Coil Springs for my '69 LWB GMC

[bud45]

A few years ago, I inquired about this...please forgive me, but I've since moved into a new home (and losing paperwork), crashed three computers and lost many, many links and I can't find it here, if I asked about it, so here goes again...

My '69 GMC 1500 LWB p/u (built in Canada) has coil springs on all four corners...they're tired and I want to replace them, BUT, with better units, to get a slight lift, maybe an inch or so. A few years ago, I had a 283 transplanted, which can't be much heavier than the 292 I had in it, nor the 250 before it.

Someone mentioned replacing them with NAPA springs for the same-year Suburban and that's the info I lost. The person who posted the info gave the diameters, etc. I went to NAPA's site online and tried to figure this out, but it looks like the p/u and Suburban both share the same coils...?

I've checked out the variable-rate and standard coils and got even more confused than before. What are the advantages or disadvantages to each? If I go with 3/4-ton coils w/variable rate on the rear and 3/4-ton on the front, could I possibly expect a slight lift? Or should I go with 3/4-ton standard coils on all corners? Or just stay with the 1/2-ton versions for the Suburban?

I know the ride will be a little stiffer, but this is a work truck; sometimes, I take the 60's off in lieu of grippier tires for hunting season. I'm also considering getting 16" wheels & tires for the future and possibly need to prepare for the added diameter and needed clearance.

Any help, opinions and experiences will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Bud.

[ERASER5]

Stock 73-87 front springs will fit perfectly and give you a little lift. I got about 1.5" lift with mine.

Rear stock 'Burb springs are probably a good idea.

Look at the venders for this site. Look for the "sticky" labeled "Help those that help us," scroll down a bit to find the link to the venders.

GMCPauls is a good choice. His web site lists all kind of parts for our trucks. There may even be a vender very close to where you live.

[bud45]

Thanks for the info! Do the rear stock Suburban springs also give a slight lift?

[ERASER5]

With 2x the steel plus glass back there, I would guess so.

[bud45]

I FINALLY got my springs! My good-hearted wife relented and allowed me some tax-return money (NOT stimulus!) and I got 'em, plus a 100-amp alternator!

The stance of the truck is now approximately 2" higher and a better, but stiffer, ride. It used to "waller" down the road but now, it rides, well, almost "proudly" down the highway! Thanks to Eraser5 for the suggestions!

I jumped my fat self (230 lbs.) up on the rear bumper...the truck bounced a small bounce & stopped...it didn't bounce 4 or 5 times, like before! I'll bet she'll haul a load of firewood now!!!!

I also wired in my alternator..it was a direct replacement (same case) as the old, externally-regulated "alternator". The only wire I used was the brown wire at the plug that originally plugged into the external regulator, to give the new alternator a " signal load" and to run the voltmeter gauge in the dash. The wire from the "+" stud to the battery is 8 gauge wire. I also used a GM plug at the alternator for a proper, neat installation.

Now, I can run my Ham radio at full power. The voltage indicator in the radio's display shows, 14.3v and drops when I hit the key at 13.8v. I've noticed that, after cranking, it can show as high as 14.9v, but it settles down after the battery is charged. Nonetheless, thanks to modern electronics circuits, the radio is overvoltage-protected and shuts down if anything goes above 15.3+v.

Now, for some other goodies and upgrades, unless the Obama stimulus package drains me of already much-needed funds and I can't....