1968 C10 with coil springs, how to....? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Miell · 11-18-2018, 09:06 PM

My 1968 C10 does not handle loads very well, so I would like to beef it up some, not necessarily lift the rear end, just beef it up some.

Any ideas?

Rick

**LockDoc** · 11-19-2018, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miell

My 1968 C10 does not handle loads very well, so I would like to beef it up some, not necessarily lift the rear end, just beef it up some.

Any ideas?

Rick

Some trucks had factory option helper springs. They come up for sale on the parts boards every once in a while. Here are a couple of pictures of them. The rear frame rails have been cut off in the second picture so it looks out of proportion.

LockDoc

**FirstOwner69** · 11-19-2018, 01:42 AM

Here's a better view of the one in the picture of my '69 C20 frame that LockDoc posted above.

moon · 11-19-2018, 03:12 AM

I had the same issue with my '70 C10. Replaced the old stock coil springs with heavy duty progressive load coils & that did the trick!

**special-K** · 11-19-2018, 06:41 AM

https://www.airliftcompany.com/produ...air-lift-1000/

Andy4639 · 11-19-2018, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

https://www.airliftcompany.com/produ...air-lift-1000/

X2 on the air lift and if you want it to handle even better get the No Limit shock relocator kit. I have both on my 71 C 10 and man does it drive good.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=688743

bill3rail · 11-19-2018, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miell

My 1968 C10 does not handle loads very well, so I would like to beef it up some, not necessarily lift the rear end, just beef it up some.

Any ideas?

Rick

The helper springs or camper springs add about 500 pound capacity to the truck. I bought a set and am in the middle of refinishing them prior to install. I actually ended up buying a second set, don't ask why!

Bill

**MikeB** · 11-19-2018, 09:37 PM

Lots of options here: https://www.truckspring.com/Search.a...n-Parts&page=1

Rick Bollinger · 11-19-2018, 09:39 PM

I am doing a modest 2 1/2 front - 3" rear drop will the overload springs work with this drop or will I need to do something different? Maybe a pair of flatter leaf springs taken out of a car, cut and drilled to fit? Not meaning to hijack thread just thought it may be relevant.

**MikeB** · 11-20-2018, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Bollinger

I am doing a modest 2 1/2 front - 3" rear drop will the overload springs work with this drop or will I need to do something different?

I'm not sure, but you'd need to start with shorter and much stiffer coil springs. When I had my 69 C10, I bought several suspension parts from these guys, including 2" drop rear coil springs and adjustable track bar.
https://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog...=139&keys=rear

I also used these shock mounts to keep the shocks more vertical with shorter springs. Very important if you want the shocks to actually work!
https://www.earlyclassic.com/node/1194

Doesn't look like they sell heavy duty drop springs, but they might be able to point you in the right direction. Call them at 888.777.0395.

Tallguy · 11-25-2018, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miell

My 1968 C10 does not handle loads very well, so I would like to beef it up some, not necessarily lift the rear end, just beef it up some.

Any ideas?

Rick

Hey Rick, I was just wondering if you had made a decision on what to do with the back of your truck. I've got a 67 shortbed with the same issue. Thx, mike

**MikeB** · 11-25-2018, 12:57 PM

To the OP: Moog #6101 springs should increase the load carrying capability without raising the truck up too much.

Concerning a rear drop AND increased load handling, I'd try lowering springs because they are typically stiffer than stock std duty springs. And if they can't handle a load, then take a look at the helper springs mentioned above or an Air Lift kit.

11-18-2018, 09:06 PM	#1
Miell Registered User Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: La Junta, CO. Posts: 1	1968 C10 with coil springs, how to....? My 1968 C10 does not handle loads very well, so I would like to beef it up some, not necessarily lift the rear end, just beef it up some. Any ideas? Rick

11-19-2018, 01:42 AM	#3
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,852	Re: 1968 C10 with coil springs, how to....? Here's a better view of the one in the picture of my '69 C20 frame that LockDoc posted above. Attached Images

11-19-2018, 03:12 AM	#4
moon Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 84	Re: 1968 C10 with coil springs, how to....? I had the same issue with my '70 C10. Replaced the old stock coil springs with heavy duty progressive load coils & that did the trick! __________________ 1970 CST long bed Fleetside

11-19-2018, 06:41 AM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: 1968 C10 with coil springs, how to....? https://www.airliftcompany.com/produ...air-lift-1000/ __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-19-2018, 09:37 PM	#8
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: 1968 C10 with coil springs, how to....? Lots of options here: https://www.truckspring.com/Search.a...n-Parts&page=1 __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

11-19-2018, 09:39 PM	#9
Rick Bollinger Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Colchester IL Posts: 307	Re: 1968 C10 with coil springs, how to....? I am doing a modest 2 1/2 front - 3" rear drop will the overload springs work with this drop or will I need to do something different? Maybe a pair of flatter leaf springs taken out of a car, cut and drilled to fit? Not meaning to hijack thread just thought it may be relevant.

11-25-2018, 12:57 PM	#12
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: 1968 C10 with coil springs, how to....? To the OP: Moog #6101 springs should increase the load carrying capability without raising the truck up too much. Concerning a rear drop AND increased load handling, I'd try lowering springs because they are typically stiffer than stock std duty springs. And if they can't handle a load, then take a look at the helper springs mentioned above or an Air Lift kit. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!



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