I just picked up a 72 C60 that’s been cut and shortened to fit a regular sized bed. It’s got the original big block 366, Clark 282 transmission, and Eaton 17221 rear axle. Since it’s all original running gear, the rear leafs are massive, and its got no shocks. It rides really, really rough. I’m brainstorming now how to modify the rear suspension. What have others done? Trailing arm set up? 4 link? I’m looking for ideas.
I just popped on to this site - haven't been on here for quite a while as life interrupted my project. This post came right up top and fits my questions perfectly so I'm adding my request for advice as well. I'm just looking at removing a couple leafs from the front and rear to soften things up a bit while adding shocks to the rear. More specifically, which leafs to remove. I have replaced the axles with those from a P3500HD so things are a little bit lighter on the rear of mine. I don't mean to hijack the thread but I think both of us could benefit from like ideas.
I run a fleet of trucks. I phased out spring ride and went to air ride almost 40 years ago. Even with air ride something that short on 20" wheels is going to ride rough.
Years ago, I would sometimes add every other leaf for height. For an alternative, wondering how well it would improve if you took out every other leaf.
'60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan
It might help, but the old springs just don't flex like modern ones do. If it were mine I would get springs out of a modern 3/4 ton both front and back and just make them fit. If you want it to sit up higher, put some blocks between the axle and the springs. I know quite a few ranchers that put a weight in the back of their pickup to make it ride better and then remove the weight if they pull a traile.
