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| | | | Joined: Apr 2020 Posts: 55 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2020 Posts: 55 | Hi there
I have a new to me project that i am getting started on, and am trying to do a budget friendly restoration with my two sons. From what i can tell, this truck is a 3/4 ton, but it has a strange rear suspension set up. It has the regular leaf spring mounted outside of the frame, and a coil spring mounted directly under the frame and sits on top of the axle. It looks like the coils are original, or at least the same year, but i am suspicious that they are not a factory option.
Has anyone seen anything like this before? Dealer option?
My thought was to take a few leafs out of the pack and possibly leave the coils in place. As it stands right now my 230lbs barely moves the suspension when jumping on the frame rails, and i am thinking my back will thank me when these are removed.
Thanks in advance
Jeremy
1955 3600 father and son project
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,459 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,459 | If this is on the '55 the coils are an aftermarket add on helper springs.
G.M didn't use coil spring rear suspension other than 1960 - 1972.
BC
1960 Chevy C10 driver 261 T5 4.10 dana 44 power loc
1949 GMC 250 project in waiting
1960 C60 pasture art
Retired GM dealer tech. 1980 - 2022
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,972 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,972 | I agree that they are aftermarket. I had a 55-1 3600 and there were no coil springs, and none indicated in the 54 Shop Manual or 55-1 Supplement.
Professional Novice
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2020 Posts: 55 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2020 Posts: 55 | Thank you Gentlemen!
I think i will remove those coils and see if the suspension ride improves any as a start. Do either of you have any experience removing any of the leaf springs to improve ride? I have heard of guys removing the 4 bottom leafs.
1955 3600 father and son project
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,441 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,441 | The coils were sold as aftermarket overload springs. They were sold by companies such as JC Whitney and others. They have no effect on ride quality except when loaded down unless your leaf springs are worn out.ðŸ›
Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily)
‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence)
“I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one!
Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop!
USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2020 Posts: 55 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2020 Posts: 55 | Any thoughts on removing a few leafs? has this been done successfully?
1955 3600 father and son project
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | Front and/or Rear?
How many leaves do you now have? | | | | | Joined: Apr 2020 Posts: 55 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2020 Posts: 55 | Hi Tim
The front leaves look pretty flat so I was going to leave them as is, they are an 8 pack. The rear have 9 leaves (I counted twice as i thought it was a strange number), and the coils I mentioned above. The rear is very stiff, so i thought i might take a few out to try and preserve my back when this gets down the road eventually.
Jeremy
1955 3600 father and son project
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,459 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,459 | I'd remove the non O.E. coils first thing.
BC
1960 Chevy C10 driver 261 T5 4.10 dana 44 power loc
1949 GMC 250 project in waiting
1960 C60 pasture art
Retired GM dealer tech. 1980 - 2022
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