68 panel, getting back on the road

[trapperjack]

Been a while since I've been active here. Hope to be a little more active now. Have sold some other projects, and getting the 68 panel back to the front of the line. I have photos somewhere on an old crashed hard-drive, I can find them sometime. Came with a 307, had a 305 from a 79 firebird dropped in in early 80's. Still has factory powerglide. Runs and drives good, but has had some light and brake problems. Hope to fix those soon and get her back on the road. Question for those that know... can i get 3/4 ton rear coils to replace the 1/2 ton coils? What about front coils? Where to get them? will have more questions as time goes by, but looking forward to roaring down the road in this old beast again.

[shaneschevys]

You might check with Kennys truck parts if your wanting new or just check the local wrecking yards. Lets see some pics when you get a chance.

[capev86]

yes you can (and should) upgrade the rear springs on a stock height 1/2 ton panel or burb. my dad did that with his 72 burb back in the mid 80's when the original coils were sagged and we had (and still have) a '71 holiday 23 foot camper that weighs 6000 pounds loaded with an 800 pound tongue weight. turns out the standard 3/4 ton rear coils were optional equipment on all 1/2 ton trucks including blazers! with the soft 1/2 ton fronts the truck rode good and the stiffer rear coils gave it a nice rake and the aux overload springs never engaged after the upgrade. i bought a set of 3/4 ton HD option coils for the back end of my 72 burb 3/4 ton for the distant future when i'm rich and have a 40 foot toy hauler behind me! i would suggest you steer clear of those on a 1/2 ton axle......they are nearly 1 ton class springs and best for frequent heavy trailer towing. but i'd want the base 3/4 ton rear coils on anything other than a short bed that doesn't see any cargo. you will get a little rougher ride and a bit more bounce on rough roads but it is a great compromise and will help with rear body roll and keeping the front 1/2 ton spec will make things pretty smooth overall.....you had a great idea!!

rear coil spring weight ratings (per side) from my 72 burb dealer brochure:

1/2 ton: 1400lbs, 2000lbs

3/4 ton: 2000lbs, 2750lbs

oh yeah.......LMC has good prices on brand new coil springs if you don't find a good used set cheaper. they don't even list standard 1/2 ton rear coils....only lowering springs and variable rate springs. the vari-rate units tend not to be as nice as they sound (sag before they stiffen up). just compare the part number and you can see that the stock style 1/2 ton rear coils they carry are the 1/2 ton HD / standard 3/4 ton units.

[trapperjack]

Thanks for the info. I guess the rear shocks would need to be swapped for 3/4 ton as well? Dangit, just put new ones on the back.
I'm having trouble with photos. I had some here before, including an avatar, but it's gone. When I go to load an avatar, it shows that I have one, but doesn't show here. I'll dig a little deeper on it later. Thanks again for the replies.

[capev86]

no, the 1/2 ton shocks will be fine, especially if they are new! upgrade the rear coils and be the happier for it, i say!

[Sublvr72]

sweet, can't wait to see it.

The coils will physically fit and it's a direct swap

[trapperjack]

Here tis. Rattle can primer, after lots of sanding. And conversion van seats, were almost a bolt in. This was my great-uncle's truck since day 1. He turned 90 and they made him quit driving it.

[CG]

Dang check out those seats, Id be afraid Id fall asleep driving that thing. They look like a comfy loungers =)

I think its cool that the panel is staying in the family.

[shaneschevys]

Looks like a good solid panel.

[trapperjack]

It's pretty solid. floors are great, 1 quarter sized hole in the floor.Floor, mounts and frame are great. Rust in outer rockers, pass. side rear wheel well area has some rust, and had one spot above pass. side barn door that needed attention. It runs like a scalded dog, factory powerglide makes it scream at 65, but wants more. Non-power drums at all 4 corners, but stops better than anything that big I've driven before. It had a dealer installed under-dash a/c that my uncle removed in like 86. Parts are long gone, but I do have the original hubcaps with the red bowtie.