1987 Chevrolet V20 front leaf spring replacement

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iamtherealJayy

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1987, 1978, 1976
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V20, K10, K10
Engine Size
350, 350, 350
@AuroraGirl so I should just source a short 1”x18 tie rod end and an adjusting sleeve?
 

iamtherealJayy

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350, 350, 350
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So do these look like what I need? I’ll purchase right now if so lol
 

iamtherealJayy

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Ordered the parts this morning, should be here in 3-7 business days. Then finally maybe I’ll have my truck back.
 

AuroraGirl

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400(?), 350
The front of the tires are facing away, drivers side straught and the passenger side taking an ever so slight right. Lol. All I’ve ever heard about Idaho is potatoes. I saw an Idaho license plate once… in Tennessee..
That plate was part of the ploy , no doubt
 

Grit dog

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Just put the new wear parts on, as you see fit and line it up. That little smile in the tie rod isn’t hurtin anything.
 

iamtherealJayy

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350, 350, 350
My plan is measure the current one and make the new tie rod(since I have all new parts same way I did drag link) and make it just a shy bit shorter to keep the wheels both facing same way instead of drivers side straight and passenger side turning right. I made the drag link the exact same as it was prior to replacement. I’ll have to get all the new parts on and torque down before I worry about the wheel not being centered.
 

Redfish

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1987
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V1500
Engine Size
350/5.7
I really wish you would get all of this done and get that truck back on the road...because I am Impatiently Waiting for a review of these Procomp leaf springs. I have been studying and shopping and there is so much conflicting information that I truly don't know which brand of leaf spring is "best".
 

75gmck25

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Don’t get confused by alignment instructions for a 2WD vs 4WD.

With a 4WD you want to align the truck by adjusting the tie rods, and not worry about the steering wheel position. You are adjusting the distance between the front wheels to set toe in. Then adjust the length of the drag link to center the steering wheel. You can adjust the drag link almost any amount to center the steering wheel and it will have zero effect on alignment.

Just make sure the drag link clamps are oriented so they do not catch on any suspension parts, regardless of wheel travel/position.

If camber is off you may need to replace the ball joint camber bushing and use one that is adjustable. The only other way to change camber is to bend some very heavy metal parts.
 

idahovette

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There are shims to use between the spindle and the housing that will change the camber angles. You need to get a base of what it is now and then get the correct shim to adjust the camber. Both of these methods take time and patience, but in the end you WON'T wear tires. Also take the specs on front end alignment with a grain of salt, there is NO WAY that 1 1/2 degrees of positive camber will NOT wear the outside of the tires, way to much camber! I always went for 0-1/4 degree positive, as much caster as I could get and usually 1/8 to 1/16 toe in. Worked for me for 50 years!!!
 

iamtherealJayy

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350, 350, 350
@Redfish rest of steering should be here by Tuesday lol. Yard riding was fine to an extent. If I was running over tree roots I thought my windows were going to rattle out but the suspension is still stiff. And with **** shocks lol. My shocks never extended or retracted while unbolted… I’m ready to get the truck back lol no doubt about it. I’ll keep you updated on how the truck rides after even with the rough roads here. It won’t be a great comparison to your truck, since mines been wrecked, but it’ll give you an idea.
 

Redfish

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@Redfish rest of steering should be here by Tuesday lol. Yard riding was fine to an extent. If I was running over tree roots I thought my windows were going to rattle out but the suspension is still stiff. And with **** shocks lol. My shocks never extended or retracted while unbolted… I’m ready to get the truck back lol no doubt about it. I’ll keep you updated on how the truck rides after even with the rough roads here. It won’t be a great comparison to your truck, since mines been wrecked, but it’ll give you an idea.
Did you get some new shocks along with your steering components?

I am still researching my options but I am not going to clutter your thread with my issues and questions.
 

iamtherealJayy

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350, 350, 350
Negative ghost rider. I don’t know what length shocks I need so I have not ordered any new ones.
 

Redfish

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Well you have to know what the "lift" was for the new springs you bought... so you buy shocks for that lift height. Or am I missing something? I know that every lift kit I have researched includes shocks for that lift height so I am assuming this should be an easy fix.

Remember, it's only money...
 

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