Coils to leafs? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

crews · 03-11-2008, 12:53 AM

I want to switch my rear coil spring set up on my 68 'Burb to leafs. I did this before on my 2wd Blazer, but I used a lot of different parts to accomplish it.

The last time I used Dodge leafs and hangers off of a mid 70's Dodge truck ( the hangers were nice and compact and fit the contour of the frame well ) but the leafs had to be sent off to be re-arched and a leaf added for the weight of the Blazer. I also used a Ford 9" instead of the stock GM rear end.

Does anyone know how difficult it would be to just use the factory leafs and hangers? Anyone have any factory leafs and hangers for sale?

extd56 · 03-11-2008, 01:01 AM

I have a whole 71 longbed frame that had leafs on it. The only problem is the distance.

brad_man_72 · 03-11-2008, 01:18 AM

wait you had a blazer with dodge leaf springs and a ford rear end.... sounds like something amc would have put together.

Bob 68327 · 03-11-2008, 01:24 AM

It's not hard to do the conversion with oem parts . Make sure you get the shock mounts also unless you want to make your own . I converted mine in a weekend . Hoop this helps . Bob

cowboyup1086 · 03-11-2008, 05:14 AM

wish you were closer... ive been plannin on converting mine to coil....

Longhorn Man · 03-11-2008, 06:31 AM

Joe... out of morbid curiosity... why do you want to swap to leafs?

crews · 03-11-2008, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Joe... out of morbid curiosity... why do you want to swap to leafs?

Call me cheap. It is just WAY cheaper and easier to get the 'Burb to sit how I want it to sit with leafs. I have always HATED rear coil trucks. I just don't like 'em. When you lower these trucks, there is just too much crap in the way with the coil set up. I like my trucks to be low, but I do not like dragging suspension pieces over speed bumps... I know some of the new technology ( air bags) make it very easy and appealing to replace the stock trailing arms with aftermarket stuff, but I am not going the air bag route.

crews · 03-11-2008, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brad_man_72

wait you had a blazer with dodge leaf springs and a ford rear end.... sounds like something amc would have put together.

Yeah- I built this one back in 87-88 before there were ANY lowering anything for these trucks. We stepped the "A" arms with 5" plate to get the front down and I think we cut 1 coil off a new set of coils. It really sat low. It also had a 402BB in it. It was a blast to run around in.... one of those that I REALLY regret letting go.....

Longhorn Man · 03-11-2008, 07:28 AM

cool.
I've always liked the way the trailing arm trucks ride and hook up.
But, then again, the only leaf spring trucks I have driven were longhorns or 4X4's... so I guess I am compairing apples to pork chops huh?

03-11-2008, 12:53 AM	#1
crews It just doesn't matter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Huntington Beach, Ca Posts: 1,660	Coils to leafs? I want to switch my rear coil spring set up on my 68 'Burb to leafs. I did this before on my 2wd Blazer, but I used a lot of different parts to accomplish it. The last time I used Dodge leafs and hangers off of a mid 70's Dodge truck ( the hangers were nice and compact and fit the contour of the frame well ) but the leafs had to be sent off to be re-arched and a leaf added for the weight of the Blazer. I also used a Ford 9" instead of the stock GM rear end. Does anyone know how difficult it would be to just use the factory leafs and hangers? Anyone have any factory leafs and hangers for sale? __________________ 05 Chevy Silverado..... A rogue BMW guy.... If you don't like me- TAKE A NUMBER; There are people ahead of you!!

03-11-2008, 01:01 AM	#2
extd56 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,272	Re: Coils to leafs? I have a whole 71 longbed frame that had leafs on it. The only problem is the distance.

03-11-2008, 01:18 AM	#3
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: Coils to leafs? wait you had a blazer with dodge leaf springs and a ford rear end.... sounds like something amc would have put together. __________________ 67, swb, fleet, tach, throttle, 5.3, 4l60e, 3.73's, fuel cell, 5 lug, p.d.b., 4-6 drop. great little truck 66, stevens drag/ski 18' silouette, 350, 2.02 doublehump heads. comp extreme marine 278 cam, vette 7 fin valve covers, old polished edelbrock intake, velvetdrive, casale v-drive, adj cavitation plate. 28, model a rpu project,

03-11-2008, 01:24 AM	#4
Bob 68327 72 Chevelle Club Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Newton , Iowa Posts: 2,052	Re: Coils to leafs? It's not hard to do the conversion with oem parts . Make sure you get the shock mounts also unless you want to make your own . I converted mine in a weekend . Hoop this helps . Bob __________________ I Have The Right To Remain Silent,But Lack The Ability 1972 Chevelle ... Mine 2006 Trailblazer... Hers 2002 Buick century ... Kids 2002 K1500 Z-71 EXT CAB ... Daily Driver 2005 Rockwood Roo ... For Camping 1974 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 84'' stroker

03-11-2008, 05:14 AM	#5
cowboyup1086 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: manteca, ca Posts: 77	Re: Coils to leafs? wish you were closer... ive been plannin on converting mine to coil....

03-11-2008, 06:31 AM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Coils to leafs? Joe... out of morbid curiosity... why do you want to swap to leafs?

03-11-2008, 07:28 AM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Coils to leafs? cool. I've always liked the way the trailing arm trucks ride and hook up. But, then again, the only leaf spring trucks I have driven were longhorns or 4X4's... so I guess I am compairing apples to pork chops huh?



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