what is the front of the spring? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GreenMystChevy · 12-11-2003, 08:12 PM

I am putting a lift on my truck, Skyjacker 8" and I need to know which is the front of the the rear springs. On one end it curls in towards the spring and the other end curls up and away from the middle center of the spring. Both look identical other than that. Also, the leafs seem to be more on one side than the other, if that makes sense.

I've never dealt with leaf springs before so this is all new to me. Thanks guys.

Scrub · 12-11-2003, 09:31 PM

Mine had wedges, ( the fat end goes to the back) so it was easy.
Only thing is I didn't use the wedges, so I hope mine are on correctly.

Is there difference in length from the center bolt to the ends on yours? Assuming that mine are correct, the rear part is one inch longer than the front part, so short end forward.

Hope this helps

GreenMystChevy · 12-11-2003, 09:53 PM

No wedges on the back. The front one had those so I was set, then I realized that it also had "FRONT" written on it too. Helps to read sometimes.

As for the back ones, no wedge or writing. I'll check on the length but it looked about the same. Better get out the ol tape measure. Thanks for the help.

Anyone else know what I'm talking about for sure?

Destructo · 12-12-2003, 01:24 AM

The wedges are to fix your pinion angle, I would advise you use them so you don't wear out your u-joints too quick, that is of course if your kit came with them. Their actually referred to as angle shims. And generally the longer part of the springs go to the back.

Scrub · 12-12-2003, 02:23 AM

You are correct, but I welded my spring perches at an angle to achive the same result.

**Stocker** · 12-12-2003, 10:24 PM

Green Myst, just saw your post and went to check mine, but it's a bit too cold & wet (& dark!) right now to crawl under the beast (stock 72 K20). If you are still waiting for info, I can check in the next day or two, depending on weather. I think I know what you are asking about the spring eyes.

ozarkhippie · 12-12-2003, 10:27 PM

on most leaf spring packs the tie bolt is located closer to the front of the spring.

Destructo · 12-12-2003, 10:28 PM

yeah, welding the perches at an angle will do the same too, probably actually a better way to do it than using shims. I assume you have to re-weld your perches because you got your 14FF out of a 1-ton?

GreenMystChevy · 12-13-2003, 03:22 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I might have it right but still not sure.

Stocker: If you could check, that would be great. I am putting them on today but better to change em out sooner than later.

Destructo: The 14FF is from a '74 3/4 ton but they are going under a '72 3/4 ton. So they have to be moved and I will probably do like Scrub did.

**Stocker** · 12-13-2003, 04:11 PM

Well, I just braved the elements (hah - 34* & light rain, barely got dripped on) and I'm afraid to no avail. On my stock spring packs, the front & rear eyes appear to be identical. Also from the center bolt to the center of each eye is the same at 26". The only difference I could see is the clamp around the spring pack is on the front part of the pack, as shown in Scrub's pic above.

Let me know if I misunderstood the original question and if there's something else I can check for you.

GreenMystChevy · 12-15-2003, 01:09 PM

Stocker: No, it sounds like you know exactly what I was asking. I appreciate you braving the elements. It's a dangerous world out there! I won't ask you to fo such a noble thing again

Scrub: Do you have any idea how mny inches back you set those perches? What size lift? I am planning on doing the same thing and it would be nice not to take the time to mock it up if you could give me some dimentions. Thanks.

Everyone Else: If someone could check their aftermarket springs that would be great. I'm still not comfortable. Thanks

Destructo · 12-15-2003, 01:54 PM

You want to know how many inches it is front to back on either side of the center bolt? I have a set of 4 inch rear lift springs laying on the floor in my nice warm basement i'll check for you.

GreenMystChevy · 12-15-2003, 02:12 PM

Destructo:
No, sorry I'm not very descriptive.
I am wondering how many inches back, or how far around he rotated the perches on the axle tube when he welded them on. The axle sits at more of an angle and I am wondering what degree he has it set at so that I don't have to take the time and use my inexperience to screw things up

Thanks for trying though, I appreciate it.

