The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Open rear for '53 1/2 ton - need new leaf springs?

If I swap in an open rear in a '53 3100, will I also need to replace the leaf springs with wider ones? I ask because I was told that I would have to do so on my '51 Chevy Fleetline when I was contemplating the same type of a swap, but I don't know if it's different for a truck.

If I do, what springs are best, and does anyone make aftermarket front mount and shackles?

Thanks...

Chris

When I did my rear, I used a 69 1/2T van rear. I cut the pads off my old rear set it up and taked them on. Then took the u bolts off and welded them on. Used the original springs. There are shackle rebuild kits out there, I used them they work. Got mine from Orange County Trucks out in Cali.