Rear leaf spring recommendation for lowered C10?

[ih8vols]

So I've got a 77 C10 2WD and I'm trying to get the rear down about 2 more inches while also improving the ride quality. Currently running Belltech 6802 hangers (3" drop) and 6700 shackles (1" drop) so I'm already 4" lower from the hardware alone.

The problem is whoever owned this thing before me put in what appear to be heavy duty / C20-spec springs. Pack is about 3 inches thick. Truck sits higher than it should even with the Belltech stuff on it and the ride is stiff as hell.

I want to swap to a proper 1/2 ton spring that'll work with the existing hardware and get me that extra 2 inches. Don't haul anything heavy, just a driver.

My questions:

• Should I stay with 56" springs since that's what's on it, or is it worth moving the hangers to run 52"? I know the frames are punched for both.
• Has anyone done this swap with similar hardware already installed? Did you get close to the drop you expected or did the softer spring drop you more than anticipated?
• Any specific brands or part numbers you'd recommend? Looking for something with a known free arch spec so I can actually predict what it'll do.

Already planning to replace bushings and U-bolts while I'm in there. Thanks

 

[Grit dog]

Take about half the leafs out of the pack. Cheap n easy. Probably has the big 10 springs. They’re 8 or 9 leaf. But still softer than 3/4 leaf pack.
Or just get a run of the mill light duty set of leafs. They’re pretty cheap I’d think.
Those would be my couple ideas since you have already done brackets and shackles.

 

[Finkaire]

I ordered mine with HD springs, looking for a little lower, softer level look. Removing a-leaf or two sounds like a plan. Someone chime in.

 

[Bennyt]

I would definitely stick with the 56" spring pack length as it should allow for a slightly better ride.

As gritdog mentioned, you can probably remove some leafs...

Alternatively, if there is a spring shop near you, they can build, de-arch, whatever. I was quoted roughly $500 installed for a custom pack for my C30.

While I have used lowering leafs from POL/ Western Chassis, i recommend not ordering directly, and going through Summit if you decide on going w/ aftermarket pack.

For a smoother ride, when unloaded, buy a set of sulastic shackles.

 

[xm20k]

If the springs themselves are in good shape take them down to 4 leafs pull like every other one.

I swapped my Big ten springs for a set from summit however I forgot aboput the 2 different lengths and they didn't list that so I had to move the rear hangers forward.

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I was rebuilding everything anyways and figured I'd rather not play with the 48yr old springs and shackels trying to swap new bushings in the rear and trying to get the Caltracks aluminum blocks in place of the front bushings would probably be less of a fight.

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[Grit dog]

I would definitely stick with the 56" spring pack length as it should allow for a slightly better ride.

As gritdog mentioned, you can probably remove some leafs...

Alternatively, if there is a spring shop near you, they can build, de-arch, whatever. I was quoted roughly $500 installed for a custom pack for my C30.

While I have used lowering leafs from POL/ Western Chassis, i recommend not ordering directly, and going through Summit if you decide on going w/ aftermarket pack.

For a smoother ride, when unloaded, buy a set of sulastic shackles.

I use Summit quite a bit, but wondering why not POL or Western?

 

[Bennyt]

I use Summit quite a bit, but wondering why not POL or Western?

POL/ Western are the same company. I like and use some of their products including their leafs but their customer service has cost me lots of time and money. Summit and others sell their products and take care of the problems.

 

[xm20k]

POL/ Western are the same company. I like and use some of their products including their leafs but their customer service has cost me lots of time and money. Summit and others sell their products and take care of the problems.

Done the same myself for a few things also Summit Talmage is like half hour-forty minute drive from me.

 

[Rustisbest]

56" springs, pulled everything but the top 5 including the overload. Same Belltech parts. And 1 from way back in the day not long after my brother bought it.

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[shawn57nomad]

You might call Dayton Spring near KC (RockAuto if I remember right sells them) or Husky Spring out of Minnesota. I've had excellent luck with both companies. My truck came with 52" light duty springs (cargo weight of 733# max) and the truck sits and rides great at about 5/6 or 5/7. Stock shocks and rear flip with shock relocators.