Stiffer springs for a C-10? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Pillow · 12-11-2008, 07:13 PM

I am wondering if there is a stiffer spring kit available for the C-10 trucks with the trailing arm rearends.

They ride like a Cadillac, but are a bit soft for a work beast.

I *think* the C-20s came with a leaf spring rear?

I am planning on buying another C-10 or C-20 for a work truck but need something closer to a 3/4 ton capacity. Just wondering if the C-10 can be beefed up.

Also I am exploring the possibility of putting a 6.2 diesel in it, that is a different issue at the moment, but it is heavier than a SBC and needs heavier springs as well.

Thanks!!!

caminokid · 12-11-2008, 07:39 PM

My C-20 has coils. I am using them on my C-10. I just want the rake to my truck.

Longhorn Man · 12-11-2008, 09:20 PM

You can put 3/4 ton coils in a 1/2 ton with zero mods. The frames are 99% the same between a 1/2 ton and a 3/4 ton, but the rear axle and brakes are the main things upgraded on a 3/4 ton.

Pillow · 12-11-2008, 10:46 PM

Awesome guys! Thanks for the info.

I guess a bone head question there after all. I have just never had the opportunity to look under a c-20

I will keep you all updated on my search.

caminokid · 12-12-2008, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pillow

Awesome guys! Thanks for the info.

I guess a bone head question there after all. I have just never had the opportunity to look under a c-20

I will keep you all updated on my search.

Not a bone head question. You dont know unless you have had these or have seen one up close like most of us here have. This is why this board is here. At 41 I still dont know everything about these trucks. Never done a 6 to 8 conversion before...so I asked. Done plenty of car 6 to 8's but never the 67 to 72 Chevy truck before. So dont ever think you aksing something bone head. We are here to help!

Longhorn Man · 12-12-2008, 12:10 AM

yep...I agree with camino (never knew you were so old man!)
And you can't assume with these rigs either, they'll throw you for a loop... esp if you are in a car frame of mind.

caminokid · 12-12-2008, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

yep...I agree with camino (never knew you were so old man!)
And you can't assume with these rigs either, they'll throw you for a loop... esp if you are in a car frame of mind.

so true...or even 73 to 87 Chevy truck kind of mind. These trucks are in a class all their own!

ERASER5 · 12-12-2008, 01:15 AM

As far as upgrading the C-10 springs, there are air bag helper springs. When have no load, let out the air. When you haul a load, air it up.

The C-20 springs will work just fine, but the ride will be harsher, if that matters at all.

Gray Ghost · 12-12-2008, 02:09 AM

I put panel truck springs [3/4 ton] on mine and it's a workhorse. Also have the helpers on it....it will carry a ton easily and rides fairly smooth.

OrangeCrush1970 · 12-12-2008, 12:36 PM

My truck (1/2 ton) came with heavy duty coils (3/4 ton) from the factory and while Im sure they're well broken in, the ride is very good, not harsh at all...

**steelhorse** · 12-12-2008, 03:37 PM

You can also add coil over shocks.

Stock72c10 · 12-12-2008, 04:45 PM

Check out the ones in this thread. Many people say they work pretty well. I only had one on my truck as the other one broke off but it is nice because they ride normal until you load the truck up then the helpers kick in. They are cheap too, but that may be slightly due to build quality (the U-Bolts broke on mine when removing). http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=311829

Pillow · 12-12-2008, 09:47 PM

I believe the rear control arms are the key to the wonderful ride in these trucks. Why they went away in the later generations of trucks is beyond me.

I have been using the '71 for a worker for the last few weeks to try it out and it has performed very well. Mostly trying it due to gas being so much more than diesel.

More silly questions to come

Tx Firefighter · 12-12-2008, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelhorse

You can also add coil over shocks.

That's a bad idea. The shock mounts were never intended for the added stress of supporting the load. Lots of lower shock mounts have ripped out even with stock shocks. Add the stress of a coil over and you're really asking for lower shock mount failure.

Gray Ghost · 12-12-2008, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pillow

I believe the rear control arms are the key to the wonderful ride in these trucks. Why they went away in the later generations of trucks is beyond me.

I have been using the '71 for a worker for the last few weeks to try it out and it has performed very well. Mostly trying it due to gas being so much more than diesel.

More silly questions to come

I completely agree....I will never own another leaf spring truck. I call them the 'world's largest traction bars'!

caminokid · 12-13-2008, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gray Ghost

I completely agree....I will never own another leaf spring truck. I call them the 'world's largest traction bars'!

The bad thing about coils is wheel hop. I do like the fact that coils on the back are easier to change...but leaf will hold a better load.

