Author Topic: Chevy spring setup question.  (Read 2266 times)

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lostbuckaroo

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Chevy spring setup question.
« on: Jun 24, 2014, 10:07:55 AM »
So I'm pretty sure it's been asked before so don't flame me.. On my 84' the previous owner setup the truck with Chevy springs in the rear with a double shackle setup, and lift blocks, and a 5" trail gear lift kit up front. I've already eliminated the double shackle setup in the rear, and made a new rear cross member and added Ruff stuff "way back" shackle hangers..

I've found this setup works really good on the trail with plenty of flex etc - only when I've got the truck loaded down with lots of weight, spare tire, fuel camping gear etc.. The chevy springs are pretty beefy with with a thick overload on the bottom.

So my question is: I'd like to be able to get the flex etc out of the rear springs without having to pack weight around, I'd also like to eliminate the lift blocks. What are your guys suggestions? I've looked into 5" rear trail gear springs but their length is different and I'd have to do a bunch of cutting and moving of the front spring and rear shackle hangers...  I thought about trying to make a custom spring pack with the chevy main leaf as a base but.. not sure that would work either.

What are your thoughts...?

urbandork

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Re: Chevy spring setup question.
« Reply #1 on: Jun 24, 2014, 10:32:53 PM »
If re working your front hangers and rear shackle mounts are out of the question the only real way to get rid of the lifter blocks is to get some chevy lift springs. You could use whole or use them to build a custom pack. Keep in mind spring rates of each leaf (the longer leaves usually have a lower spring rate) Also know that the usual chevy lift springs may not flex as well as the the stock chevys. Comparing free arch vs spring rate is an important thing to pay attention to... Just because one leaf has more free arch doesn't mean that it will give more lift when weight is applied if the spring rate is low.

1985CRAWLER

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Re: Chevy spring setup question.
« Reply #2 on: Jun 25, 2014, 12:00:33 AM »
u could pull the blocks out and maybe go with like a 7" shackle and pull some leaves up front or make a cheap RUF pack and enjoy the new lower cog. lol

ive had the same results with my 63s although i run no blocks with mine, 6" shackle with a stock chevy double setup. loaded down they will flex like a beast, empty truck they still flex just not as good and i run the 4 leaf 4x4 springs and overload.



low n' slow 85 runner SR5 22re,rcvs ,Duals,5.29s,Detroits f&r,40s,RUF,Chevy 63 rears,Armored,Cage

bobbed and beat 91 ex cab,3RZ swapped,dual ultimates, dana 44 sas 5.38/5.29 combo,37s, RUF, 63 rears,ARB front, detroit rear,cage

http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=96250.msg1073007;topicseen#msg1073007

http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=26920.390

lostbuckaroo [OP]

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Re: Chevy spring setup question.
« Reply #3 on: Jun 25, 2014, 09:17:51 AM »
Ok so sounds like I can try to build some sort of b*std pack.. Get the proper 5" TG springs and move things around... Or just wait... Pack some sandbags around in the back. Save my money and Link it!!!  :thumbs:

Not sure I wanna change my ride height.. works pretty good right now.. need to do some front fender trimming..
« Last Edit: Jun 25, 2014, 09:42:50 AM by lostbuckaroo »

 
 
 
 
 

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