rear coils

[1966FLEETSIDE]

can somebody post a pic of an original rear spring from a 66.im trying to identify what i currently have please thx. or tell me how many coils they come with? thanks again.

[Lugnutz65]

I have a 66 longbed fleet parts truck. The springs are original and I'll post pics when I get home. The rear springs look a bit stronger that the rear springs on my 65 short stepside. I'll count the number of coils too. More later.
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[Lugnutz65]

OK, so here are some pics of rear coil springs that have not been cut (or heated up). If you compare the coils of the 65 springs with the 66, the 65 coils seem spaced further apart. The reason for that is unknown to me. I do know that the 66 longbed was a truck that hauled fruit, so maybe it was loaded down a lot of the time and the springs sag now. Or maybe it's because the 66 still has a cab and engine on the frame and the 65 has nothing on the frame. The last pic has the cab and the engine on the frame but no bed. I count 7 complete coils.





This is the 1965 rear spring with the bed off and the cab and engine still on the frame - not much difference.

[1966FLEETSIDE]

awsome detail lugnuts,thats exactly what i was looking for,thanks a million.mine has like 4 coils not counting the small top and bottom ends.it still sits kinda high though,im wondering if it has to do with my original shocks?i gotta do a little more research.i will post a pic tomorrow.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by 1966FLEETSIDE

awsome detail lugnuts,thats exactly what i was looking for,thanks a million.mine has like 4 coils not counting the small top and bottom ends.it still sits kinda high though,im wondering if it has to do with my original shocks?i gotta do a little more research.i will post a pic tomorrow.

Your shocks would not affect the ride height. They just dampen the spring. Perhaps you have some aftermarket drop springs? Should I measure the height of my springs?

[1966FLEETSIDE]

sure why not ,im thinking of ordering a lowering kit,this way i can get an idea

[dougf]

Check this info out, just because the spring spacing does not look even does not mean that it was heated or modified!

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by dougf

Check this info out, just because the spring spacing does not look even does not mean that it was heated or modified!

A close study of the rear springs will reveal that they are designed with the inner coils closer together and the outer coils are further apart, just like your diagram shows.

However, I am calling attention to the fact that my 66 rear innermost coils (#3,4, and 5) are spaced closer together than the same innermost coils on my 65. I think it's because they lived a harder life than the 65 springs. I agree that the general shape is still the same. I can fit my finger between the innermost coils on my 65 but not my 66.

[donthekawguy]

Sorry to hijack but in the last pic it shows the bottom bolt coming up thru the trailing arm and into the welded nut on the spring cup. I just put new cups and springs on my truck and wasn't sure if I had it right. I have the bolt going down thru the trailing armto a nut and washer on the bottom of the arm. I used the cup with the welded nut on the top mount of the spring. Do I have it backwards or do you or does it matter?

[1966FLEETSIDE]

heres a pic of my coils

[donthekawguy]

Originally Posted by 1966FLEETSIDE

heres a pic of my coils

Thanx! Looks like I have the cups on wrong. I'll have to switch them around before I put the rear end back in.

[furrydice79]

my 66 came off the line with the heavy duty rear coils.. they look the same ,maybe thicker?

[gbrown]

1966FLEETSIDE, based on the number of coils and the fact that they have a 'pigtail' on each end, I'm thinking you either already have drop springs or perhaps jeep springs. I'm on the hunt for jeep springs now so I can't tell you for sure because I don't have them in my hand. Good luck and let us know what you decide/find out.

[1966FLEETSIDE]

well they are coming off whatever they are im going lower,so they will be up for grabs gbrown not sure if there jeep coils though.

[LostMy65]

Do original coils weaken or drop height over time?

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Do original coils weaken or drop height over time?

Yes they will. Depending on how overworked they were will depend on how much over time they will sag. This is why it is very hard to figure out how much to drop any old vehicle as if the stock springs sagged enough, putting "dropped springs" could actually raise the vehicle higher than were it was.

[frankslagoon]

Here's a pic of the stock springs from my 63 SWB they measure 13 in unloaded. I'm sure they are wore out. I bet they are an inch taller new. the second pic are the Jeep TJ ser. springs I put in for gbrowns info. dropped the rear 3.5 in. So I'm callen it a 4 inch drop from stock.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by chevy_mike

Yes they will. Depending on how overworked they were will depend on how much over time they will sag. This is why it is very hard to figure out how much to drop any old vehicle as if the stock springs sagged enough, putting "dropped springs" could actually raise the vehicle higher than were it was.

Thanks.
That's what I think is my issue.
If I let all the air out of my air shocks, the rear tires rub the rear step fenders. But if I put enough air in the air shocks to keep the rear high enough to not rub, the ride is pretty stiff. I do have air bags that I plan on going with in a future upgrade. I'll resolve my ride height issue then.