Removing Leaves - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

blown240 · 01-10-2011, 08:54 PM

I have 10 leaves in the spring pack on my 66 Suburban. I want to lower it 5 inches be removing springs. I will add air shocks so I can still haul things now and them. I have a feeling I will need to remove 5 or 6 leaves. I will start by just taking out every other one...

How many leaves can I remove before I ruin the handling? I know it will roll more with softer springs, but I am mostly worried about side to side play.

**N2TRUX** · 01-10-2011, 09:49 PM

Did you do a flip yet? I would flip it first then remove leaves after that. Don't do air shocks, do air bags instead. Airshocks will not be conducive to a good ride.

blown240 · 01-10-2011, 10:00 PM

I havent flipped it yet because there is only 3 1/2 inches between the top of the pack and the frame. I would have to notch the frame, and I am trying not too.

4pilgrim4 · 01-13-2011, 10:54 PM

I removed the top 3 leaves of a 5 leaf stack on my 83 Diesel Jimmy, then added Firestone Air lifts on each side.

When towing I give the lifts about 60 psi and reduce it to about 20 - 30 psi at other times. Schrader valves are installed through the bumper on each side of the license plate for convenience. With an onboard compressor I can add a little pressure whenever . . . .This really improves the ride as well as levels the vehicle.

Later I tried doing a similar mod to the front, but ended up with way too much bounce. I'm sure an aux air tank on each side would have helped, but available space to mount them is at a premium and I had other things to occupy my attention at the time.

01-10-2011, 08:54 PM	#1
blown240 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA Posts: 772	Removing Leaves I have 10 leaves in the spring pack on my 66 Suburban. I want to lower it 5 inches be removing springs. I will add air shocks so I can still haul things now and them. I have a feeling I will need to remove 5 or 6 leaves. I will start by just taking out every other one... How many leaves can I remove before I ruin the handling? I know it will roll more with softer springs, but I am mostly worried about side to side play.

01-10-2011, 09:49 PM	#2
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Removing Leaves Did you do a flip yet? I would flip it first then remove leaves after that. Don't do air shocks, do air bags instead. Airshocks will not be conducive to a good ride. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

01-10-2011, 10:00 PM	#3
blown240 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA Posts: 772	Re: Removing Leaves I havent flipped it yet because there is only 3 1/2 inches between the top of the pack and the frame. I would have to notch the frame, and I am trying not too.

01-13-2011, 10:54 PM	#4
4pilgrim4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Silverdale, WA Posts: 59	Re: Removing Leaves I removed the top 3 leaves of a 5 leaf stack on my 83 Diesel Jimmy, then added Firestone Air lifts on each side. When towing I give the lifts about 60 psi and reduce it to about 20 - 30 psi at other times. Schrader valves are installed through the bumper on each side of the license plate for convenience. With an onboard compressor I can add a little pressure whenever . . . .This really improves the ride as well as levels the vehicle. Later I tried doing a similar mod to the front, but ended up with way too much bounce. I'm sure an aux air tank on each side would have helped, but available space to mount them is at a premium and I had other things to occupy my attention at the time.



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