S10-Full size Jimmy spring help

[MT wheeler]

So I am at another spot in the never ending build/drive dilema. A little background info. 1980 GMC Jimmy, 52" front spring swap, B-52's and new shackle hanger (DIY4x), new 2wd drive box with 1/4 wall DOM crossover and all 1 ton TRE's. FRONT: Dana 60 front with 4.56 gears, dually hubs, H1 12bolts with rock rings and PVC inserts on H1 takeoff tires. REAR: 14 bolt, shackle flip (DIY4x), 4.56 gears, 3.5" steel wheel spacers, Same H1's as the front. Both axles rebuilt with all new parts. Front and rear leaf springs have all new poly bushings.

The shackle flip is where the current issue started. When you do the shackle flip it moves the axle forward. To handle this I installed new heavy duty spring perches with offset holes to move the axle back 1" or 1.5" I dont remember which. This did not solve the issue. In doing reading about different springs I bought a set if Tahoe springs to move it back another inch with the longer spring and greater distance to the center pin. Initially I thought this would be enough but now I'm not so sure. Looking again at spring specs I see that some S10 springs are also 54" long like the Tahoe springs but an offset of 28" and 26" on the center pin which would set the axle back 2" which would seem like enough. BUT they are S10 springs not fullsize. From what I have seen it appears the spring rate is the same from the S10 to the Tahoe at1750lbs. If this truly is the case the S10 springs would/should work great. This is a daily driver that tows my camper and carries my family. I want it done right.

In searches for this I keep getting S10 trucks on full size axles and springs and the such. Any help whether the S10 springs are good on a fullsize would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MT wheeler]

http:// [URL=http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/Ericsscout/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1935295_100109116677713_3313272_n.jpg.html][/URL]

 

[MT wheeler]

http:// [URL=http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/Ericsscout/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140924_081238.jpg.html][/URL]

 

[MT wheeler]

http:// [URL=http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/Ericsscout/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141008_140059.jpg.html][/URL]

 

[MT wheeler]

http:// [URL=http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/Ericsscout/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141018_052130.jpg.html][/URL]

 

[MT wheeler]

http:// [URL=http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/Ericsscout/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image.jpg.html][/URL]

 

[Stein]

My truck setup is pretty much identical to yours as far as running gear and wheels/tires. I have S10 rear springs on the front of my CUCV so they have a 6.2 sitting on them. I've wheeled the truck four weekends and they are looking rough (see pic) but it has had the crap flexed out of it. I didn't build the truck so I don't know if they were new or used springs to start with so they may have been fatigued when installed. He did say he installed another spring in the pack which seems correct because the HD 1750# springs are four leaf whereas the 1350# are three leaf and mine have 5. I'm going to install a fresh set of the 1750# springs and see how it goes. For your rear I would think you would be fine without the motor sitting on it.

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[K85 Octane]

I'm a little confused to the problem. Is the spring not strong enough for you or is it not pushing the axle back far enough? I'm running 56s out back (26/30" offset) Also running zero rate pushing it back 1.5". I clear my 38s without trimming the front of the fender and it looks centered.

 

[MT wheeler]

The problem I have is not pushing the axle back far enough. I left the stock 52" springs in the rear and moved the axle back an inch or so with the spring pad itself, no zero rate. I was thinking the S10 rear springs would put the axle in the correct location without moving any spring hangers With the 28"/26" The question lied in thinking about s10 truck vs fullsize and would the s10 springs hold up to the use/weight a fullsize gets? I don't want thesprings to weaken after a few or during a trip pulling my camper. No, this is not the proper hookup of my camper. This was to move it into the driveway from the backyard.

http:// [URL=http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/Ericsscout/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150318_150015.jpg.html][/URL]

 

[K85 Octane]

So you are already moved back 1"- 1.5"? How about running some 56s in reverse? 30" in the front and 26" in the rear. That's an additional 2.5" over what you already have. I don't think the gas tank/ 3rd member clearance is an issue with that but have not read a lot yet.

I don't know the spring poundage of S10 leaves but can't see them holding the weight properly. Stein says he's got them in front with a heavy motor, so maybe, but I'm running 3/4 ton suburban 7 leaf packs and its soft.

 

[MT wheeler]

http:// [URL=http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/Ericsscout/media/Mobile%20Uploads/leaf_springs-1.png.html][/URL]

This is where I got my information from but I'm with ya on holding the weight properly. I hope someome can put my fears to rest. Maybe its just the construction of a lighter truck and lighter axle that is clouding my judgement.

 

[bronc3buster842001]

Look for a set of dodge truck rear springs.. They are 24-28 offset..

http://www.generalspringkc.com/Leaf_Springs_Dodge_Truck_1500_1972_1993_s/1911.htm

 

[MT wheeler]

Thanks, I'll have to look into a set of those

 

[Burbdood 74]

Like I said when you posted about going to the dump the other day on Magic City...I love the Lake Tahoe Jimmy....lol

 

[MT wheeler]

Update on the springs. I ended up using the Tahoe springs and beside the relocation they gave a much better shackle angle. Had to add a zero rate as the Tahoe springs sit lower than the stock Jimmy springs. So far this seems like the easy bolt on for good angle and location. Also noticed several cracked springs on both sides. Glad I swapped them. http:// [URL=http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/Ericsscout/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150414_190253.jpg.html][/URL]
http:// [URL=http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/Ericsscout/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150415_130114.jpg.html][/URL]