One ton leaf options

[shady]

Could also move mounts and go with the newer body style 64" (think that's right) 1 ton springs.
The longer ones ride nicer, but you'd still have the weight capacity.
I thought ORD or DIY4x, maybe different one, had a kit just for those springs at one point. Because longer flexes batter too.

 

[Truckman4life]

I was just going to suggest going to newer longer springs. I have 5" lift 64" springs in my K5. The longer springs will definitely ride better. Aren't 1 ton springs 56" and 3/4 ton 52" so you will be moving hangers anyways? I'm a big fan of air ride but running a light spring with bags will be the simplest option vs going to full link suspension.

 

[Wes Harden]

I was just going to suggest going to newer longer springs. I have 5" lift 64" springs in my K5. The longer springs will definitely ride better. Aren't 1 ton springs 56" and 3/4 ton 52" so you will be moving hangers anyways? I'm a big fan of air ride but running a light spring with bags will be the simplest option vs going to full link suspension.

Most 3/4 are 52 and most 1ton are 56 in square bodies. Other gens idk

 

[sweetk30]

Could also move mounts and go with the newer body style 64" (think that's right) 1 ton springs.
The longer ones ride nicer, but you'd still have the weight capacity.
I thought ORD or DIY4x, maybe different one, had a kit just for those springs at one point. Because longer flexes batter too.

have to swap to short bed tanks or rear only tank . the front hanger would be in the tank on 20gallon long bed tanks .

 

[USSkoval]

Most 3/4 are 52 and most 1ton are 56 in square bodies. Other gens idk

I know we are 4x4 focused here, but I believe most C20's were equipped with 56's.

 

[tarussell]

I know we are 4x4 focused here, but I believe most C20's were equipped with 56's.

From what all I’ve seen over the years I believe this to be true.
The C/K-20 52” springs seemed to be more plentiful in the earlier years ( especially the 4WD’s ) but most C-20’s the 56” are safe bet for finding a set.

 

[imiceman44]

I was just going to suggest going to newer longer springs. I have 5" lift 64" springs in my K5. The longer springs will definitely ride better. Aren't 1 ton springs 56" and 3/4 ton 52" so you will be moving hangers anyways? I'm a big fan of air ride but running a light spring with bags will be the simplest option vs going to full link suspension.

3/4 tons came in both flavors 52 and 56
I have both kinds.
I think the 56 started appearing in the early eighties.
Maybe @tarussell might know what rpo got what

 

[tarussell]

3/4 tons came in both flavors 52 and 56
I have both kinds.
I think the 56 started appearing in the early eighties.
Maybe @tarussell might know what rpo got what

Hmmm, haven’t ever looked up or studied C-20 stuff that much - I’ll poke around and see if they list it.

 

[sweetk30]

all this chit chat about were to get used worn out springs when some of us gave the part# to just order brand new and less work .

but i also get the history side .

 

[tarussell]

Well, for those who are interested in the history/trivia of old ch!t ( agreed that new spring packs are a better idea at this age ) here is a little guidance on what was offered.

C-10 “F44” option appears to add 69 lbs. with the “G50” rear springs - I assume that these are the 56” versions due to the added weight.

C-20 has two options - “G51” option rear springs at a rating of 2850 lbs. each and weigh 38 lbs. more than the standard spring pack on a regular cab truck.
These are also standard with a C-20 Bonus Cab/Crew Cab and any C-20 with “Z81/Z83” Camper Special Chassis Equipment options - that’s a real good indicator that these are the 56” long springs.

The standard springs don’t get any special codes since they are standard equipment and it would make sense that those would be the 52” springs.

Note: I only looked over a few years of spring options at this point - the info below is for a 1977 model year printed in August of ‘76 for the new model year trucks.

 

[tarussell]

Of course you could always abandon the desire for ride quality and go for the gusto of spring packs…

 

[SpeedlabDan]

Just coincidental really. I wanted 56” springs and @tarussell hooked me up. It took the full pack minus the bottom overload leaf to make the suspension level, I was worried about them being stiff but they are surprisingly soft.

View attachment 536571

Guess it really does come down to the manufacturer wether they’re going to flex or not

 

[SpeedlabDan]

So with all this being said I would imagine my 84 springs are well seasoned and I don’t hate the ride all that much other than the rear four 35”s are balance beaded. I find them to be hit or miss bc the move and I only really get hopping when I’m empty. Towing my trailers it’s no problem. I picked up some m&e tire machine/balancer this week to remove the beads and dynamic balance the rears. It was worth the money ($>2500) when I payed over $400+ to have the front two and I’m already mounting a new set on my ol ladys z71 but I think I may just pick up a new set of 52’s for the rear and just do the air bags with the dayco buckets so they float.