy-duty ones you now have. You will need to remove the rear spring hanger and shackle from the frame and move it forward. There will probably already be holes in the frame 6” further forward. The front hangers remain where they are.

I actually did a reverse swap on my ’86 a number of years ago to upgrade to the heavier springs (see sig). I had to move my rear hangers back. Fortunately the holes in the frame rails already existed. The hardest part of the job was removing the original factory rivets to remove the hangers. This can be done in a number of ways, but I used a combination of angle grinder, drill and air chisel.

So, I’m sure removing leaves might work for you, but I just thought I’d add my experience and 2 cents.

[66+81]

I have seen this done b4, but he removed the top 2 leaves. I don't know how it affected his truck. I've never rode in it.

[Chevillac]

Originally Posted by RapidRide2

I have a 2-wheel drive 79' silverado 8ft. bed. It has the heavy duty 8-leaf spring suspension. It is a little too firm for me. I thought about about removing a couple of leafs,,, anyone ever do this???? any problems???? what are the best leafs to remove???? Thanks

Sounds like a 3/4 ton. If it rides to rough sell it and get a 1/2 ton. The suspension is much different and the 1/2 ton will have a smoother ride. 3/4 tons are trucks and ride like trucks because they have the stiff springs for hauling heavy loads.