87 Leaf Springs on a 65 Fleetside - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

wpotter · 12-09-2015, 05:01 PM

Havent started this project yet and wanted to see if anyone has done or knows if this will work. I have a 65 Fleetside and a complete 87 Suburban frame. My plan is to use the complete front crossmember and power steering box up front. I am wondering if the rear leaf springs and hangers will work on the 65 frame? If not I can use the 5 lug rear end and change the saddles. Let me know!!! Thanks

**jayoldschool** · 12-09-2015, 06:52 PM

A step backwards, IMO. The long arms and coils on your truck are superior to leafs. Your rear is stronger than the 8.5 ten bolt, too. If you really want to use the 8.5 from the burb, yes, just take the mounts off, and weld on the appropriate perches.

If you want to five lug it to match the front, just redrill the 65 axles and drums. Easy!

**Palf70Step** · 12-09-2015, 08:11 PM

I agree, keep the coil/trailing arms on the rear. Weld the appropriate perches to the 85 rear & hook it up to your truck. You'll be 3/4" wider on each side due to the longer axles, but it will work just fine. The sotk 66 rear end is considered stronger, but you shouldn't have any issues using the 85 rear.

12-09-2015, 05:01 PM	#1
wpotter Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Adkins Texas Posts: 157	87 Leaf Springs on a 65 Fleetside Havent started this project yet and wanted to see if anyone has done or knows if this will work. I have a 65 Fleetside and a complete 87 Suburban frame. My plan is to use the complete front crossmember and power steering box up front. I am wondering if the rear leaf springs and hangers will work on the 65 frame? If not I can use the 5 lug rear end and change the saddles. Let me know!!! Thanks __________________ Never a failure, Always a lesson! 1968 Chevy SWB Fleetside ECE 4/6 327/350 1987 Chevy V20 Scottsdale 4X4 350/400 4.10 1987 Chevy Custom Deluxe SWB 305/7004R4 1991 Suburban Silverado V1500 4X4 350/700R4 2015 Chevy Crew Cab SWB (Daily Driver) 5.3

12-09-2015, 06:52 PM	#2
jayoldschool Moderator Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: ON, Canada Posts: 2,176	Re: 87 Leaf Springs on a 65 Fleetside A step backwards, IMO. The long arms and coils on your truck are superior to leafs. Your rear is stronger than the 8.5 ten bolt, too. If you really want to use the 8.5 from the burb, yes, just take the mounts off, and weld on the appropriate perches. If you want to five lug it to match the front, just redrill the 65 axles and drums. Easy!

12-09-2015, 08:11 PM	#3
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,225	Re: 87 Leaf Springs on a 65 Fleetside I agree, keep the coil/trailing arms on the rear. Weld the appropriate perches to the 85 rear & hook it up to your truck. You'll be 3/4" wider on each side due to the longer axles, but it will work just fine. The sotk 66 rear end is considered stronger, but you shouldn't have any issues using the 85 rear. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!



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