Buying 67-72 questions - suspension/wheels - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

agnes the dog · 10-09-2012, 01:34 AM

Hi,

First post here. I just sold my motorcycle to start a father/son truck build project. I am very partial to the 67-72 short bed Chevys. If I had a choice, I'd probably go for a step bed over the fleet bed, but I like them both. I would also prefer a V8 and lower it. Having looked for a couple weeks (and some searches - not new to the value of forums!), I am coming up with some questions.

I see that some trucks have leaf springs in the rear while others have coils. What determines which springs a truck will likely have?

Also, I see that some trucks have 6 lug wheels and others have 5. What determines how many lugs a truck will have?

Is there any cost/difficulty difference or benefits between the leaf/coils and 5/6 lugs when it comes time to put new wheels on and lower the truck.

This won't be my first truck, but it will be my first old truck. If you guys have any advice for a guy just starting out, please feel free to chime in.

Thanks,

JJ

Andy4639 · 10-09-2012, 03:55 AM

Welcome and make sure you post plenty of pictures.

As far as the springs go I can't help much other than restating what I've herd.

Most Chevy's had the coils and the GMC's had the leaf's. That being said some one will say other wise. I don't know for sure.

6 lug axles were the only option until 71 I think. 71 was the first year for factory disc brakes also. 4x4 had 6 lugs though.

Secret Squirrel · 10-09-2012, 11:22 AM

When buying used wheels, there are more 5-lug options. However, if you do get a 6 lug truck, converting to 5 lug is pretty easy. I have six lug and 5 lug C-10.

Both my trucks have coils and are very easy (cheap) to lower. Not sure about the leaf trucks.

**RenoKeene** · 10-09-2012, 12:57 PM

Welcome aboard from Central Florida!
I think you will find coils are easier to deal with and ride better than leafsprings, depends on what your end goal is (work-fun). There are more wheel choices in 5 lug than 6 lug.
As far as shopping for a project goes you might want to sit down and put some stuff on paper like this:
Chevy or GMC
Long bed or Shortbed
Fleetside or Stepside
1/2 ton or 3/4 ton
6 cyl or V8
Do you have fab skills, welding, body and paint, mechanical, electrical
How much $$ in your budget
Whatever else you do you will want to start with as rust-free metal as you can find/afford, and look at lots and lots of trucks before you buy one. You will be better off in the long run.

You came to the right place for info, super smart folks in here willing to help when they can. I also suggest you spend the $25 to support the board so you can buy and sell parts on here, it will be the best money you spend on your project, no doubt about it.
Good luck.

agnes the dog · 10-09-2012, 09:36 PM

Thanks for the quick replies. Can't wait to get started!

**70cst** · 10-09-2012, 09:50 PM

Hey agnes the dog ...

to the forums and

from Ohio.

on starting a Father & Son project.

Don't forget to post plenty of pics

PanelDeland · 10-10-2012, 02:27 PM

Welcome!!!! Look for solid sheetmetal.The bodywork/paint will probably be the most expensive part of the build.Even if it's a 6 cyl truck it's not very expensive to swap.A project truck is like a house,the better the foundation,the better the end result.

Chevy came with coil springs standard,leafs were optional,GMC Came with leafs,coils optional.
6 lugs came on drum trucks and were switched to 5 lug and disc in 1970.

agnes the dog · 10-11-2012, 01:45 AM

Any suggestions on good places to look for a truck? I just got paid for my bike and I have a wad of cash burning a hole in my pocket! I have been watching craigslist for a month or so and there's very little that is even worth going to see. Ebay sellers are extremely proud of their trucks. $$$$ A lot of the stuff around Indiana has rust issues. I'm definitely not opposed to driving a couple hours, but I don't really want to drag something half way across the country.

Ol69C10 · 10-11-2012, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agnes the dog

Any suggestions on good places to look for a truck?

Check local listings is the best advice. More often than not the cheap ones are not listed. Try looking at: RacingJunk.com. If ya weren't so far away I could show a bunch for sale my area.

