The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks rear shocks on a 63

Hi folks,, My driveway tells me I have a leak coming from the rear end of the truck, Thinking its the diff I wedge my Santa looking self under Her and find the drivers side rear shock leaking ALOT!,, these shocks have ext spring coils , Are these stock OEM ? and the one leaking looks like someone went at it with a hot wrench ??Hmm

I believe they are aftermarket adjustable coil overs (possible some home made pieces). Don't see coil overs mentioned in the literature. They did offer heavy duty shocks. The stock shocks were referred to as concentric. Which meant tube in tube. If it's half ton. I would replace with FLAPS shocks shown for that year.

What are flaps shocks

“FLAPS” Friendly Local Auto Parts Store.🛠

I will catch on soon!

It's possible the Load Levelers were added to compensate for weak springs. I'd suggest putting the truck back on the ground after unbolting the aftermarket shocks to see where the ride height goes without the added lift of the coil-over shocks. It might be necessary to install new springs as well. Another option would be conventional shocks and aftermarket air bags that fit inside the springs. They're adjustable to compensate for load by simply adding/removing a little air, and they don't require the high pressure air source a set of Hijacker air shocks do.
Jerry

That is quite possible, the truck also has a diamond plate steel for extra weight !,, might go looking for some springs! I bought this truck as a "driver" to run around in while I continue to work on my 55,, WHY do I find myself not able to leave well enough alone and get into wanting to get a resto going!.. some one please help me ! hahaha

From those pictures it looks like the main springs are weak - coils look out of shape. And your shocks like was said above are coil over helpers that are breaking as well. I'll second a new set of shocks and springs are best bet for you.

Even if you go to new springs, I'd strongly recommend adding the inside the spring air bags. They give you the option of fine-tuning the ride height without having to run high pressure air shocks, and they can be dropped down to minimum pressure when the extra load-carrying capacity isn't needed. Most air bag manufacturers recommend a 5 PSI minimum pressure just to keep the bag inflated a little to avoid creases. That diamond plate will act like half a load of cargo all the time- - - -it softens the ride, but it also works the springs pretty hard.
Jerry

The "out of shape" coil springs could look that way because they are "two stage" coils that Chevy thought was a good idea. Center 3 coils closer together than end coils.

Drive it Bo. Work the new shocks as you go. The ride with the heavy bed is actually better (in my opinion), but keep that on mind if loading firewood.

Went back and took a serious look at your photos. That is some ugly hot wrench work by some hack trying to lower the ride height. Pull it all out and follow Jerry’s suggestions.🛠

You say it's a driver to run around town. Take off the old "coil over" shocks and put on regular shocks. This will eliminate the leak which is your original question. Coil overs are a waste of money on that truck. Shocks don't carry weight, they absorb coil spring rebound. Dampen the movement. The coil overs don't help with load carrying. The coils are to accommodate adjustment/ride height and some side load/performance benefits........ for performance vehicles not old run-around trucks.

I am hoping you all saw the fuel line I took off the truck This explains the ugly hot wrench work,, , Who can invest a few dollars in a cheap tubing bender and the use of a length of old coat hanger wire to run new rigid fuel lines?,, so I gather this "craftsmanship" is signed all over the truck

Removing the fuel line didn't melt and sag those spring coils, did it? I see at least a couple of coils that are cut completely in two, and others that have obviously been heated to the point they can't support any weight. Start by trashing both shocks and both springs, and then decide if you like the ride height with new springs installed. Shocks do nothing to carry weight unless they're the spring-assisted type, and those things have all sorts of downsides.
Jerry

I replaced them they were completely trashed springs when I get time,, Mister hot wrench assaulted them too!