86 k10 Long Bed, rear springs, long or short? does it matter?

[Nasty-LSX]

1986 K10 LONG BED.
I picked up a 86 K10 Its fully loaded even with dual tanks. I notice on my 85 K20 I have the long gas tanks. This 86 has short tanks..
was the bigger tanks a option or did the 1500's just come with smaller tanks? Im going to replace with the bigger tanks.

Ok, back to the subject, I am going to replace front and rear spring. Front sag pretty good. But I notice the rear springs are shorter
than the ones on the K20.

Would it be worth it to get longer springs for the rear and relocate the mounts? I noticed on the frame its pre drilled to move mounts
further back. Would it make for a smoother ride? I am replacing with stock replacement springs. THANKS.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

There were two sizes for pickup tanks, through all years I believe.

The front springs are always 48's, the rears could be 52's and sometimes 56's. My k20 had 52's.

My thought process is if you have to replace the springs anyways you might as well get the 56's and do a little extra work. I'm about to swap to 56's from 52's because my rear springs are sagged out, supposed to ride better with more capacity.

 

[Grit dog]

Not gonna notice a difference imo. It’s a half ton so it will ride nicer (talking stock non F44 springs) unless you get springs that are heavy duty.
That said, what are you trying to correct? Bad bushings, broke or saggy springs?
20 gal tanks came on long bed half tons so you can replace 16s with 20s. Not sure about the mounts lining up. Guy on here @Doppleganger had some issue with that but I don’t recall if it was his aftermarket tanks or something to do with 16vs 20 gal and where they mount up.

 

[xm20k]

I don't think the length in the rear will make a difference if same leaf count. I swapped my 56s to 52s and only noticed a difference because I went from the 7 leaf BIG TEN springs to 4 leaf stock springs, I could not find the longer spring in a 4 leaf pack.

 

[Nasty-LSX]

Not gonna notice a difference imo. It’s a half ton so it will ride nicer (talking stock non F44 springs) unless you get springs that are heavy duty.

If it will give me a better ride,Ill get the longer springs. I also plan to use this truck to pull my 18x83 2200lb car trailer.

 

[78C10BigTen]

If it will give me a better ride,Ill get the longer springs. I also plan to use this truck to pull my 18x83 2200lb car trailer.

18x83????

 

[Grit dog]

If it will give me a better ride,Ill get the longer springs. I also plan to use this truck to pull my 18x83 2200lb car trailer.

I think it’s more about the spring rate than the length.
If you’re that concerned about ride that’s sort of in conflict with something that will be ideal for some substantial tongue weight.
Also front springs and tire pressure all around dictate how well “rides” more than rear springs imo. In the context of your needs. They’re all half ton springs. None ride like rocks but some won’t be great with a decent tongue weight.
Not sure what significance 2200lbs trailer is. It’s all about tongue weight when loaded. Trailer weight and unloaded tongue weight is largely irrelevant.

 

[legopnuematic]

Copy and pasting my response on the fuel tank sizing from another thread:

In the 70s that was correct, long beds got 20 gallon tanks regardless of single or dual, in the 80s things changed some. A long bed single tank would be 20 gallon, dual tank long beds would be dual 16 gallon tanks, unless if it was a C6P rpo 3/4 ton or above gvwr

 

[Nasty-LSX]

18x83????

18 foot by 83 in wide. weight is 2200lbs.

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[Nasty-LSX]

I think it’s more about the spring rate than the length.
If you’re that concerned about ride that’s sort of in conflict with something that will be ideal for some substantial tongue weight.
Also front springs and tire pressure all around dictate how well “rides” more than rear springs imo. In the context of your needs. They’re all half ton springs. None ride like rocks but some won’t be great with a decent tongue weight.
Not sure what significance 2200lbs trailer is. It’s all about tongue weight when loaded. Trailer weight and unloaded tongue weight is largely irrelevant.

Ok, makes sense. I will stick with stock springs. Thanks

 

[Ricko1966]

Not gonna notice a difference imo. It’s a half ton so it will ride nicer (talking stock non F44 springs) unless you get springs that are heavy duty.
That said, what are you trying to correct? Bad bushings, broke or saggy springs?
20 gal tanks came on long bed half tons so you can replace 16s with 20s. Not sure about the mounts lining up. Guy on here @Doppleganger had some issue with that but I don’t recall if it was his aftermarket tanks or something to do with 16vs 20 gal and where they mount up.

I swapped my 16 gallon tanks for 20 gallon tanks accidentally,that's how easy it is. I assumed I had 20s on a longbed got my new 20 gallon tanks. Had 1 swapped and was going to hook up the vent and thought WTF this vent hose doesn't line up,compared the two tanks we'll I'll be dammed I had 16s. But they swap so easy you can do it by accident.

 

[Grit dog]

Ok, makes sense. I will stick with stock springs. Thanks

Looks like those springs do a good job based on your pics.

 

[bucket]

All other things being equal, a longer spring WILL ride better than a shorter spring. That's why springs keep getting longer and longer on newer trucks.

 

[Nasty-LSX]

Looks like those springs do a good job based on your pics.

Thats a k20. I cant even tell im pulling a trailer with this truck. Smooth as glass when pulling a trailer. I love this truck. The k20 does have the longer springs.

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[Grit dog]

All other things being equal, a longer spring WILL ride better than a shorter spring. That's why springs keep getting longer and longer on newer trucks.

True, 100%. But how much? Worth the $ and work for 4 more inches? Lol. I can think of things that would be night and day difference 4” longer and springs don’t make that list for me! Lol