47-55.1 S10 Rear Leaf Springs

[Driver_WT]

Hello everyone,

I have a 53 Chevy truck mounted on 1993 S10. The rear S10 leaf springs currently have 3 leaves that are all curved the same. This website indicates that the 3 leaf s10 spring is 2/1 with 1100 lb capacity (which I assume means a two stage leaf spring with a flat overload leaf on the bottom). https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index...ducts_id=21125

I am concerned that the PO took a 3/1 leaf spring and removed the overload leaf on the bottom.

The 3/1 leaf spring here is supposed to have 1350 capacity. https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index...oducts_id=1430

So I am not really sure what capacity spring I have with the three leaves. With the shocks off, it seems quite easy to push down on the rear of the truck.

I don't plan on hauling heavy loads with my truck. I am more interested in a good riding/stable truck. Truck also has 3" lowering blocks in the rear with axle over the leaf spring.

I am looking for recommendations on the best S10 leaf spring set up for my truck.

Thanks.

Wade

[joedoh]

there are two leaf sets for 1993 2wd,

2+ overload is the standard, 2 main leafs and the big flat overload.

3+ overload is RPO code Z85 for "highrider" suspension. the extra leaf gives about 1.5-2" higher arch.

the overload is exactly that, the overload is a big flat bar that helps the spring resist reverse arcing when overloaded. this actually will prevent the spring from flattening too, so removing the overload will drop the rear about an inch. the main springs are still rated for their weight, you will just drop further the closer you get to that weight.

aftermarket drop springs dont usually come with overloads.

if they pulled out the big flat overload, no worries at all. a 3+overload setup will work fine as a 2+ overload (removing the smallest leaf, or removing the middle leaf for even more drop) I have a Z85 truck and removed the middle leaf.


without shocks and without a bed you will be surprised at how easily the springs are compressed. its only when it gets to a percentage of its weight limit that it starts to resist the bend.

[Driver_WT]

Thanks Joedoh. Sounds like I should run with what I have to start and see how I like it.

[Driver_WT]

Duplicate post

[joedoh]

what I forgot to say but implied is that spring rate is not linear (ex: adding 10 lbs of weight increases spring rate by 1, adding another 10 lbs increases another 1, another 10 lbs another 1), its exponential (ex adding first 10 lbs increases spring rate by 1, another 10lbs increases 2, another 10 lbs increases 4, another 10 lbs increases 16, etc) meaning the spring rate increases more and more the more weight is applied. so that saggy feeling when completely unloaded does not mean it will be saggy when there is some weight on it.

I bought some belltech 4" drop leafs for a truck and they were really flexy, until the bed was on.

[Driver_WT]

Got it. Thanks. Very helpful.