Scrub · 12-15-2003, 05:18 PM

Hmmm.
I just set the perches on the axle with even distance from each side and set the frame and springs on the perches and centered everything up with the bolts loose. As far as the pinion angle,
I did a little Kentucky windage with the bolts loose and said "Looks pretty good there" and tack welded the perches up.
Then I took it apart and finished welding it.

I, more or less, pointed the pinion at where I thought the driveline would end up. I am using a two piece driveline, so it will be higher than the one piece.

hope this helped.

Destructo · 12-15-2003, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GreenMystChevy
Destructo:
No, sorry I'm not very descriptive.
I am wondering how many inches back, or how far around he rotated the perches on the axle tube when he welded them on. The axle sits at more of an angle and I am wondering what degree he has it set at so that I don't have to take the time and use my inexperience to screw things up

Thanks for trying though, I appreciate it.

I was referring to the "Everyone" in your last post about the aftermarket springs.

BLAZERMAN · 12-16-2003, 12:17 AM

Scrub, You got any more pics of your rear setup, I'm interested in how your air bags are setup and how well they work? also whats the large plate with a hiems joint in it for?

12-11-2003, 08:12 PM	#1
GreenMystChevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 513	what is the front of the spring? I am putting a lift on my truck, Skyjacker 8" and I need to know which is the front of the the rear springs. On one end it curls in towards the spring and the other end curls up and away from the middle center of the spring. Both look identical other than that. Also, the leafs seem to be more on one side than the other, if that makes sense. I've never dealt with leaf springs before so this is all new to me. Thanks guys. __________________ Jeremy '71 C-10 '72 GMC K2500 '72 Nova (Dad's) '70 Chevelle SS '55 Sedan Delivery Attempting to build up this here 4x4...make her real tall and purty...well, maybe just tall

12-11-2003, 09:31 PM	#2
Scrub Collector of rusty Items Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Sisters,Oregon USA Posts: 731	Mine had wedges, ( the fat end goes to the back) so it was easy. Only thing is I didn't use the wedges, so I hope mine are on correctly. Is there difference in length from the center bolt to the ends on yours? Assuming that mine are correct, the rear part is one inch longer than the front part, so short end forward. Hope this helps __________________ Scrub Sisters, Oregon - Home of the Sisters Rodeo. 70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles 72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends.

12-11-2003, 09:53 PM	#3
GreenMystChevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 513	No wedges on the back. The front one had those so I was set, then I realized that it also had "FRONT" written on it too. Helps to read sometimes. As for the back ones, no wedge or writing. I'll check on the length but it looked about the same. Better get out the ol tape measure. Thanks for the help. Anyone else know what I'm talking about for sure? __________________ Jeremy '71 C-10 '72 GMC K2500 '72 Nova (Dad's) '70 Chevelle SS '55 Sedan Delivery Attempting to build up this here 4x4...make her real tall and purty...well, maybe just tall

12-12-2003, 02:23 AM	#5
Scrub Collector of rusty Items Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Sisters,Oregon USA Posts: 731	You are correct, but I welded my spring perches at an angle to achive the same result. Attached Images __________________ Scrub Sisters, Oregon - Home of the Sisters Rodeo. 70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles 72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends.

12-12-2003, 10:24 PM	#6
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,749	Green Myst, just saw your post and went to check mine, but it's a bit too cold & wet (& dark!) right now to crawl under the beast (stock 72 K20). If you are still waiting for info, I can check in the next day or two, depending on weather. I think I know what you are asking about the spring eyes. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

12-12-2003, 01:24 AM	#4
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	The wedges are to fix your pinion angle, I would advise you use them so you don't wear out your u-joints too quick, that is of course if your kit came with them. Their actually referred to as angle shims. And generally the longer part of the springs go to the back.