Gray Ghost · 12-13-2008, 12:52 AM

Wheel hop? I guess mine's set up better than stock....never had that happen.

As for load, that may be true with stock 1/2 tons but I have 3/4 ton coils and helpers so that's a non -issue.

caminokid · 12-13-2008, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gray Ghost

As for load, that may be true with stock 1/2 tons but I have 3/4 ton coils and helpers so that's a non -issue.

I am using the 3/4 springs and helpers on the 1/2 in the garge. I am looking for a little rake on mine. Giving that jacked up hot rod look.

Gray Ghost · 12-13-2008, 01:43 AM

I love a little rake for sure but mine doesn't have much since I haul lumber and such most of the time...

On the rare occasion it's empty, it has a bit of rake to it. Always liked that...

nicolas72gmc · 12-13-2008, 04:09 AM

Does anyone make bag set-up for leafs? I dont know where they would mount, but it sounds like a good idea. Sucks when I change my leafs out to drop leafs, i will have to remove the overload leafs.

bad6772 · 12-13-2008, 05:22 AM

There is a ( Air over leaf ) Kit That Air Ride has......Not sure on cost....It mounts the the leaf and to the frame....I think its a all (bolt) on type of deal.......

**El Jay** · 12-13-2008, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

That's a bad idea. The shock mounts were never intended for the added stress of supporting the load. Lots of lower shock mounts have ripped out even with stock shocks. Add the stress of a coil over and you're really asking for lower shock mount failure.

Yup.
Shock eggsorbers are for controlling rebound, not carrying weight.

67slammer · 12-13-2008, 08:23 AM

did you ever think about putting on the auxillary spring set? they were a option on these trucks.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 12-13-2008, 10:55 AM

Quote:

I am planning on buying another C-10 or C-20 for a work truck but need something closer to a 3/4 ton capacity.

Then I would suggest getting a C-20 which IS a "3/4 ton" truck. Actually a GMC 2500 would be even better as you will have more headlights and a colored dash.

Aarons72s · 12-13-2008, 02:24 PM

My green truck has 3/4ton hd springs in it. It was originally a slide in camper truck. Not the smoothiest ride when empty but when you load her up she rides smooth as couldbe. As for the coil over shocks, deffinently dont use them. As they said the mounts were not made to take the extra weight. I had them in my orange truck and they cracked the lower shock mounts. The orange truck had them due to it was also a slide in camper truck. But instead of changing the springs they just added the coilover shocks.

12-11-2008, 07:13 PM	#1
Pillow Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Warrenton VA Posts: 144	Stiffer springs for a C-10? I am wondering if there is a stiffer spring kit available for the C-10 trucks with the trailing arm rearends. They ride like a Cadillac, but are a bit soft for a work beast. I think the C-20s came with a leaf spring rear? I am planning on buying another C-10 or C-20 for a work truck but need something closer to a 3/4 ton capacity. Just wondering if the C-10 can be beefed up. Also I am exploring the possibility of putting a 6.2 diesel in it, that is a different issue at the moment, but it is heavier than a SBC and needs heavier springs as well. Thanks!!! __________________ '71 C-10 with 5.3 LS2 cam & NWC T5 - Patina King! '83 Jeep Cherokee w 5.3 LS9 cam & SM465 NP208 swap in progress '92 Volvo 960 wagon w 5.3 LS7 cam & WC T5 swap in progress '79 Porsche 911 SC '48 Spartan Mansion 30' travel trailer '10 Porsche Cayenne S - Daily

12-11-2008, 07:39 PM	#2
caminokid Chevy nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Springfield, Illinois Posts: 2,266	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? My C-20 has coils. I am using them on my C-10. I just want the rake to my truck. __________________ 84 Chevy Custom Deluxe 1/2 Ton Named Fade To Black II "Remember kids there is NO replacement for displacement!"

12-11-2008, 09:20 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? You can put 3/4 ton coils in a 1/2 ton with zero mods. The frames are 99% the same between a 1/2 ton and a 3/4 ton, but the rear axle and brakes are the main things upgraded on a 3/4 ton.

12-11-2008, 10:46 PM	#4
Pillow Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Warrenton VA Posts: 144	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? Awesome guys! Thanks for the info. I guess a bone head question there after all. I have just never had the opportunity to look under a c-20 I will keep you all updated on my search. __________________ '71 C-10 with 5.3 LS2 cam & NWC T5 - Patina King! '83 Jeep Cherokee w 5.3 LS9 cam & SM465 NP208 swap in progress '92 Volvo 960 wagon w 5.3 LS7 cam & WC T5 swap in progress '79 Porsche 911 SC '48 Spartan Mansion 30' travel trailer '10 Porsche Cayenne S - Daily

12-12-2008, 12:10 AM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? yep...I agree with camino (never knew you were so old man!) And you can't assume with these rigs either, they'll throw you for a loop... esp if you are in a car frame of mind.

