leaf spring lowering question

[joe231]

hey guys, I have a question.
I have searched and found some info, but I'm looking for specifics.
I have 6 leafs total on my '80 short wide (according to the vin it is a heavy half), the top that mounts to the frame and shackle, the thick one on the bottom and 4 in between. this truck sits very high in the rear.
I would like maximum lowering with minimal ride problems (not asking for much).
can I get 3-4 inches by pulling the thick lower leaf and 1 or 2 of the 4 in the middle with out a lousy ride? and which middle ones. i would like to keep the second to the bottom as it has the bracket to keep the leafs from fanning out.
here are some pics of how it sat stock




and how it sits as of now






gotta pick up some new spring locater pins/bolts tomorrow
thanks in advance for any help
joe

[SCOTI]

I've never been a fan of removing leafs & always used flip-kits. Since you're disassembled @ this point, one middle leaf & the bottom overload spring seem to be the popular choice for removal.

[scotts62]

Cool man hopefully it lowers it like you want, cant wait to see it finished

[joe231]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I've never been a fan of removing leafs & always used flip-kits. Since you're disassembled @ this point, one middle leaf & the bottom overload spring seem to be the popular choice for removal.

thanks SCOTI, I plan on doing the flip at a later date along with drop spindles , but I also wanted a better ride. these springs are very rough unloaded, and this truck shouldn't see much in the way of loads. any idea what one middle and the heavy bottom leaf will equal in inches of drop?

Originally Posted by scotts62

Cool man hopefully it lowers it like you want, cant wait to see it finished

yeah I was gonna text you a picture last night, but it was after 11pm
i figured I should get started since you couldn't stand looking at it

[N2TRUX]

I can't say for sure what the middle leaf will offer, since it might be weak already. Usually you can expect about an inch or less. The bottom leaf is probably about 3/4" thick and once removed will give you exactly that much drop.

Since it is an overload leaf, it essentially works like a 3/4" lift block until you put a load on it.

[joe231]

that makes sense, and is what I was thinking. thanks N2TRUX
I'm going to pull the overload and 2 of the middle leafs, hopefully leaving 3 leafs will keep the axle wrap down, guess i can always add one back if not

[LONGHAIR]

Axle wrap is the biggest factor in doing this. Removing leaves will lower the truck and probably improve the ride at the same time, but you may have to go easy on the throttle. You have also taken away much of the load carrying capacity.

[joe231]

Thanks LONGHAIR,
I have been kinda looking in to the Cal Trac, may need one of those if axle wrap is a problem. I am also thinking of going to air over leaf in the not to distant future.

Here is another problem I have encountered, I have looked high and low and am having a hell of a time finding center bolts for these leafs, any one have any suggestions where I can find them? GM says they don't sell them separately, drive train shop doesn't have them, fleet pride said they could match them but after trying they don't have anything either. I'm stumped, I can't find a auto spring shop around here anywhere

[LONGHAIR]

Allen bolt? They are good grade 8 bolts, with a round head.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

Allen bolt? They are good grade 8 bolts, with a round head.

Yep. GRADE-8 allen bolt.

[joe231]

cool, thanks guys!!

[N2TRUX]

In a pinch one night when I "thought" I had a long enough pin, I used a regular grade 8 bolt. I chucked it up in the drill press, turned on the drill and went after the head with my 4" grinder.

It may not be the best solution, but it worked just fine for several years.

[joe231]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

In a pinch one night when I "thought" I had a long enough pin, I used a regular grade 8 bolt. I chucked it up in the drill press, turned on the drill and went after the head with my 4" grinder.

It may not be the best solution, but it worked just fine for several years.

Thanks N2TRUX,
that was gonna be my plan, until the socket head cap screw(allen head) idea came through. I never even thought about it and it makes perfect sense