C/20 Leaf Spring Questions. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Rodk65 · 11-08-2010, 06:08 PM

I am finding so much conflicting information I am not sure what is correct. I have a 71 C/20 leaf spring suspension. ECE has a 4” drop leaf spring for a C/10 half ton truck. ECE lowering leaf springs are 2¼ inches wide with a half ton rating. I measured my C/20 springs to verify and my springs are also 2¼ wide. Is there any reason why I couldn’t swap my springs for a set of ECE drop leaf springs? I understand that it will lower my towing capacity but not so much that I wouldn’t be able to tow our boat and ATV's around. I would like to lower the stance and hopefully make it ride a little better. Any information is appreciated.

swamp rat · 11-08-2010, 08:58 PM

My guess, and i say it from not having to do it or having any experiance with it would be that aside from the towing rating you would want to check the eye to eye length, and also the bolt and bushing diameters.

You didn't mention if this is a 2wd but i'm assuming so, did you also find something for the front? something to think about.

Also possibly the driveshaft may be too long if ya drop it that far??

sjarrett71 · 11-08-2010, 09:18 PM

I found a lot of good info on this website: www.generalspringkc.com

They have measurements so you can compare. Their prices seem a little cheaper too. I don't know if they have lowering springs though but I'm sure you could contact them and ask.

Rodk65 · 11-09-2010, 12:39 AM

The general spring web site is actually the site that got me thinking about this. My next question was to Stan at ECE. At first I was told that they wouldn't work but then I was told that if I had 2 1/4 wide springs then there leaf springs would work in my truck. I was wondering if anyone else had used ECE 1/2 ton leaf springs on a 3/4 ton.

1stimer · 11-09-2010, 01:22 AM

According to this thread, there were two different lengths for leaf springs for 73-87 trucks. Not sure if this is the same for the previous generation or not.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=359363

Rodk65 · 11-09-2010, 04:39 PM

I don't believe that in 71 there were different lengths but I can not say for sure. I am only going off of what I have read from some of the aftermarket spring shops.

cdowns · 11-09-2010, 05:03 PM

i'd check with a local spring shop for availability and suggestions for alternitves

Jacfourteen · 11-09-2010, 05:38 PM

If you are going to lose capacity anyway, you might think about pulling some of your stock leaves out for a drop. I pulled 4 leaves out and it got me 4" lower. Here are some links to other threads on pulling leaves:

My writeup on pulling leaves

another similar thread

Mike C · 11-09-2010, 09:24 PM

I used the ECE lowering shackles on my 3/4 ton. The 2x4 had 2 1/4" wide springs, but the 4x4's and the 2x4 Longhorns had 2 1/2" wide springs. My thought is an inquiry to ECE is the place to start.

playstock · 11-16-2010, 01:01 AM

use 1973 and newer lowering shackles. they are the same width as the longhorn leaf springs. I got them at ECE.

11-08-2010, 06:08 PM	#1
Rodk65 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Holmen, WI Posts: 212	C/20 Leaf Spring Questions. I am finding so much conflicting information I am not sure what is correct. I have a 71 C/20 leaf spring suspension. ECE has a 4” drop leaf spring for a C/10 half ton truck. ECE lowering leaf springs are 2¼ inches wide with a half ton rating. I measured my C/20 springs to verify and my springs are also 2¼ wide. Is there any reason why I couldn’t swap my springs for a set of ECE drop leaf springs? I understand that it will lower my towing capacity but not so much that I wouldn’t be able to tow our boat and ATV's around. I would like to lower the stance and hopefully make it ride a little better. Any information is appreciated. __________________ ROD 1969 K10 4x4 Short Fleet. Tuned Port Injection 350/700R4, Cruise, tilt and factory A/C. 1971 C20 Camper Special. 350/350. SOLD 2002 Chevy Tahoe LT

11-08-2010, 08:58 PM	#2
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	Re: C/20 Leaf Spring Questions. My guess, and i say it from not having to do it or having any experiance with it would be that aside from the towing rating you would want to check the eye to eye length, and also the bolt and bushing diameters. You didn't mention if this is a 2wd but i'm assuming so, did you also find something for the front? something to think about. Also possibly the driveshaft may be too long if ya drop it that far?? __________________ Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's

11-08-2010, 09:18 PM	#3
sjarrett71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 2,463	Re: C/20 Leaf Spring Questions. I found a lot of good info on this website: www.generalspringkc.com They have measurements so you can compare. Their prices seem a little cheaper too. I don't know if they have lowering springs though but I'm sure you could contact them and ask. __________________ -Scott-

11-09-2010, 12:39 AM	#4
Rodk65 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Holmen, WI Posts: 212	Re: C/20 Leaf Spring Questions. The general spring web site is actually the site that got me thinking about this. My next question was to Stan at ECE. At first I was told that they wouldn't work but then I was told that if I had 2 1/4 wide springs then there leaf springs would work in my truck. I was wondering if anyone else had used ECE 1/2 ton leaf springs on a 3/4 ton. __________________ ROD 1969 K10 4x4 Short Fleet. Tuned Port Injection 350/700R4, Cruise, tilt and factory A/C. 1971 C20 Camper Special. 350/350. SOLD 2002 Chevy Tahoe LT

11-09-2010, 01:22 AM	#5
1stimer Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 46	Re: C/20 Leaf Spring Questions. According to this thread, there were two different lengths for leaf springs for *73-87* trucks. Not sure if this is the same for the previous generation or not. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=359363

11-09-2010, 04:39 PM	#6
Rodk65 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Holmen, WI Posts: 212	Re: C/20 Leaf Spring Questions. I don't believe that in 71 there were different lengths but I can not say for sure. I am only going off of what I have read from some of the aftermarket spring shops. __________________ ROD 1969 K10 4x4 Short Fleet. Tuned Port Injection 350/700R4, Cruise, tilt and factory A/C. 1971 C20 Camper Special. 350/350. SOLD 2002 Chevy Tahoe LT

11-09-2010, 05:03 PM	#7
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: C/20 Leaf Spring Questions. i'd check with a local spring shop for availability and suggestions for alternitves __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

11-09-2010, 05:38 PM	#8
Jacfourteen Big Red - Now its a SWB! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, Ca Posts: 1,624	Re: C/20 Leaf Spring Questions. If you are going to lose capacity anyway, you might think about pulling some of your stock leaves out for a drop. I pulled 4 leaves out and it got me 4" lower. Here are some links to other threads on pulling leaves: My writeup on pulling leaves another similar thread __________________ 68 3/4 ton (Project)-350 Small Block, .030 over, 10:1 comp, 3998993 heads, C3BX edelbrock intake, comp cams XE268, Holley 670 SA, long tube headers, dual flow 40's, E-fan, Alum rad, currently under the knife getting shortened and bagged build thread 41 3/4 ton (wife's)-flatbed, fully restored to original 01 Tahoe LT 4WD (my daily driver)-Magnaflow Muffler, Rollin on 22's 02 Ford Mustang Convertable (Wife's Car)-Flowmaster 50, Clear corners, Intake, sittin on 18's

11-09-2010, 09:24 PM	#9
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,715	Re: C/20 Leaf Spring Questions. I used the ECE lowering shackles on my 3/4 ton. The 2x4 had 2 1/4" wide springs, but the 4x4's and the 2x4 Longhorns had 2 1/2" wide springs. My thought is an inquiry to ECE is the place to start. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

11-16-2010, 01:01 AM	#10
playstock Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: fresno, ca Posts: 22	Re: C/20 Leaf Spring Questions. use 1973 and newer lowering shackles. they are the same width as the longhorn leaf springs. I got them at ECE.



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