12-12-2008, 01:15 AM	#8
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? As far as upgrading the C-10 springs, there are air bag helper springs. When have no load, let out the air. When you haul a load, air it up. The C-20 springs will work just fine, but the ride will be harsher, if that matters at all. __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

12-12-2008, 02:09 AM	#9
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? I put panel truck springs [3/4 ton] on mine and it's a workhorse. Also have the helpers on it....it will carry a ton easily and rides fairly smooth. __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

12-12-2008, 12:36 PM	#10
OrangeCrush1970 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Smyrna, GA Posts: 709	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? My truck (1/2 ton) came with heavy duty coils (3/4 ton) from the factory and while Im sure they're well broken in, the ride is very good, not harsh at all... __________________ *Rottenwood Garage* 1970...71...72 C1500 aka Orange aka Sideshow Bob 540 BB Straub Roller Cam, AFR Magnums, XP 950, TKO 600 2 Tons of Fun

12-12-2008, 03:37 PM	#11
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Franklinton NC Posts: 1,309	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? You can also add coil over shocks.

12-12-2008, 04:45 PM	#12
Stock72c10 classic=of recognized value Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 317	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? Check out the ones in this thread. Many people say they work pretty well. I only had one on my truck as the other one broke off but it is nice because they ride normal until you load the truck up then the helpers kick in. They are cheap too, but that may be slightly due to build quality (the U-Bolts broke on mine when removing). http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=311829

12-12-2008, 09:47 PM	#13
Pillow Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Warrenton VA Posts: 144	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? I believe the rear control arms are the key to the wonderful ride in these trucks. Why they went away in the later generations of trucks is beyond me. I have been using the '71 for a worker for the last few weeks to try it out and it has performed very well. Mostly trying it due to gas being so much more than diesel. More silly questions to come __________________ '71 C-10 with 5.3 LS2 cam & NWC T5 - Patina King! '83 Jeep Cherokee w 5.3 LS9 cam & SM465 NP208 swap in progress '92 Volvo 960 wagon w 5.3 LS7 cam & WC T5 swap in progress '79 Porsche 911 SC '48 Spartan Mansion 30' travel trailer '10 Porsche Cayenne S - Daily

12-13-2008, 12:52 AM	#17
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? Wheel hop? I guess mine's set up better than stock....never had that happen. As for load, that may be true with stock 1/2 tons but I have 3/4 ton coils and helpers so that's a non -issue. __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

12-13-2008, 01:43 AM	#19
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? I love a little rake for sure but mine doesn't have much since I haul lumber and such most of the time... On the rare occasion it's empty, it has a bit of rake to it. Always liked that... __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

12-13-2008, 04:09 AM	#20
nicolas72gmc Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sunny Arizona Posts: 525	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? Does anyone make bag set-up for leafs? I dont know where they would mount, but it sounds like a good idea. Sucks when I change my leafs out to drop leafs, i will have to remove the overload leafs. __________________ Nick "Everyone has a plan, 'till they get punched in the mouth".........Mike Tyson 1968, GMC, SWB, Project 1972, GMC, LWB, Daily Driver, 383, headers, 2.5"/3" exhaust, 200r4, 3.5/5 ECE components. 1972, C/10, LWB, 350 vortec, th350

12-13-2008, 05:22 AM	#21
bad6772 Official Site Guitar Shredder Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oz Posts: 3,955	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? There is a ( Air over leaf ) Kit That Air Ride has......Not sure on cost....It mounts the the leaf and to the frame....I think its a all (bolt) on type of deal.......



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12-13-2008, 08:23 AM	#23
67slammer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: muncy pa Posts: 425	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? did you ever think about putting on the auxillary spring set? they were a option on these trucks.

12-13-2008, 02:24 PM	#25
Aarons72s Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 10,669	Re: Stiffer springs for a C-10? My green truck has 3/4ton hd springs in it. It was originally a slide in camper truck. Not the smoothiest ride when empty but when you load her up she rides smooth as couldbe. As for the coil over shocks, deffinently dont use them. As they said the mounts were not made to take the extra weight. I had them in my orange truck and they cracked the lower shock mounts. The orange truck had them due to it was also a slide in camper truck. But instead of changing the springs they just added the coilover shocks.

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