On the main for this forum there is a section TRUCKS FOR SALE: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...splay.php?f=76

**Already Gone** · 10-11-2012, 04:57 AM

Look in the Trucks For Sale section on this site. At this time there are a couple of nice short boxex for sale and one of them is in Illinois.
Posted via Mobile Device

10-09-2012, 01:34 AM	#1
agnes the dog Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Fishers, IN Posts: 272	Buying 67-72 questions - suspension/wheels Hi, First post here. I just sold my motorcycle to start a father/son truck build project. I am very partial to the 67-72 short bed Chevys. If I had a choice, I'd probably go for a step bed over the fleet bed, but I like them both. I would also prefer a V8 and lower it. Having looked for a couple weeks (and some searches - not new to the value of forums!), I am coming up with some questions. I see that some trucks have leaf springs in the rear while others have coils. What determines which springs a truck will likely have? Also, I see that some trucks have 6 lug wheels and others have 5. What determines how many lugs a truck will have? Is there any cost/difficulty difference or benefits between the leaf/coils and 5/6 lugs when it comes time to put new wheels on and lower the truck. This won't be my first truck, but it will be my first old truck. If you guys have any advice for a guy just starting out, please feel free to chime in. Thanks, JJ

10-09-2012, 03:55 AM	#2
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Buying 67-72 questions - suspension/wheels Welcome and make sure you post plenty of pictures. As far as the springs go I can't help much other than restating what I've herd. Most Chevy's had the coils and the GMC's had the leaf's. That being said some one will say other wise. I don't know for sure. 6 lug axles were the only option until 71 I think. 71 was the first year for factory disc brakes also. 4x4 had 6 lugs though. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

10-09-2012, 11:22 AM	#3
Secret Squirrel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Cheyenne Wy Posts: 208	Re: Buying 67-72 questions - suspension/wheels When buying used wheels, there are more 5-lug options. However, if you do get a 6 lug truck, converting to 5 lug is pretty easy. I have six lug and 5 lug C-10. Both my trucks have coils and are very easy (cheap) to lower. Not sure about the leaf trucks. __________________ ________________________ 72 Olds Cutlass w/442 option 69 C-10 Short Bed Fleet 1960 Biscayne Wagon/El Camino 1995 YJ 4.0 SOA SYE on 35s 01 Excursion Limited 7.3 PSD 06 Suzuki DRZ 400S

10-09-2012, 12:57 PM	#4
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,034	Re: Buying 67-72 questions - suspension/wheels Welcome aboard from Central Florida! I think you will find coils are easier to deal with and ride better than leafsprings, depends on what your end goal is (work-fun). There are more wheel choices in 5 lug than 6 lug. As far as shopping for a project goes you might want to sit down and put some stuff on paper like this: Chevy or GMC Long bed or Shortbed Fleetside or Stepside 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton 6 cyl or V8 Do you have fab skills, welding, body and paint, mechanical, electrical How much $$ in your budget Whatever else you do you will want to start with as rust-free metal as you can find/afford, and look at lots and lots of trucks before you buy one. You will be better off in the long run. You came to the right place for info, super smart folks in here willing to help when they can. I also suggest you spend the $25 to support the board so you can buy and sell parts on here, it will be the best money you spend on your project, no doubt about it. Good luck. __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394

10-09-2012, 09:36 PM	#5
agnes the dog Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Fishers, IN Posts: 272	Re: Buying 67-72 questions - suspension/wheels Thanks for the quick replies. Can't wait to get started!

10-09-2012, 09:50 PM	#6
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,375	Re: Buying 67-72 questions - suspension/wheels Hey agnes the dog ... to the forums and from Ohio. on starting a Father & Son project. Don't forget to post plenty of pics __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

10-10-2012, 02:27 PM	#7
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Buying 67-72 questions - suspension/wheels Welcome!!!! Look for solid sheetmetal.The bodywork/paint will probably be the most expensive part of the build.Even if it's a 6 cyl truck it's not very expensive to swap.A project truck is like a house,the better the foundation,the better the end result. Chevy came with coil springs standard,leafs were optional,GMC Came with leafs,coils optional. 6 lugs came on drum trucks and were switched to 5 lug and disc in 1970. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

10-11-2012, 01:45 AM	#8
agnes the dog Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Fishers, IN Posts: 272	Re: Buying 67-72 questions - suspension/wheels Any suggestions on good places to look for a truck? I just got paid for my bike and I have a wad of cash burning a hole in my pocket! I have been watching craigslist for a month or so and there's very little that is even worth going to see. Ebay sellers are extremely proud of their trucks. $$$$ A lot of the stuff around Indiana has rust issues. I'm definitely not opposed to driving a couple hours, but I don't really want to drag something half way across the country.

10-11-2012, 04:57 AM	#10
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,149	Re: Buying 67-72 questions - suspension/wheels Look in the Trucks For Sale section on this site. At this time there are a couple of nice short boxex for sale and one of them is in Illinois. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021



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