Leafspring ?

[Sleeperc10]

Hello everyone, If i swapped out my leafs on my 71 k10 longbed would it get the truck a softer ride? I have 52" leafsprings out back now but if i did like a 60 something would i get a better ride out of it?

[gerfunken]

Not really. Most of the time trucks aren't easy to dial in when it comes to the rear springs. In order to get a smoother ride, you give up your ability to haul stuff in the back (or, you end up carrying around a couple of bags of cement.) Now, you may be able to find some springs with a lower compression rate or remove some leafs from the spring pack, but you need to add some overload springs or go with an air-bag set up to compensate when you do carry a load in the truck, but there aren't any real guarantees.

Honestly, the best ride I've had in my truck is when I'm moving about 2400lbs of crushed granite… my truck has a great ride at that point.

[Sleeperc10]

So could I swap 56" springs in for the front and 64" springs out back? I understand Ill have to do new shackles etc. but would i be able to recenter my axles?

[Mike C]

56's in the back is easy. Get some from a Suburban. Just move hangers back 4". Get 1/2 tons springs. Just remember, length isn't everything with springs.

[twich3136]

I understand Ill have to do new shackles

have you found any shackles? i have a set of 99 leafs with overloads from a 2500hd with a 99 sf 14 bolt that i want to put in my 68. cant find shackles to save my life. i'm about ready to make my own. its really easier to get 56"s just remember to measure twice, 4 times is better.