rear leaf spring question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**bb400ho** · 11-25-2019, 03:08 PM

hello, i have a 68 gmc shortbed 2 wd with a leaf spring rear. the springs in it have 8 leafs (i think some were added) and they are 2-1/4 wide. i have a newer rear end in it and i had to use 2-1/2 u bolts and saddles. i would like to buy new leaf springs for the rear. my question is would i have to change the mounts on the frame to go with the easily obtainable 2-1/2" wide springs or is there a bushing that could be shortened?
thanks bryan

sstock · 11-25-2019, 03:09 PM

Odd you say some were added, my 64 GMC has 7 leaves in its leaf pack and one has been removed.
Steve

**bb400ho** · 11-25-2019, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sstock

Odd you say some were added, my 64 GMC has 7 leaves in its leaf pack and one has been removed.
Steve

i could be wrong. when i was looking at replacements i thought i saw 5 as the most leafs you could get.

KY_GMC · 11-25-2019, 09:07 PM

The truck probably had the G50 Heavy Rear Spring option. Check your SPID.

You can get replacement springs in 2-1/4" width from SDTruckSprings, but they probably won't have the G50 option. It would be a lot easier to buy those than replace the spring hangers.

Why do you need new springs?

There are measurements on the website that you can use to determine if they are out of shape.

**bb400ho** · 11-26-2019, 09:19 AM

the bushings on the springs are shot and they are kinda pitted. im not sure i need the g50 option. my truck has no spid. there is no evidence of it on the glove box door.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 11-27-2019, 10:32 AM

Say Bryan, questions; any chance you have a rear sport bumper? Also, is the hole in your frame for a rear bumper like this? Thank you

**bb400ho** · 11-27-2019, 11:09 AM

i will measure when i get home. my truck came with no bumper i bought a sport bumper and brackets from gmc pauls. i have not tried to fit it yet. i moved the fuel tank back there and have a few things to work out first. heres a couple of pics of where i am with the build

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 11-28-2019, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bb400ho

i will measure when i get home. my truck came with no bumper i bought a sport bumper and brackets from gmc pauls. i have not tried to fit it yet. i moved the fuel tank back there and have a few things to work out first. heres a couple of pics of where i am with the build

My favorite color on 67-68, looking great.

**bb400ho** · 12-23-2019, 08:08 AM

sorry it took so long to reply, yes it appears that is where the holes are located,

54blackhornet · 12-23-2019, 11:08 AM

Contact Detroit Spring they can build you a proper spring and supply everything you need.

**bb400ho** · 12-23-2019, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

Contact Detroit Spring they can build you a proper spring and supply everything you need.

i have used them for springs on a couple of gto's . i have the springs out now and am attempting to replace the bushings. the ones i bought had a 1.250 dia but i need a 1.125 dia. i found them and ordered them just a few minutes ago.

11-25-2019, 03:08 PM	#1
bb400ho Active Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: erie pa Posts: 150	rear leaf spring question hello, i have a 68 gmc shortbed 2 wd with a leaf spring rear. the springs in it have 8 leafs (i think some were added) and they are 2-1/4 wide. i have a newer rear end in it and i had to use 2-1/2 u bolts and saddles. i would like to buy new leaf springs for the rear. my question is would i have to change the mounts on the frame to go with the easily obtainable 2-1/2" wide springs or is there a bushing that could be shortened? thanks bryan

11-25-2019, 03:09 PM	#2
sstock Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Tacoma Wa Posts: 146	Re: rear leaf spring question Odd you say some were added, my 64 GMC has 7 leaves in its leaf pack and one has been removed. Steve __________________ 1953 3100 261cu in, sm420, 3.55 torque tube, omaha orange 1964 GMC 1000 series,custom, 305E, sm420

11-25-2019, 09:07 PM	#4
KY_GMC Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Fort Thomas, KY Posts: 300	Re: rear leaf spring question The truck probably had the G50 Heavy Rear Spring option. Check your SPID. You can get replacement springs in 2-1/4" width from SDTruckSprings, but they probably won't have the G50 option. It would be a lot easier to buy those than replace the spring hangers. Why do you need new springs? There are measurements on the website that you can use to determine if they are out of shape. __________________ 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom, 383 Stoker, TH350 Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=592157 Engine Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=592233

11-26-2019, 09:19 AM	#5
bb400ho Active Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: erie pa Posts: 150	Re: rear leaf spring question the bushings on the springs are shot and they are kinda pitted. im not sure i need the g50 option. my truck has no spid. there is no evidence of it on the glove box door.

11-27-2019, 10:32 AM	#6
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,329	Re: rear leaf spring question Say Bryan, questions; any chance you have a rear sport bumper? Also, is the hole in your frame for a rear bumper like this? Thank you Attached Images __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

11-27-2019, 11:09 AM	#7
bb400ho Active Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: erie pa Posts: 150	Re: rear leaf spring question i will measure when i get home. my truck came with no bumper i bought a sport bumper and brackets from gmc pauls. i have not tried to fit it yet. i moved the fuel tank back there and have a few things to work out first. heres a couple of pics of where i am with the build Attached Images

12-23-2019, 08:08 AM	#9
bb400ho Active Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: erie pa Posts: 150	Re: rear leaf spring question sorry it took so long to reply, yes it appears that is where the holes are located,

12-23-2019, 11:08 AM	#10
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,393	Re: rear leaf spring question Contact Detroit Spring they can build you a proper spring and supply everything you need. __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD



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