leaf or coil? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

WORNBRAKES · 11-06-2002, 08:40 AM

I am picking up a leaf truck sometime this week. I was not planning on using the leafes but I feel it would be better for my uses. Is it hard to do the converson? What all is in it? If the truck had disc front amd posi rear, I would just slap my body on that frame but that isn't the case. Any ideas or opinions?
Thanks,
Mario

lofly'a · 11-06-2002, 09:39 AM

i asked this question about 2 weeks ago and from what i have gathered you must acquire all the coil related parts - suspension, rearend, and trailing arm crossmember. i have a complete coil rear parts truck so i have everything i need. good luck

Huck · 11-06-2002, 09:47 AM

Have one coil and one leaf truck. Like them both. The leaf truck handles much better on turns etc. In the future would prefer leaf trucks as they are a bit easier to work with. Not simple to convert as the frame mountings are all different. Unless it's really critical, would not convert. Just my .02! Huck

crazy longhorn · 11-06-2002, 10:00 AM

I have learned to live with the leaf springs.....thats the only option on the longhorns ........other than a custom bag setup. If you add a set of slapper bars, that will take care of the wheel hop issues, & i agree with Huck on the cornering. lots of room to hang exhaust too !

crazy AL

Ackattack · 11-06-2002, 12:03 PM

What is the advantage of coils? Better ride?

I have leafs and have no problem with them, though I'd like a anti-sway bar for it, I'm sure that would help the handling.

crazy longhorn · 11-06-2002, 01:35 PM

The coils ride better, & the long trailing arms make a good traction bar. for hauling heavy loads, my vote goes for the leaf springs tho.....

WORNBRAKES · 11-06-2002, 10:47 PM

Thanks for the inputs. What I have got from you guys is that leaf springs handle better and are not so stiff. Coils are better for loads. If that is all the difference is, I will keep my coils. I will have all the parts to do the swap but I had no idea that the rear end and trailing arms had to be changed. Sounds like to much work for a little smoother ride.

LeRoy · 11-07-2002, 01:50 AM

If your looking for a smoother ride. Just change out the 3/4 ton coils and get some 1/2 ton coils. Same for the front. Changing from coil to leaf springs would be a major pain but you could reuse your rearend. Just have to weld on some spring perches. If you still haul an occasional heavy load. Add some factory helper springs. I've got a set for ya but I'd have to remove the factory brackets. Lot's a rusted bolts, lol but I'm willing if interested.

**GMCPaul** · 11-07-2002, 05:27 AM

Leafs are better for hauling loads and resisting sway. Coils are better for a smoother softer ride and high performance applications. If you want to roar down the strip and ride like a car go coils. If you don't mind a slightly stiffer ride but the ability to haul and tow go leafs.
GMCPaul

11-06-2002, 08:40 AM	#1
WORNBRAKES Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hughesville, MD Posts: 1,350	leaf or coil? I am picking up a leaf truck sometime this week. I was not planning on using the leafes but I feel it would be better for my uses. Is it hard to do the converson? What all is in it? If the truck had disc front amd posi rear, I would just slap my body on that frame but that isn't the case. Any ideas or opinions? Thanks, Mario __________________ Mario and Mandy Hughesville, MD 20637 69 C10 305/350 71 K5 Basket case 75 K10 Rescue Parting out 77 MG Midget Parting out 15 6.7L Cummins

11-06-2002, 09:39 AM	#2
lofly'a Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Alexandria, LA 71301 Posts: 1,451	i asked this question about 2 weeks ago and from what i have gathered you must acquire all the coil related parts - suspension, rearend, and trailing arm crossmember. i have a complete coil rear parts truck so i have everything i need. good luck __________________ -02 avalanche (daily driver) -66 gto ragtop 389/400 (garage queen, hand-me-down from dad) -72 Tribute Trans Am (6.0LS/T56 6-speed) in progress -2003 YUKON (Wife's) -71 gmc swb fleet (current project, gonna shave everything, bags, stuff w/ 20's, gen III powertrain) -48 3100 SWB - 12/31/23 LONG TERM Project

11-06-2002, 12:03 PM	#5
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	What is the advantage of coils? Better ride? I have leafs and have no problem with them, though I'd like a anti-sway bar for it, I'm sure that would help the handling. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

11-06-2002, 01:35 PM	#6
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	The coils ride better, & the long trailing arms make a good traction bar. for hauling heavy loads, my vote goes for the leaf springs tho..... __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

11-06-2002, 10:47 PM	#7
WORNBRAKES Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hughesville, MD Posts: 1,350	Thanks for the inputs. What I have got from you guys is that leaf springs handle better and are not so stiff. Coils are better for loads. If that is all the difference is, I will keep my coils. I will have all the parts to do the swap but I had no idea that the rear end and trailing arms had to be changed. Sounds like to much work for a little smoother ride. __________________ Mario and Mandy Hughesville, MD 20637 69 C10 305/350 71 K5 Basket case 75 K10 Rescue Parting out 77 MG Midget Parting out 15 6.7L Cummins

11-06-2002, 09:47 AM	#3
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Have one coil and one leaf truck. Like them both. The leaf truck handles much better on turns etc. In the future would prefer leaf trucks as they are a bit easier to work with. Not simple to convert as the frame mountings are all different. Unless it's really critical, would not convert. Just my .02! Huck

11-06-2002, 10:00 AM	#4
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	I have learned to live with the leaf springs.....thats the only option on the longhorns ........other than a custom bag setup. If you add a set of slapper bars, that will take care of the wheel hop issues, & i agree with Huck on the cornering. lots of room to hang exhaust too ! crazy AL

11-07-2002, 01:50 AM	#8
LeRoy Registered truck nut Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mt. Vernon, Washington, USA Posts: 1,584	If your looking for a smoother ride. Just change out the 3/4 ton coils and get some 1/2 ton coils. Same for the front. Changing from coil to leaf springs would be a major pain but you could reuse your rearend. Just have to weld on some spring perches. If you still haul an occasional heavy load. Add some factory helper springs. I've got a set for ya but I'd have to remove the factory brackets. Lot's a rusted bolts, lol but I'm willing if interested. __________________ MOUNT VERNON, WASH. STATE Need a part? Just PM me

11-07-2002, 05:27 AM	#9
GMCPaul Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Rockville,In. USA Posts: 3,719	Leafs are better for hauling loads and resisting sway. Coils are better for a smoother softer ride and high performance applications. If you want to roar down the strip and ride like a car go coils. If you don't mind a slightly stiffer ride but the ability to haul and tow go leafs. GMCPaul __________________ Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM



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