1970 K2500 super HD rear leaf springs - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Robert555 · 07-24-2023, 01:22 PM

Hi. I have a 1970 K2500 that is still a work truck. I normally over load it. Some time back I broke a couple teeth of the pinion gear of the stock Dana 60 so I replaced it with a corporate 14 bolt which I really like. The truck has 3,000 lb. rated rear rims and 3,750 lb. rated KO2's. I know none of this changes the GVW, but I'm tired of pulling the eyes off the front shocks. I want the truck to stay flat when loaded with 1-1/2 to 2 yards of gravel. I have been eyeing the 4100 lb. General Spring rear leafs for some time and am now ready to purchase. However, I first wanted to find out if anyone has them and what its like driving the truck empty. Is it still drivable on bumpy dirt roads? What did you use for shocks? Like I said, I know it doesn't change the GVW, just curios what those who have that setup think about them. Thanks!

j_cst_10 · 07-24-2023, 02:54 PM

I always thought the best approach to this was heavy duty air bags as helper springs. I am not any help on the spring question!

**Ironangel** · 07-24-2023, 06:28 PM

Them 14-bolts are quite a bit stronger and heavier than the Dana 60's. If your worried about a stiff ride unloaded, go back with the rebuilt factory leafs and put a set of heavy duty air shocks on. Put some travel limiting straps on the front axle if your pulling eyes off the shocks. You can rebuild what you have and install helper springs or go with the 1-ton (4100) springs. I wouldn't go with the heavier new springs in the rear without replacing the front springs as well. How deep are your pockets is the question...Here's a couple of options to look at, the Super Spring with the active rollers are progressive allowing a smooth ride until they're loaded, they might suit your needs and not break the bank... https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/hellw...s-supersprings

**kwmech** · 07-25-2023, 12:35 AM

That amount of gravel is at least 2-3 tons depending on which type you get. I get a yard of 3/4 crush in my 3/4 ton and it really squats down with about 3000 lbs. If I was moving that much gravel I'd either have it delivered or get a dump trailer. My days of shoveling out the back of my truck is over at my age. 2 yards almost fills up an 8' bed to the top

**special-K** · 07-25-2023, 08:57 AM

Auxiliary Air Lifts add 1,500# true capacity. Air them up when loaded heavy and air down for stock ride empty or adjusted anywhere in between according to load

07-24-2023, 01:22 PM	#1
Robert555 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Placerville, CA Posts: 5	1970 K2500 super HD rear leaf springs Hi. I have a 1970 K2500 that is still a work truck. I normally over load it. Some time back I broke a couple teeth of the pinion gear of the stock Dana 60 so I replaced it with a corporate 14 bolt which I really like. The truck has 3,000 lb. rated rear rims and 3,750 lb. rated KO2's. I know none of this changes the GVW, but I'm tired of pulling the eyes off the front shocks. I want the truck to stay flat when loaded with 1-1/2 to 2 yards of gravel. I have been eyeing the 4100 lb. General Spring rear leafs for some time and am now ready to purchase. However, I first wanted to find out if anyone has them and what its like driving the truck empty. Is it still drivable on bumpy dirt roads? What did you use for shocks? Like I said, I know it doesn't change the GVW, just curios what those who have that setup think about them. Thanks!

07-24-2023, 02:54 PM	#2
j_cst_10 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 592	Re: 1970 K2500 super HD rear leaf springs I always thought the best approach to this was heavy duty air bags as helper springs. I am not any help on the spring question! __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 Custom Camper 12 Valve Cummins/5spd manual 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed 557 Med Olive DK olive 1970 K5 Blazer Dark Gold 1966 Coronet 440 35k mile survivor 1991 Suburban 2500 454/4L80E 2wd 1985 Monte Carlo SS 383 Sbc, t-56 magnum 6spd and Ford 9"

07-24-2023, 06:28 PM	#3
Ironangel Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Falls City, Nebraska "100 Miles From Nowhere" Posts: 2,219	Re: 1970 K2500 super HD rear leaf springs Them 14-bolts are quite a bit stronger and heavier than the Dana 60's. If your worried about a stiff ride unloaded, go back with the rebuilt factory leafs and put a set of heavy duty air shocks on. Put some travel limiting straps on the front axle if your pulling eyes off the shocks. You can rebuild what you have and install helper springs or go with the 1-ton (4100) springs. I wouldn't go with the heavier new springs in the rear without replacing the front springs as well. How deep are your pockets is the question...Here's a couple of options to look at, the Super Spring with the active rollers are progressive allowing a smooth ride until they're loaded, they might suit your needs and not break the bank... https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/hellw...s-supersprings __________________ Michael of the clan Hill, "Two Seventy Two's" 71 1-ton Dually 350 4-Speed 71 C/50 Grain Truck, 350 Split-Axle 4-Speed 02 3/4 ton Express 14 Indian Chief Vintage 1952 Ford 8N, "Only Ford Allowed On The Property" "Be American, Buy American"

07-25-2023, 12:35 AM	#4
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,628	Re: 1970 K2500 super HD rear leaf springs That amount of gravel is at least 2-3 tons depending on which type you get. I get a yard of 3/4 crush in my 3/4 ton and it really squats down with about 3000 lbs. If I was moving that much gravel I'd either have it delivered or get a dump trailer. My days of shoveling out the back of my truck is over at my age. 2 yards almost fills up an 8' bed to the top

07-25-2023, 08:57 AM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: 1970 K2500 super HD rear leaf springs Auxiliary Air Lifts add 1,500# true capacity. Air them up when loaded heavy and air down for stock ride empty or adjusted anywhere in between according to load __________________ "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 ~



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