My '83 C10 is a long bed to short bed conversion. I am considering removing a leaf or 2 to improve ride quality. What are your thoughts? Also, is there any difference between stock long bed leaf spring setup and stock short bed leaf spring setup? Any and all feedback is appreciated. Thanks!
What exactly do you mean by "improve ride quality" and what do you feel is wrong with the ride quality with your present setup?
Is the truck overly "bouncy" on rough surfaces or do you feel that it doesn't handle (i.e. hug the road) properly when cornering?
If what concerns you is the bounce factor, the issue is more likely related to shocks than springs.
Springs cushion the ride of a vehicle. They flex (compress) to absorb the impact on the wheels/axle created by irregularities in the road surface.
Because a compressed spring will extend back to its uncompressed position in a violent fashion, shock absorbers are included in a vehicle's suspension system. Their purpose is to dampen the intensity of the spring’s compression and extension cycles. Without any dampening effect, a spring’s violent compression and extension would cause a vehicle to lose control on a rough road surface.
As a shock absorber's rebound control deteriorates due to normal wear, the vehicle will begin to experience poor ride, steering response and handling control. In addition, tire wear will be accelerated due to tire scuff caused by the suspension geometry operating out of its normal range. This is why shock/strut manufacturers are adamant about the regular inspection and replacement of worn units.
It's a lot easier to R & R shocks than it is to remove leafs from a spring stack. Maybe consider installing new shocks before you commit to modifying your springs?
