K10 leaf spring swap

[caleb chapdelaine]

Looking to build my k10 to be a trail rig for a while. The truck came with 6 inch lift blocks on the rear. But I’m looking to swap the 52 inch spring to 63 inch springs and build the shackle flips. So that it rides better and allows more articulation, could I see some ideas and hear some thing that need to be taken into account when doing this? Thank you in advance.

 

[HotRodPC]

Thread Moved from Introduction to Suspension, Steering & Brakes > Lifted & Off-Road Systems.

 

[75gmck25]

56" springs were stock on many 1 ton square body trucks, so its an easy swap, and aftermarket models are available. Where do you plan to get 63" springs?

Bruce

 

[eskimomann209]

Mebbe plans on stealing a set from a GMT400. But I think those are 64”. Measure twice cut thrice OP!

 

[bucket]

For the average wheeler, 56's offer plenty of flex and are a much easier install.

 

[77 K20]

I went from 52" to 56" with the shackle flip and was very happy with how it turned out. If I need more flex I'd remove the overload leaf- but still like to haul weight on occasion with the truck.

 

[HotRodPC]

For the average wheeler, 56's offer plenty of flex and are a much easier install.

And commonly found on 3/4 ton trucks too. I plan on using C20 springs but with my K10 spring hangers.

 

[TubeTruck]

I've done a 64" swap before and it makes the truck ride like a caddy and super flexy. You will definitely need longer shocks. When doing the shackle flip make sure you position the rear hangar so the shackle is a hair rearward of straight down. Make sure your driveshaft has enough compression and extension. Also if you have a long bed with the bigger tanks you will have o get the smaller short bed tanks because the front hangar goes where the tank is.

 

[caleb chapdelaine]

56" springs were stock on many 1 ton square body trucks, so its an easy swap, and aftermarket models are available. Where do you plan to get 63" springs?

Bruce

I read that some of the 80s (I can’t quiet remember) c10s had them and there are some in my local junk yard

 

[77 K20]

I thought the 63" springs were only found on 1988 and newer Chevy trucks.

 

[bucket]

I thought the 63" springs were only found on 1988 and newer Chevy trucks.

That's right.

 

[eskimomann209]

I think so too
GMT400

 

[Kirk S]

Look into Ultimate K10 in Peterson's Offroad Magazine around 2004 or 2005. Google should take you there. Lots of good info or you can talk to Offroad Designs in iCarbondale, Colorado. Steven Watson is an expert on the K10 modifications.

 

[TubeTruck]

Look into Ultimate K10 in Peterson's Offroad Magazine around 2004 or 2005. Google should take you there. Lots of good info or you can talk to Offroad Designs in iCarbondale, Colorado. Steven Watson is an expert on the K10 modifications.

Yup, the 2005 UAK10. That's what I was basing my '79 off of. Unfortunately a lot of info about that truck is gone. Since 4Wheel & Offroad is gone those articles have disappeared. There are remnants here and there but nothing of what there used to be.

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