Brilliant idea or incredibly dumb??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

agnes the dog · 08-22-2013, 11:01 AM

I haven't seen anyone do this and I'm not sure if it would even work. My idea is to replace the shocks with coilover shocks, then remove several leaf springs, preferably leaving only two leafs per pack to maintain some sense of safety. My goal would be to stiffen up the ride while getting a lower stance. Any ideas or suggestions, warnings, etc. would be appreciated. Like the title says, it's only an idea at this stage. I've already pulled a couple leafs from the front and back. I'm currently running 5 leafs up front and 6 in the back with Monroe shocks all around. I like the look, but the ride is kinda spongy.

**G&R's57GMC** · 08-22-2013, 01:53 PM

Aside from the cost of coil over's the upper and lower mounts would need to be reinforced / redesigned to support the added weight and movement.

To carry the weight the shocks should be more vertical then the stock set up.

The aftermarket has a two leaf lowering set up that would do the job as a bolt in.

agnes the dog · 08-22-2013, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G&R's57GMC

Aside from the cost of coil over's the upper and lower mounts would need to be reinforced / redesigned to support the added weight and movement.

To carry the weight the shocks should be more vertical then the stock set up.

The aftermarket has a two leaf lowering set up that would do the job as a bolt in.

Good point on being more vertical. I anticipated having to reinforce. Looks like it would cost about the same for the springs or coilovers. Bolt in is much easier. Probably why no one has done it. Thanks for your input.
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**mr48chev** · 08-22-2013, 06:09 PM

I honestly don't think you will get the ride and or handling you are looking for with that setup.

You would be a lot better off with a dropped axle, lowering springs from a known reliable vendor and quality shocks with the right valving for what you want. Then add a sway bar to control the lean on turns a bit. This would be going backwards for guys like Rob at No-Limit but it may take someone used to tuning suspensions to come up with a combination that would work.

agnes the dog · 08-27-2013, 07:45 AM

Figured out that I had a blown shock that was causing the spongy and sometimes erratic ride. All fixed now. Rides great! Thanks for the replies!

08-22-2013, 11:01 AM	#1
agnes the dog Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Fishers, IN Posts: 272	Brilliant idea or incredibly dumb??? I haven't seen anyone do this and I'm not sure if it would even work. My idea is to replace the shocks with coilover shocks, then remove several leaf springs, preferably leaving only two leafs per pack to maintain some sense of safety. My goal would be to stiffen up the ride while getting a lower stance. Any ideas or suggestions, warnings, etc. would be appreciated. Like the title says, it's only an idea at this stage. I've already pulled a couple leafs from the front and back. I'm currently running 5 leafs up front and 6 in the back with Monroe shocks all around. I like the look, but the ride is kinda spongy. __________________ Just because you can, doesn't necessarily mean you should. 1959 3100 stepside 355 + T5

08-22-2013, 01:53 PM	#2
G&R's57GMC Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Shasta Lake, CA. Posts: 1,624	Re: Brilliant idea or incredibly dumb??? Aside from the cost of coil over's the upper and lower mounts would need to be reinforced / redesigned to support the added weight and movement. To carry the weight the shocks should be more vertical then the stock set up. The aftermarket has a two leaf lowering set up that would do the job as a bolt in. __________________ Glen & Jane's Rides ‘57 GMC NAPCO Long Bed V8 4 speed Bought 2008 7 other cars & trucks , 5 trailers '56 Chevy Long Bed I6, 4 speed Bought 1990 Sold 8.22.2020 ’56 GMC Suburban Pickup V8, 4 speed Hydramatic Bought 1996 Sold 10.11.2020 My Other Tinkerings http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post8967275

08-22-2013, 06:09 PM	#4
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,711	Re: Brilliant idea or incredibly dumb??? I honestly don't think you will get the ride and or handling you are looking for with that setup. You would be a lot better off with a dropped axle, lowering springs from a known reliable vendor and quality shocks with the right valving for what you want. Then add a sway bar to control the lean on turns a bit. This would be going backwards for guys like Rob at No-Limit but it may take someone used to tuning suspensions to come up with a combination that would work. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

08-27-2013, 07:45 AM	#5
agnes the dog Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Fishers, IN Posts: 272	Re: Brilliant idea or incredibly dumb??? Figured out that I had a blown shock that was causing the spongy and sometimes erratic ride. All fixed now. Rides great! Thanks for the replies! __________________ Just because you can, doesn't necessarily mean you should. 1959 3100 stepside 355 + T5

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