Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
04-16-2018, 10:40 AM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Anaheim, CA
Posts: 32
|
Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Hello guys, I just added a 1972 K10 to my truck collection.
When driving my truck is so stiff from the front suspension, I want to keep the leaf springs, changing leaf springs and adding new shocks seems to be good for me, I can do that on a weekend as it's my daily drive truck. Any recommendations for a smoother drive? Thanks in advance |
04-16-2018, 12:23 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Colfax-California
Posts: 8,634
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
What's on there now
|
04-16-2018, 01:20 PM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Anaheim, CA
Posts: 32
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Honestly, I don't know, I can snap a picture and add it here.
|
04-16-2018, 04:18 PM | #4 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,722
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
My K20 has 2.5" Softrides and it's not too bad, but it's still an old solid axle truck and it rides like one. Interested to see what you have.
__________________
- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
04-16-2018, 04:29 PM | #5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Decatur, Texas
Posts: 673
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Stock height or lift, a custom set of springs from Alcan, Deaver or National will make that K10 ride like a dream.
__________________
Romans 10:9 - The Truth |
04-16-2018, 06:18 PM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Anaheim, CA
Posts: 32
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Nice RDrancher, I'll start looking into that.
here are some pics that I just took from the leaf springs. Last edited by josuito; 04-16-2018 at 06:24 PM. |
04-16-2018, 07:01 PM | #7 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,722
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Your springs look an awful lot like my Softrides. Hard to tell, is that an oversized oilpan protected by a (possibly homemade) bracket & skidplate? The front diff isn't contacting it, is it? First pic says no, second pic says maybe... Also, it looks like that top shock bolt is loose.
__________________
- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
04-16-2018, 11:24 PM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Idaho
Posts: 652
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Those do look like a soft ride type
My 4" Dick Cepek soft rides, the bottom two leaves are longer than those. My leaves tapper thinner at each end of each leaf also similar to a knife edge. Mine total five leaves also. And mine still have a nice arch. Yours look sagged or maybe a 2 1/2" lift I'll take a guess that those are Rancho sprgs. IIRC, but I could be wrong . .
__________________
'81 K20 Silverado , '99 Dodge Cummins 4x4, '05 Dodge Cummins 4x4, Pinstriping-Lettering-Specialty Painting |
04-17-2018, 12:32 AM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Colfax-California
Posts: 8,634
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Definitely not soft rides, I would venture to guess a set of Rancho 4'' springs. I ran an identical set on my Suburban, but I removed the smallest spring on the bottom. Springs still set flat. The Suburban ran awesome even with the quad shock set-up. Of course the Suburban is quite a bit heavier all around though.
What's up with that skid plate? |
04-17-2018, 07:06 AM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Williamsburg, Ohio
Posts: 1,798
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
I might remove the bottom 2 leaves --probably will lower it an inch+ tho. You may end up removing one from the back also above the overload to level the truck.. But it should soften the ride.
Then I wanted mine lower --like a stock 67--- and went to just 2 leaves --gave me a negative arch that I helped support with coil overs when I put the bbc in. I would try just removing the bottom 2 or the second leaf up from bottom. Depends on how you want to use the truck.
__________________
1942 Chevy 1/2 ton Rod, 1959 GMC 1/2 ton Fleet Stepside, 1967 Chevy SWB K10, 1985 Corvette Coupe 4+3, 2015 Chevy Duramax reg cab 4WD W/T Last edited by dennislbrooks; 04-17-2018 at 07:15 AM. Reason: words |
04-17-2018, 08:45 AM | #11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,727
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
I wouldn’t pull leaves. They are designed as a pack for durability load and longevity.
But I would adjust tire pressure. What size tires are you running and how heavily inflated? With my 35” 14.5” Mickey Baja Beltes I ran 22 psi for even tread wear. With the BFG MT’s I ran 26 psi. If you have a 33 or 35 inch tire on there inflated to 35 psi dropping that is a great start.
__________________
44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
04-19-2018, 11:00 AM | #12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Anaheim, CA
Posts: 32
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Thanks for everything guys, I think this will have to wait a few weeks more, I just got hit 2 days ago, pop my front tire, broke my transmission and messed up my rear differential.
|
04-19-2018, 11:03 AM | #13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Decatur, Texas
Posts: 673
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Well that sucks! I'm guessing you're ok?
__________________
Romans 10:9 - The Truth |
04-19-2018, 11:09 AM | #14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Anaheim, CA
Posts: 32
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Yes, I have pain from all over my body but I'm still here to get my truck running again.
|
04-19-2018, 02:01 PM | #15 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,722
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Well that really bites! Glad you're not seriously injured. Hope the person that hit you has good insurance.
__________________
- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
04-20-2018, 01:35 AM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Colfax-California
Posts: 8,634
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
What is it lately? Trucks getting hit and stolen W.T.....
|
04-24-2018, 02:14 PM | #17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Anaheim, CA
Posts: 32
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
I know... No Respect... I don't know how he says he didn't see me coming.. lol
I maybe fix it up and sell it, I think this was an open eye for me that I really want is a K5, hehe... |
04-27-2018, 10:26 AM | #18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Mission Viejo, CA
Posts: 288
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Sorry to hear about your truck being hit. But since I noticed you are in Anaheim, the place to go for springs is Deaver. They are located in Santa Ana and I put their springs on my 2500 Suburban and the ride difference was night and day. They are not cheap but the ride quality is great.
|
04-27-2018, 04:06 PM | #19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Anaheim, CA
Posts: 32
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Thanks Ryan, I found a distributor in Anaheim, I may go there. I think this will take time as the bed has to be replaced, replace the transmission (it broke), replace right door and fender.
|
03-20-2020, 04:08 AM | #20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Honolulu
Posts: 9
|
Dealing with similar issues on my K10. After doing a lil digging and staying within a budget. I’m changing mind out to skyjacker leaves, bushings, and shocks. Fingers crossed!
Posted via Mobile Device |
03-20-2020, 01:26 PM | #21 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Temple City
Posts: 3,628
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Quote:
I also went from some cheap shocks to KYB GR2, and that helped quite a bit too. Hell even new cheap shocks can be a big improvement. |
|
03-29-2020, 02:34 AM | #22 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,884
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Don't want to be a downer, if you wanted to save money. I think you should have just stayed with the springs you have, changed bushings if needed and go to hydraulic shocks. I had Skyjackers on my K20. There will probably not be any difference than what you have now. I wish you luck!
__________________
Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746 |
03-30-2020, 02:18 AM | #23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Honolulu
Posts: 9
|
Re: Smoother leaf springs for my 72 K10
Fingers crossed brother! I’m waiting on a new suspension set up as we speak! I’ll be sure to post pics and give update. Just finished doing my interior floor replaced with sound proofing and new vinyl! Came out great
Posted via Mobile Device |
Bookmarks |
Tags |
1972 k10, smoother leaf springs |
|
|