Leaf springs

[Erik the Awful]

It looks like some redneck just pried the spring pack apart, tossed one aside and bolted it all back together, without even trying to bend the tabs back in.

Roscoe was missing about a thousand pounds worth of engine, transmission, and other stuff, so it wasn't full C3500 heavy, although the hundred pounds of mouse turds didn't help. Still, I don't think Way Cool Jr is going to be carrying any more than can fit in the bed from now on.

 

[stutaeng]

It looks like some redneck just pried the spring pack apart, tossed one aside and bolted it all back together, without even trying to bend the tabs back in.

Roscoe was missing about a thousand pounds worth of engine, transmission, and other stuff, so it wasn't full C3500 heavy, although the hundred pounds of mouse turds didn't help. Still, I don't think Way Cool Jr is going to be carrying any more than can fit in the bed from now on.

Well, at least you found out thanks to this thread! Always good to compare your old truck to other similar trucks. You never know what the previous owners add or delete before you buy them, LOL.

So the OP's problem is actually not his but yours! Sorry Brother, I'm giggling!

 

[RichLo]

you can always do what I did and add 7 or 8 more leafs back there, lol.

 

[Supercharged111]

Longer shackles = lower.

From what I can see in this pic's angle, the leaf spring eye bushings aren't all in that great of shape.

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3.2128 | Rear Leaf Spring Bushings | Chevrolet K1500 1988-1998

Energy Suspension Rear Leaf Springs for 1988-1998 Chevrolet K1500. Made of Energy's HYPER FLEX performance polyurethane to add performance and durability. 3.2128

www.suspension.com

Rubber is softer than polyurethane so it's better at lessening road noise and vibrations.
Rubber bushings make for a smoother ride.
They're also a lot more prone to damage from oil, UV, road chemicals and heat.
Poly will upgrade the suspension's stability and have an increased lifespan but they won't do you any favors when it comes to vibration absorption.

I dunno about the longevity piece. On road course cars they'll deform over time. In a heavy truck I could see the same thing happening.

 

[xAFNYx]

Well, at least you found out thanks to this thread! Always good to compare your old truck to other similar trucks. You never know what the previous owners add or delete before you buy them, LOL.

So the OP's problem is actually not his but yours! Sorry Brother, I'm giggling!

I'm just glad i can finally give back to the community lol

 

[xAFNYx]

Longer shackles = lower.

From what I can see in this pic's angle, the leaf spring eye bushings aren't all in that great of shape.

You must be registered for see images attach

3.2128 | Rear Leaf Spring Bushings | Chevrolet K1500 1988-1998

Energy Suspension Rear Leaf Springs for 1988-1998 Chevrolet K1500. Made of Energy's HYPER FLEX performance polyurethane to add performance and durability. 3.2128

www.suspension.com

Rubber is softer than polyurethane so it's better at lessening road noise and vibrations.
Rubber bushings make for a smoother ride.
They're also a lot more prone to damage from oil, UV, road chemicals and heat.
Poly will upgrade the suspension's stability and have an increased lifespan but they won't do you any favors when it comes to vibration absorption.

hmm. Okay cool. Then maybe i could just throw some new bushings in there and not be crazy and buy new leafs, shackles, bolts, bushings, and clamps. lol

I've been looking at 4+1 packs and torsion bars because my brains like "If you just put new ones in.... you'll never have to worry" When realistically, I'm sure the truck will crap out before any of those parts will

 

[sewlow]

hmm. Okay cool. Then maybe i could just throw some new bushings in there and not be crazy and buy new leafs, shackles, bolts, bushings, and clamps. lol

I've been looking at 4+1 packs and torsion bars because my brains like "If you just put new ones in.... you'll never have to worry" When realistically, I'm sure the truck will crap out before any of those parts will

The urethane is an easy install. 2 piece design.
Check those U-bolts while you're in there, too.
The cupped design of that lower plate holds crud & moisture causing the U-bolts to rust away, down inside that cup out of direct sight.
A known 400 design flaw.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Check & see if the leaf spring center bolt hasn't suffered the same fate too, while you're in there.

 

[xAFNYx]

The urethane is an easy install. 2 piece design.
Check those U-bolts while you're in there, too.
The cupped design of that lower plate holds crud & moisture causing the U-bolts to rust away, down inside that cup out of direct sight.
A known 400 design flaw.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Check & see if the leaf spring center bolt hasn't suffered the same fate too, while you're in there.

Ok. So. New shackles, bolts, and bushings at least lol

 

[Caman96]

Ok. So. New shackles, bolts, and bushings at least lol

Check this complete kit out. Gives you everything and is a 4+1 kit. Massive improvement on mine.
4/1, (5lvs), (2050 lbs) Capacity Each Rear Leaf Spring

Chevy/GMC C/K Series Complete Rear Leaf Spring Assembly Kit **SHIPPING COST FOR LEAF SPRINGS ONLY**

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Check this complete kit out. Gives you everything and is a 4+1 kit. Massive improvement on mine.

That's a great price