Leaf spring swap? Add 3/4 ton springs to c10

[po_bird]

Anyone ever swap out your leaf springs? I need more load capacity on my 72 c10 longbed. So i was thinking of getting a leaf setup off of a 68 3/4 ton longbed. Mine has the leaf setup already. So if anyone has done this any tips and help would be appreciated.

[Stocker]

I recently added a set of overloads to my K20... so far, so good, but no really heavy loads yet.

[dmack91]

Even though you build up the springs, you will still have half ton axles.

I never thought much about it until I was with a friend in his half ton with a camper on it. Axle broke at 55mph and we rolled onto the shoulder of the freeway.

Swore off half ton's for any potentially heavy work after that.

[trapperjack]

67-68 leaf springs are different from 69-72. Might be an issue.

[po_bird]

Dmack- do you mean the axle shaft or the rear diff broke? If it was the axle shaft, i could upgrade them as well. Thanks for sharing the info on that too. Im trying to figure out what would be the cheapest way out on this. Either upgrade the suspension on my 72 c10 or sell it and buy a 3/4 ton.

[po_bird]

Trapper- i did notice that in my research today. But i found some new ones online for a 72 with 5 leafs and a overload for about 400$. They're rated at 2700lbs. My originals only have 3 leafs and a overload.

[mr48chev]

I have to agree with dmack91 on that. Adding the overloads to stabilize and keep the truck closer to level when hauling a load within it's load capacity is fine but wanting to install heavier springs to haul more than the truck is rated for is not the most prudent idea unless you change the rear axle too. Don't get me wrong, most of us who actually use our trucks put some serous loads on them on occasion but If you need to carry a heavy load on a regular basis it might be better to upgrade to a heavier rear axle to handle the load.

You might check on the air bag overloads that a lot of the later model guys are using now. They clamp to the axle and have a bracket that bolts to the frame much the same as the old coil spring clamp on overloads did/do.

[hugger6933]

If you really need the extra load cap why don't you think of changing your truck to a c20 with a complete suspension swap . You might find someone wanting to go the other way and that would help the both of you out. I was thinking that because I'm changing my 68 gmc from a 3/4 ton to a swb1/2 ton ,but I have most of the stuff and this truck's hauling days are done. Jim

[JasonBird]

yeah, look up elliot949 i think is his username. he has a 3/4 ton chassis he doesn't need.

[dmack91]

Originally Posted by po_bird

Dmack- do you mean the axle shaft or the rear diff broke? If it was the axle shaft, i could upgrade them as well. Thanks for sharing the info on that too. Im trying to figure out what would be the cheapest way out on this. Either upgrade the suspension on my 72 c10 or sell it and buy a 3/4 ton.

Looked like it blew out a bearing at the brake end of the axle shaft, then sheared the axle at the hub.

Unfortunately, that is the design difference between half and 3/4-1 tons. Full floating axles have much beefier bearings and are less likely to lose the shaft.

The friend I was with when it broke used to load full loads of firewood, camper, etc on the half ton (it was an F150). Never thought much about it until the tire/rim assembly took a left turn on us at 55mph.

[johnokc]

Originally Posted by trapperjack

67-68 leaf springs are different from 69-72. Might be an issue.

Been reading the site for awhile. Decided to join after reading your post to say Thank You! You just saved me a weekends worth of work.

[Artofdeath]

Originally Posted by johnokc

Been reading the site for awhile. Decided to join after reading your post to say Thank You! You just saved me a weekends worth of work.

Welcome to the board John, definitely a good place to hang your hat.