Removing front leaf springs from pack?

[oldchevytrucks]

So I was under the front of my 52' 3100 1/2 ton checking things out and noticed on the passenger side that 2 of the 8 stock leaf springs were broken. Starting from the bottom of the stack, #2 and #3 are broken. Can I just remove these from the pack? I plan on lowering the truck anyhow. What other leafs can I remove for a 2-3" drop? I'd like to do the same in rear if possible. What's the procedure for removing the front leafs?
Thanks
P.S. I'm obsessed with this forum!

[itstheshu]

I removed two from mine and got about 3" of drop.

[oldchevytrucks]

Thanks for the info. I plan on removing the 2 lower (short) broken leafs and see where that puts it. Does lowering the front using leafs affect the steering in any way? Does anyone recommend lowering shocks? What brand?

[waybad]

Originally Posted by itstheshu

I removed two from mine and got about 3" of drop.

did you get a softer ride?

[sandnuriz]

So how many leaf springs do you have in the front?

[itstheshu]

It does ride better.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by oldchevytrucks

Thanks for the info. I plan on removing the 2 lower (short) broken leafs and see where that puts it. Does lowering the front using leafs affect the steering in any way? Does anyone recommend lowering shocks? What brand?

Yup it seemed to on my truck. I'd have to go out and count leaves to see how many I took out but I think it was three to get it down quick and nasty many years ago. My truck does/did steer like the proverbial lumber wagon. I stuck it back together in three weeks in 1989 to take to one event and then take it back apart and it stayed that way for 100,000 miles but my arms and chest got stronger in the process.

[sandnuriz]

Hey guy's so how many leafs are you running on your truck in the front I have four on each side and thinking about removing another one

[itstheshu]

I still have six.

[Old School Kid]

I have 8 in the front and the rear. I'm just looking for a little drop 1-2". I have been wanting to pull 2 in all for corners.

Is it just a matter of loosening the "u" bolts and and pulling them out, or do I need to pull the entire leaf and grind/un-bolt the stack? (honestly havent looked that closely..

Just looking for a little attitude adjustment in the grocery getter!

Thanks for any and all help

[Russell Ashley]

There is a bolt that holds the leaves together. You could remove a couple of leaves without removing the spring from the truck but you definitely do have to remove the U-bolts holding the axle. I would pick up a couple of new spring bolts before taking it apart as my experience has been that the old bolt will break off when you turn the nut to loosen it. Also, put a c-clamp on the spring to hold it together as you remove the bolt. Take out the leaves in sequence, like shortest two or three, don't take out middle leaves.
Your truck is looking good. We Atlanta area guys need to get together and compare trucks and just BS for a while. I hope to have mine back together soon but it's coming along slow due to other things getting in the way of progress.

[Old School Kid]

Thanks for the info, I will give it a go..

There is a BBQ coming up on April 30 in canton ga at the Williamson BBQ from all shapes and stages from 11-2.. Hope to have good turn out.

Check out the ga forum section for details..
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[oldchevytrucks]

Looks like I'm gonna need new leaf spring u-bolts and center spring bolts. Anyone know where to get em? What size will fit? Is this something I can get at the local hardware store or am I gonna need to order them?
Thanks

[Old School Kid]

All pretty straight forward..

Hit the the front end with some pb blaster on my way out the door for work this morning...

When I got home I dove in... 1.5 hours later (no lift, carport shop!) I was done I pulled 2 of the 8 up front ( no broken u-bolts). Outcome was that it dropped the front 1.5-2 inches. Seemed to overall level the truck out. I when for a few mile test drive no faster than 45-50 and everything performed fine. It does seem to have a little softer ride. Very happy with the outcome.

[Old School Kid]

oldchevyparts, I have a catalog from Tim Tygarts Obsolete Chevy Parts in Nashville GA... 1-800-248-8785 u-bolts are $7.95 the leaf spring center bolt has a 1/2 nut..

[oldchevytrucks]

Thanks for the tip Old School Kid, I'll check them out.

[mr48chev]

That really looks good sitting right there. Great low buck lowering job as long as it doesn't keep on getting lower the longer you drive it.