Got a weird 68. One for the Gurus

[ayellow56]

Ok, here go we go. Got a 68 GMC 1/2 ton from a guy in Kansas a week or so ago and finally got to really looking it over on the lift. What I have is a leaf spring 1/2 ton rear suspension. There is no evidence of the frame ever being a 4x4 configuration or the cab for the transfer case etc. It has been c notched and the diff was flipped. My base question is does it make any sense to convert to trailing arms and coils now that intent is to bag it later down the road. I'm currently in full disassembly mode for engine bay clean up ,re wiring,disc conversion ,paint , you get the point. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Steve.

[Tinkermc]

I don't think I would change it.

[sean1969c10]

The GMC's were usually leaf sprung, so it's not weird at all!! Enjoy you new to you truck!!

[70LonghornCST]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I'll move this to the Suspension area for you to get some specialized attention. I'm sure the Suspension gurus will be along shortly. Since it it C-notched and you plan to lower it, my feeling is the trailing arms vs the leafs is probably a point to consider. I can only imagine the leafs being pretty maxed out if you plan to drop it pretty low. Good luck, and I'm sure we'll have some good feedback for you shortly.

[sduckworth13]

Have you drove the truck, just curious if the driveshaft vibrated like crazy. I had similar setup. I had a 67 gmc a couple of years ago with a 4 1/2 drop in the front and flip kit on the back with a c-notch. Probably had a 7 inch rear drop. I should have cut my axle perches and welded them to the proper angle but sold it before I got too far in it.

[andrewmp6]

Yeah most gmc's used leafs even on a 1/2 ton truck.

[N2TRUX]

It was common that GMCs came with leaf spring, and Chevy with coil and T/A. Just so you know, leafs were an option available on either brand.

[Hardesty454]

Hey neighbor! Like everyones said, Most old gmc's were leafs in the rear 2x4 or 4x4.

[YBNORML]

I keep hearing that most 67-72 GMC's had rear leafs. Must be a south of the border thing. I have personally taken apart a dozen or so GMC's and only ever come across one with leafs.

[newbe351]

Originally Posted by YBNORML

I keep hearing that most 67-72 GMC's had rear leafs. Must be a south of the border thing. I have personally taken apart a dozen or so GMC's and only ever come across one with leafs.

Correct, from what I gather from the old 6066 GMC site. Canadian trucks were rebadged Chevy. South of the border, all sorts of weird things to condend with (at least with '60 -'66)....

[ayellow56]

Originally Posted by 70LonghornCST

Hello and welcome to the forum. I'll move this to the Suspension area for you to get some specialized attention. I'm sure the Suspension gurus will be along shortly. Since it it C-notched and you plan to lower it, my feeling is the trailing arms vs the leafs is probably a point to consider. I can only imagine the leafs being pretty maxed out if you plan to drop it pretty low. Good luck, and I'm sure we'll have some good feedback for you shortly.

Hi neighbor, thanks for your input. Since I have decided to convert to a t/a and coil spring setup do you know anybody locally that would have the t/a's and axle assembly with spring seats etc. Can't post on the parts forum yet so any help would be appreciated. PS I'm in Tracy. Thanks . Steve.