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Leaf spring compatibility question

J

Jorwood

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I'm in the process of doing my shackle flip on my 90 K5 and I boogered up the bushing on one of my leaf springs trying to remove a stuck bolt.

Now that I have to replace the bushing which means taking the whole pack off I'm considering swapping out the springs entirely to go from 52" to 56" springd. A friend of mine is parting out a 2005 Silverado and I'm wondering if anyone knows the length of the leaves on that? It's a standard 1500. Moreover if they are 56" will they retain my stock ride height?

Thanks guys!
 
the 73-87 (91 for Burbs and Blazers) used the 52/56 springs.
The redesigned bodys GMT400's used the 64's.
 
Anything will fit with enough modification. Things you need to look for are where the pin location is. For example my ford 57's are offset. While Chevy 63" are centered.
 
jekquistk5 said:
Anything will fit with enough modification. Things you need to look for are where the pin location is. For example my ford 57's are offset. While Chevy 63" are centered.
Click to expand...
See now that's a positive attitude
 
if your shackle flip bracket has multiple bolt holes to mount the shackle then 56's will fit (ORD and DIY4x4 off the top of my head)..just use the rear most hole and the shackle angle should be fine. If your gonna go to 63s you'll also have to move the front spring mount forward to keep the same wheel base. Any shackle flip is gonna give you about 4 inches of lift..so your stock ride height thing is mute. If you go to 63s then you can end up with more lift because you have to move the front mount forward down the curve of the frame to keep the wheel base the same. 56s will flex plenty and an anti wrap bar is not mandatory...63s tend to bend the spring at the front spring bushing and you will need a anti spring wrap bar.
 
Ok so help me gather this then. Are 56" spring center pins centered or offset? I feel like I'm getting mixed information. And if I get them off a 2wd 3/4 ton will I want to remove a leaf or two for better ride quality?
 
Jorwood said:
Ok so help me gather this then. Are 56" spring center pins centered or offset? I feel like I'm getting mixed information. And if I get them off a 2wd 3/4 ton will I want to remove a leaf or two for better ride quality?
Click to expand...
Did you go to suspensionking.com?

Most all of your answers are found there
 
52" = 26"x26" = centered .

56" = 26"x30" = back side 4" longer only axle stays the same position . . . . unless you install backwards and move axle back 4" from stock.
 
sweetk30 said:
52" = 26"x26" = centered .

56" = 26"x30" = back side 4" longer only axle stays the same position . . . . unless you install backwards and move axle back 4" from stock.
Click to expand...

I did go to suspension king and that is where I gathered confusion. Suspension king listed the 56's as being centered... Furthermore I found people using EZ inches blocks to recenter the axle? Not sure why the discrepancy.

I'm mainly wanting the improved ride quality with the 56's but the flex is great as well. What has been everyone else's experience switching to the heavier duty 3/4 ton springs?
 
There are some 52s that are 24/28, 2.25" width out of a 2wd I believe
 
Jorwood said:
I did go to suspension king and that is where I gathered confusion. Suspension king listed the 56's as being centered... Furthermore I found people using EZ inches blocks to recenter the axle? Not sure why the discrepancy.

I'm mainly wanting the improved ride quality with the 56's but the flex is great as well. What has been everyone else's experience switching to the heavier duty 3/4 ton springs?
Click to expand...
3/4s aren't going to flex as well as a 1/2 spring. You have to look at the load rating as well

I used a ford 58" spring and pushed the rear hanger back. Rides real nice, flexes very well
 
Cool thanks guys. I think I figured everything out thanks to the help hear and ultimately suspension king after learning to read the specs
 
Jorwood said:
Cool thanks guys. I think I figured everything out thanks to the help hear and ultimately suspension king after learning to read the specs
Click to expand...
They changed the site. Use to be a spread sheet with most of the springs on one sheet

What's the plan now?
 
Looks like I figured out a way to save my old bushing by shaving it down and adding a washer or two. Gonna try that for awhile and see how I like it. Thanks for all the replies
 
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