C20 Leveling/softening

[woodsrider250]

I'm getting ready to swap rears in my C20, and am inquiring about softening, and possibly leveling the rear all in one shot. I like the 3/4 over the 1/2 for a myriad of reasons, but the increased bed capacity, and harsh ride in the rear are not things I need. I'll never tow anything a 1/2T won't. So I'd like to remove a leaf or two to soften the rear up, and make it more equal to the front which rides OK. I would assume this may also drop the rear a little at the same time, which is cool I'd like it level, but not really interested in lowering the truck. So, what are the best leaves to remove?

 

[J Knight]

Remove every other leaf starting with the one right below the main leaf. This way it is stair steped down. Measure before and after. If its to low or soft start adding one at a time til you reach you desired height and ride.

 

[HotRodPC]

I have a feeling what will do EXACTLY what you're wanting to do, is lower the rear a bit, and soften the ride..... I'd look for a 56 1/2 ton spring pack. As usual, you're to far away or I have a set here I'd give up.

1/2 ton 2wd come in both 52 and 56in packs. The 56in packs are not near as common and usually going to be found on GMC's. They're not as tough as the 56 in 3/4 ton springs, but they're not as weak as the 1/2 ton 52in springs, so I think they'll put you right where you want to be.

 

[woodsrider250]

Thanks for the responses.

HRPC, that would be awesome if you were closer.

Looks like I'll slip out a couple of the leafs out as JK suggested, and play with it....while looking for a 56" 1/2T spring pack to ultimately swap out.

 

[HotRodPC]

Yeah, you could do that. I myself would leave them alone. You might find a need for the bigger spring pack someday. But then agian I hoard truck parts. I'd keep the 3/4 ton springs as is incase I decided to put them back in or didn't like the 56in half ton springs.

But, the 56 3/4 springs can be found in any 3/4 ton 2wd so you can always find them in a junkyard.

Strange as it is, there is only 2 models of trucks that come in both 52 or 56 in springs.
1/2 ton 2wd comes in both 52 and 56 (1/2 4wd is all 52in)
3/4 ton 4wd comes in both 52 and 56 (3/4 2wd is all 56in)

I'm not sure if the 52in 3/4 4wd springs are tougher than the 1/2 2wd springs, but same goes, if they are tougher, someone could get some 3/4 ton 4wd 52in springs for a 1/2 ton 2 wd to beef it up a bit.

 

[woodsrider250]

Cool, thanks for the info on where to find them. Nothing that comes off this truck is going anywhere except onto a pallet or two. If I ever sell it, "There's all the original **** sitting in the bed"