1968 Chevy C50 leaf spring replacement - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Campbel45 · 12-09-2019, 06:33 PM

Hi,

My C50 is leaning to the drivers side a bit. So much so, that the driver-side, rear overload springs are engaging. I'm wanting to fix this so I've been searching for new leaf springs.

The truck is a typical old grain truck with a single lift cylinder. On my SPID, I have option number G58 and G60. G58= 23000 springs, G60= auxiliary spring EQ.

Now, what's been difficult for me, is finding the correct springs. From my GM parts manual, OEM part number 3818306 is what I'm looking for. This translates to a part number 22-347 for most leaf spring shops. But most leaf spring shops rate this spring at 9500 lbs. Does anyone know if this is correct? I'm guessing the G58 code of 23000 lbs is with the overload springs included?

This whole time I've been assuming that the leaf springs are worn out. Does anyone have any comments on what else I should check?

71'tahoe · 12-09-2019, 07:39 PM

First off,That is one good looking truck!!
Here is what I'd try to do. Measure from the top of the regular spring pack to the top of the over load spring. Do that on both sides and see if there is much difference. If the driver side is shorter then I'd say you have a worn/sagging spring pack. I didn't see any broken springs in your photos so I don't believe that is causing the issue. Maybe jack up the frame by the rear springs on the driver side and look into the front and rear hangers to see if they are worn. I'm not sure what else to check. I know this may sound crazy but count the springs on each side to make sure there is an equal amount. I have seen where some will break and the owners just remove the broken spring and put it back together to keep the truck moving. Sorry i couldn't be much more helpful.

Campbel45 · 12-09-2019, 07:54 PM

71'tahoe - Thank you, I had not considered the hangers to be worn. I will check that.

71'tahoe · 12-09-2019, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Campbel45

71'tahoe - Thank you, I had not considered the hangers to be worn. I will check that.

No problem. With the both sides of the springs just "floating" they get a lot of wear on the hangers. I hope you find the issue. Do you drive the truck much? She looks to be in good shape.

Campbel45 · 12-09-2019, 08:27 PM

I bought it off of a gentleman who bought it off a farmer, so I am the 3rd owner. Overall, its in great shape. I found a inspection ticket from the 90s that showed it was well cared for.

There is a little rust on the front fenders where it meets the extensions. But I must confess, I did put a little effort in cleaning it up. I washed, clay bar'ed, and applied a few elbow grease sessions with meguiars #7. It has done wonders to reviving the old original paint.

I use it to haul wood and other larger things from time to time but I've mostly taken it to local car shows. My wife and I laugh as it actually draws quite a bit attention. Who would have thought an old grain truck could be cool too.

12-09-2019, 06:33 PM	#1
Campbel45 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Greenwood, IN Posts: 379	1968 Chevy C50 leaf spring replacement Hi, My C50 is leaning to the drivers side a bit. So much so, that the driver-side, rear overload springs are engaging. I'm wanting to fix this so I've been searching for new leaf springs. The truck is a typical old grain truck with a single lift cylinder. On my SPID, I have option number G58 and G60. G58= 23000 springs, G60= auxiliary spring EQ. Now, what's been difficult for me, is finding the correct springs. From my GM parts manual, OEM part number 3818306 is what I'm looking for. This translates to a part number 22-347 for most leaf spring shops. But most leaf spring shops rate this spring at 9500 lbs. Does anyone know if this is correct? I'm guessing the G58 code of 23000 lbs is with the overload springs included? This whole time I've been assuming that the leaf springs are worn out. Does anyone have any comments on what else I should check? Attached Images Last edited by Campbel45; 12-09-2019 at 07:56 PM.

12-09-2019, 07:39 PM	#2
71'tahoe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: lynchburg ohio Posts: 736	Re: 1968 Chevy C50 leaf spring replacement First off,That is one good looking truck!! Here is what I'd try to do. Measure from the top of the regular spring pack to the top of the over load spring. Do that on both sides and see if there is much difference. If the driver side is shorter then I'd say you have a worn/sagging spring pack. I didn't see any broken springs in your photos so I don't believe that is causing the issue. Maybe jack up the frame by the rear springs on the driver side and look into the front and rear hangers to see if they are worn. I'm not sure what else to check. I know this may sound crazy but count the springs on each side to make sure there is an equal amount. I have seen where some will break and the owners just remove the broken spring and put it back together to keep the truck moving. Sorry i couldn't be much more helpful.

12-09-2019, 07:54 PM	#3
Campbel45 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Greenwood, IN Posts: 379	Re: 1968 Chevy C50 leaf spring replacement 71'tahoe - Thank you, I had not considered the hangers to be worn. I will check that.

12-09-2019, 08:27 PM	#5
Campbel45 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Greenwood, IN Posts: 379	Re: 1968 Chevy C50 leaf spring replacement I bought it off of a gentleman who bought it off a farmer, so I am the 3rd owner. Overall, its in great shape. I found a inspection ticket from the 90s that showed it was well cared for. There is a little rust on the front fenders where it meets the extensions. But I must confess, I did put a little effort in cleaning it up. I washed, clay bar'ed, and applied a few elbow grease sessions with meguiars #7. It has done wonders to reviving the old original paint. I use it to haul wood and other larger things from time to time but I've mostly taken it to local car shows. My wife and I laugh as it actually draws quite a bit attention. Who would have thought an old grain truck could be cool too.



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