12-12-2003, 10:27 PM	#7
ozarkhippie Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Eureka Springs AR Posts: 494	on most leaf spring packs the tie bolt is located closer to the front of the spring. __________________ Buy Sale or Trade 71 3/4 4x4 72 1/2 ton cheyenne 4x4

12-12-2003, 10:28 PM	#8
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	yeah, welding the perches at an angle will do the same too, probably actually a better way to do it than using shims. I assume you have to re-weld your perches because you got your 14FF out of a 1-ton?

12-13-2003, 03:22 PM	#9
GreenMystChevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 513	Thanks for the replies guys. I think I might have it right but still not sure. Stocker: If you could check, that would be great. I am putting them on today but better to change em out sooner than later. Destructo: The 14FF is from a '74 3/4 ton but they are going under a '72 3/4 ton. So they have to be moved and I will probably do like Scrub did. __________________ Jeremy '71 C-10 '72 GMC K2500 '72 Nova (Dad's) '70 Chevelle SS '55 Sedan Delivery Attempting to build up this here 4x4...make her real tall and purty...well, maybe just tall

12-13-2003, 04:11 PM	#10
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,749	Well, I just braved the elements (hah - 34* & light rain, barely got dripped on) and I'm afraid to no avail. On my stock spring packs, the front & rear eyes appear to be identical. Also from the center bolt to the center of each eye is the same at 26". The only difference I could see is the clamp around the spring pack is on the front part of the pack, as shown in Scrub's pic above. Let me know if I misunderstood the original question and if there's something else I can check for you. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay Last edited by Stocker; 12-13-2003 at 04:22 PM.

12-15-2003, 01:09 PM	#11
GreenMystChevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 513	Stocker: No, it sounds like you know exactly what I was asking. I appreciate you braving the elements. It's a dangerous world out there! I won't ask you to fo such a noble thing again Scrub: Do you have any idea how mny inches back you set those perches? What size lift? I am planning on doing the same thing and it would be nice not to take the time to mock it up if you could give me some dimentions. Thanks. Everyone Else: If someone could check their aftermarket springs that would be great. I'm still not comfortable. Thanks __________________ Jeremy '71 C-10 '72 GMC K2500 '72 Nova (Dad's) '70 Chevelle SS '55 Sedan Delivery Attempting to build up this here 4x4...make her real tall and purty...well, maybe just tall

12-15-2003, 01:54 PM	#12
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	You want to know how many inches it is front to back on either side of the center bolt? I have a set of 4 inch rear lift springs laying on the floor in my nice warm basement i'll check for you.

12-15-2003, 02:12 PM	#13
GreenMystChevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 513	Destructo: No, sorry I'm not very descriptive. I am wondering how many inches back, or how far around he rotated the perches on the axle tube when he welded them on. The axle sits at more of an angle and I am wondering what degree he has it set at so that I don't have to take the time and use my inexperience to screw things up Thanks for trying though, I appreciate it. __________________ Jeremy '71 C-10 '72 GMC K2500 '72 Nova (Dad's) '70 Chevelle SS '55 Sedan Delivery Attempting to build up this here 4x4...make her real tall and purty...well, maybe just tall

12-15-2003, 05:18 PM	#14
Scrub Collector of rusty Items Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Sisters,Oregon USA Posts: 731	Hmmm. I just set the perches on the axle with even distance from each side and set the frame and springs on the perches and centered everything up with the bolts loose. As far as the pinion angle, I did a little Kentucky windage with the bolts loose and said "Looks pretty good there" and tack welded the perches up. Then I took it apart and finished welding it. I, more or less, pointed the pinion at where I thought the driveline would end up. I am using a two piece driveline, so it will be higher than the one piece. hope this helped. __________________ Scrub Sisters, Oregon - Home of the Sisters Rodeo. 70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles 72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends.

12-16-2003, 12:17 AM	#16
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,829	Scrub, You got any more pics of your rear setup, I'm interested in how your air bags are setup and how well they work? also whats the large plate with a hiems joint in it for? __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C



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