09-21-2020, 07:28 AM | #1 |
Active Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Traverse City, MI
Posts: 194
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Replacement Srpings
I need to update the springs on my 1978 GMC K25 (3/4-ton 4WD), main concern is the front springs. I currently have the 2-leaf front springs and am looking for a good replacement, but the rating on the replacement 2-leaf is 1,200# and from what I can tell the factory rated their 2-leaf pack at 1,800#. Does anyone have experience with the stock height replacement springs? After over 40 years they are sagging so I need to update, but want make sure I actually have the right capacity. I see the 4-leaf replacement pack is rated at 1,900# and the 3-leaf pack is rated at 1,400#. My experience with the factory 3-leaf pack was it was very stiff unless you had an all iron big block or a plow up front so I am hesitant to go more than the 2-leaf, but do not want to under spring the front.
I want to keep the ride reasonable, but will do some work with the truck - it is a 3/4-ton after all. It will from time to time have to haul a load of firewood, but will most likely be used to take my 14' fishing boat to one of the local boat ramps. I have 55 acres about half wooded and will be used to do some work farm occasionally. Driveline is a mild 400 (with Vortec heads), TH400 with an NP241 t-case, Dana 60 front and 14-bolt rear with 3.73 gears. Please let me know what your experience is with the replacement front springs. Thank you. |
09-26-2020, 06:27 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Traverse City, MI
Posts: 194
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Re: Replacement Srpings
Anyone!
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09-27-2020, 12:47 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Central OR
Posts: 728
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Re: Replacement Srpings
I bought the 3 leaf Dayton/Stanley springs 5 years ago. 454 K30. I love them. Added a 250# bumper. Still love them. 2 for 1/2 ton is what I would do. I can run over a dime and tell you if its heads or tails but it handles great.
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1955 GMC 250 8 Flatbed 1971 C30 157" 350 4spd 10' Flatbed 81 GMC K30 CnC 9' Flatbed 454 T400 89 GMC Jimmy Stock https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810958 71 LT1 Convertible, 72 Coupe 69 CJ5, 75 CJ6, 67 M715, 72 M35A2 Bobbed, 95 XLC2 |
09-27-2020, 01:35 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: MA
Posts: 116
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Re: Replacement Srpings
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09-28-2020, 08:47 AM | #5 |
Active Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Traverse City, MI
Posts: 194
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Re: Replacement Srpings
Thank you for the responses - very helpful! Looks like I should go with the three leaf pack
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09-28-2020, 02:58 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 23
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Re: Replacement Srpings
Talk to Joe @ General Spring KC.
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09-28-2020, 03:15 PM | #7 |
Active Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Traverse City, MI
Posts: 194
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Re: Replacement Srpings
I used General Spring for replacement springs for my C20 Camper Special, I do like their customer service! Plan on ordering through them again.
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09-30-2020, 08:50 AM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MA
Posts: 353
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Re: Replacement Srpings
I just go down to my local spring shop and tell them what I need based on application. They make them up and hand them to me. Sometimes I tell them to add as spring if I want to. I always go at least 3 for both 1/2 and 3/4 ton.
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09-30-2020, 11:47 AM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Colfax-California
Posts: 8,628
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Re: Replacement Srpings
Michigan Truck Spring in your back yard
https://www.truckspring.com/leaf-spr...k-springs.aspx |
09-30-2020, 12:14 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: horseheads,ny rust belt
Posts: 2,794
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Re: Replacement Srpings
general spring here this time also for my 22-403HD 4 leaf fronts for my plow truck k30 .
best price . fast ship . easy to deal with . called my 3 options local and they were not even in the same ball park of price .
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77-k30lb BIG truck build . 87-k30lb budget beater build . 85-k30lb the plow machine build . 85-c10sb summer fun toy . ----------------------------- HOLLEY SNIPER efi = worst case of p.i.t.a i ever had . EDELBROCK pro flo 4 = best deal going so far . love my setup works great. |
09-30-2020, 06:42 PM | #11 |
driving is in my blood
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Mesa AZ
Posts: 5,748
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Re: Replacement Srpings
Go with the softer ones. 3/4ton or not you sound like you won't be doing anything more then a 1/2ton would be able to do so go comfy.
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-78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me. |
09-30-2020, 07:41 PM | #12 |
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: horseheads,ny rust belt
Posts: 2,794
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Re: Replacement Srpings
even if you buy the 3 leaf if its to stiff just pull a leaf out of each pack .
lots of times its cheeper to buy the hd pack option and do just this . i know it from me doing it and years in repair work the shops do it all the time .
__________________
77-k30lb BIG truck build . 87-k30lb budget beater build . 85-k30lb the plow machine build . 85-c10sb summer fun toy . ----------------------------- HOLLEY SNIPER efi = worst case of p.i.t.a i ever had . EDELBROCK pro flo 4 = best deal going so far . love my setup works great. |
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