Replace rear leaf springs

[Charlie]

Going to replace rear leaf springs. SPID shows G50 Heavy Duty Rear Springs. I am guessing this is similar to what was called a Heavy Half, But I could be wrong. Is there special information I should know when getting new ones and any recommendations where to buy from.

 

[74 Shortbed]

I bought some from this outfit, was good stuff..

https://www.generalspringkc.com/Default.asp

 

[Charlie]

Looks good, thanks. I am not wanting heavy duty though, just the standard 1/2 ton spring so maybe it will have a less bouncy/stiff ride. Sometimes ride is rough. I think they have all for our trucks. Going to be tough as to which one I want to get.

 

[74 Shortbed]

They carry all of them just have to figure what you want.

 

[Craig 85]

What size spring is currently in there? Is it a 52" or 56" spring? If never had a 1/2 ton long bed, but all my C/K20's had 56" springs.

Have you checked with local spring repair shops to see what they would charge to build a new set? By the time you pay the shipping cost for springs, it could be cheaper to get it local. They could also taylor it to your needs.

 

[Charlie]

What size spring is currently in there? Is it a 52" or 56" spring? If never had a 1/2 ton long bed, but all my C/K20's had 56" springs.

I don't want to sound dumb, but I have never replaced leaf springs before. The current springs are original stock and ride is at times very stiff. How is the spring measured? Straight across from bolt to bolt or with the bend of spring?

 

[HotRodPC]

Heavy Half should be the 56in springs. The only 2 models that varied as far as 52 or 56in was the C10/1500's and the K20/2500s. Either of those could have either 52 or 56. Rest of the models like K10 all got 52in. C20 all got 56in and so did C and K 30/3500s.

 

[hatzie]

I'd just go to a local truck spring outfit. There should be more than one in the Dallas Ft Worth area. That Metro area is a large Intermodal freight hub. I remember seeing one in the industrial parks West of I-35 and North of 183 when I was doing work at DART in the late 1990's. Things are no-doubt different now but trucks and trailers still need springs.

They can build custom leaf spring packs from the shoe through the Master leaf and they can modify existing spring packs for more or less weight.

They'll be able to look at what you have and tailor your replacements with no guesswork.

Depending on what you have they might just recommend pulling a leaf to slightly soften the ride...

 

[Charlie]

Found more info from google. I usually search before posting but I didn't this time. Tried to measure spring and not sure if should be measured with truck on ground. My measurement was not very good. I counted leafs and there are 8 total. 7/1 pack. Had counted leafs before but forgot the amount.


So I am not sure where to go from here.

 

[Craig 85]

Found more info from google. I usually search before posting but I didn't this time. Tried to measure spring and not sure if should be measured with truck on ground. My measurement was not very good. I counted leafs and there are 8 total. 7/1 pack. Had counted leafs before but forgot the amount.


So I am not sure where to go from here.

Here's the link to springs from General Spring from the listed link above.
https://www.generalspringkc.com/Leaf_Springs_Chevrolet_GMC_Truck_1500_1973_1987_s/1823.htm
If you have 52" springs they will measure 26" from the spring eye to the center bolt, 26" and 30", if they are 56". The longer measurement is towards the rear.

I just had the springs rebuilt for my K30 by a local shop. I have a 9/1 spring pack. It cost me $370 (California rates). I had a leaf broken on either side. I also had them remove 1 leaf at the same time and add new bushings.

I found this shop in the Dallas area for you. They have been in business since 1940.
http://www.twsprings.com/parts-and-services

 

[Charlie]

Thanks Craig85, I will check one of them out and there may be others around the DFW Metroplex.

 

[HotRodPC]

The current springs are original stock and ride is at times very stiff.

If you're springs aren't sagging, they don't need replaced. If you're only replacing them due to a stiff ride, it's very possible the shackle is seized and not pivoting. You might just need some grease or some bushings replaced. Though a heavy half is actually a 5/8 ton spring truck. They are going to be stiffer than a normal OEM half ton. I'd first check to make sure the rear shackle is pivoting. If it is and you're not happy with the ride, then I'd go with an OEM 56in spring that is probably standard equipment on a GMC but optional on a Chevrolet.

 

[Charlie]

If it is and you're not happy with the ride, then I'd go with an OEM 56in spring that is probably standard equipment on a GMC but optional on a Chevrolet.

It could be bushings and/or the heavy duty springs. I would like it to be a regular 1/2 ton ride. If I go with the 56" spring (which is what I believe I have), then what spring pack should I use? I have the 7/1 pack currently.

 

[hatzie]

Here's the link to springs from General Spring from the listed link above.
https://www.generalspringkc.com/Leaf_Springs_Chevrolet_GMC_Truck_1500_1973_1987_s/1823.htm
If you have 52" springs they will measure 26" from the spring eye to the center bolt, 26" and 30", if they are 56". The longer measurement is towards the rear.

I just had the springs rebuilt for my K30 by a local shop. I have a 9/1 spring pack. It cost me $370 (California rates). I had a leaf broken on either side. I also had them remove 1 leaf at the same time and add new bushings.

I found this shop in the Dallas area for you. They have been in business since 1940.
http://www.twsprings.com/parts-and-services

Along those lines...

https://weaverspringbrake.com/ Says they've been in business since 1929.

Standard Spring & Axle Company Inc on Hickory St just South of the Mixmaster.

 

[yevgenievich]

My 3/4 ton has 6/1 pack with border line on the too rough of a ride if that gets you some reference.

It could be bushings and/or the heavy duty springs. I would like it to be a regular 1/2 ton ride. If I go with the 56" spring (which is what I believe I have), then what spring pack should I use? I have the 7/1 pack currently.