leaf spring frame ????

[redbaron69]

do the leaf spring frames have the crossmember that the coils attach to? planning on swapping my 69 to coils, and trying to figure out what all i need. thanks guys.

[myoldchevytruck]

Yes they do. I did the swap from leafs to coils last year in my 69'. Here are the parts for the change over:

Trailing Arms and Coils with all associated hardware
Cross Member Brackets x 2 (I purchased these from a board member )
Frame Bracket for Track Bar x1 (I purchased this also from a board member)
Axle Perches for the Trailing Arms to mount to (You can purchase these from ECE) (Unless you are swapping your rear end out with them already installed) (Also note that a your axle now probably DOES NOT have the stud next to the pumpkin for the track bar to mount to)
Rear Shock Relocator Kit (You can purchase this from ECE)

Question? Are you going to lower your truck? I did 6 inches (6" drop springs from GMC Pauls). I used the Super Trac Bar from ECE. The Super Trac Bar installs to the frame bracket on the D/S and goes to the P/S mount for the trailing arm at the axle.

When putting on the the new brackets, I used all Grade 8 nuts, bolts and washers. I also changed the bushings on the trailing arms.

This is not as complicated as it sounds. with all the parts on hand, this can easily be done in a weekend. I also painted the back half of the frame, trailing arms and axle. If you have questions, pm your phone number.

[redbaron69]

thanks old chevy truck. what are the crossmember brackets you mentioned?

[myoldchevytruck]

i purchased them from a board member who took them off an old junker. i think they were like $20 or $25 shipped and as far as the frame bracket, same thing. i also purchased it from a board member. maybe $20. shipped. you can put out wanted to buy on the parts board once you become a paying member for the $25 it's definetly worth it.

[screamin_c10]

Originally Posted by redbaron69

thanks old chevy truck. what are the crossmember brackets you mentioned?

I believe he is referring to the brackets that bolt / rivet to the trailing arm crossmember that actually serve as the pivot point for the arms.

My GMC frame has the crossmember, but no brackets....


Check out CPP as well, they offer a leaf to coil conversion kit for the axle, comes with perches, u-bolts, weld in trackbar mounts, trackbar etc.

[myoldchevytruck]

Originally Posted by screamin_c10

I believe he is referring to the brackets that bolt / rivet to the trailing arm crossmember that actually serve as the pivot point for the arms.

My GMC frame has the crossmember, but no brackets....


Check out CPP as well, they offer a leaf to coil conversion kit for the axle, comes with perches, u-bolts, weld in trackbar mounts, trackbar etc.

Thats what im talking about. My GMC had the cross member too and no brackets. i purchased all of the brackets from a board member from a junk Chevy frame and used grade 8 hardware to install the brackets

[redbaron69]

thanks for the info guys. my chevy has leafs and everybody always says " its on a GMC frame" till i show them the SPID. Im still up in the air about the swap. i want to lower the truck and it seems coils will be cheaper, but im wanting to keep the truck as original as i can. just add a few upgrades and make it a nice ride to cruise the family in.

[screamin_c10]

[QUOTE=redbaron69;3572392]thanks for the info guys. my chevy has leafs and everybody always says " its on a GMC frame" [QUOTE]


So, my understanding is that GMC trucks came from the assembly line with leaves unless they were ordered with coils. Chevys were just the opposite, they came with coils unless ordered with leaves...

The "rule of thumb" is leaves = GMC, coils = Chevy however, there is always an exception to every rule...