The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Rear springs

I have a 49 suburban that I replaced the entire driveline. It has a 69 Nova clip, BB Chevy, TH400, and 69 Nova rear end. I used the original leaf springs in the rear and added shocks. The rear seems too stiff and I have read about removing a leaf or two to soften. Question #1 If I go that route which are best to remove and how many? Question #2 since springs are 60+ yrs old what have you used as replacements? Thanks for the help

If you are using a standard 1969 Nova V-8 front end, it was from a 3200 lbs vehicle rated for about 1700 lbs on the front.

The 1949 1/2 ton panel was about 3550 unloaded vehicle weight and was rated for about 1800 lbs on the front. 4500 was the approximate loaded weight, with maybe 90% of the load on the rear springs.

The original rear springs were most likely over-rated for the maximum rear end load of about 900 lbs.

With those specs, someone may be able to provide a safe and helpful answer.

Maybe these folks would have what you need. Chassis Engineering rear Springs and Mounting Kit

Dittos on what Truckernix sent... with one advisement...

I used this kit on my 51 1/2 ton panel. All good quality stuff and straightforward
installation. However, after a about 400 miles in this set up
(455 Buick Stage 1 w/ T400, and a 56 Olds rear end)
I find the truck wallows just a bit too much out back for my liking.

I think the problem is that the panel weighs a LOT more out back than a pick up;
and this kit is engineered for pickups. The kit moves the shocks well inboard
of the springs. I am leaving it all in place but, will be re-installing shocks in the original locations. This should provide needed stability "outboard" of the frame that a panel needs. This would then allow me to convert the new inboard shocks to "airshocks" that would provide a bit more support when I'm towing or hauling heavy loads.
I'll report in when I get this done

Guys Thanks for the help. I'll start putting asided a few $$ for the project.

Squire's comment about rear end wight differences piqued my curiosity. The rear weight load difference between a pickup and a panel and, more importantly, between a pickup and a Suburban is substantial. No wonder the rear of my Suburban sits lower than the front (and looks odd because of this).

The panel carries a 300 lb higher load in the rear than a pickup. This is 20% higher curb-weight load.

The suburban in the first post would have a 530 lb higher curb-weight load than a pickup. This is 36% higher curb weight load than a pickup.

Squire's comment is an important consideration.

Something else to keep in mind. As springs age with time and use, they work harden and begin to become stiffer. In the shop we used to refer to this as road sprung. So it could be in part that they are just old and worn out.

Detroit Easton Spring (listed in the links section) were the OES for the spring and will make brand new springs just like origal or customized to your wishes.

I had new springs made for my panel and they are great. And fit exactly like orignal.