Stock C3500 Rear Leafs on a C2500

[Westieterrier]

My '97 service manual says JB8 varies between single-rear wheel and dual-rear-wheel vehicles. Both rear brakes are 13" drums x 3 1/2" shoes. The front brakes are different--12 1/2" rotors 1.26 thick on single-rear-wheel vehicles, 12 1/2" rotors 1.5" thick on dualies.

Hi Schurkey, very helpful reply. Do you know what the difference front and rear between the JB7 and JB8 brakes are? I have the JB7, but may consider upgrading. Still, it stops just fine with the Camper, which, btw, is rated at 2,800 lbs empty. Filled with all the equipment; water (but no poop!); and accessories a fair estimation is 3,500 lbs. Thanks. P

 

[packer0440]

Hi there,
My '92 C3500 dually has the overload spring; even with the bed completely filled with gravel or rock it barely sags at all. Might be worth looking into for a camper of that size as mentioned earlier.

 

[Westieterrier]

Hi there,
My '92 C3500 dually has the overload spring; even with the bed completely filled with gravel or rock it barely sags at all. Might be worth looking into for a camper of that size as mentioned earlier.

Hi Packer, thanks for the reply. Would you mind snapping a few pictures from a few different angles of your rear leafs; contact points; etc.? It'd be really helpful. If it looks like a direct swap for me (as some have said here), then it's off to Pick-A-Part! Thanks man. P

 

[packer0440]

Hi Packer, thanks for the reply. Would you mind snapping a few pictures from a few different angles of your rear leafs; contact points; etc.? It'd be really helpful. If it looks like a direct swap for me (as some have said here), then it's off to Pick-A-Part! Thanks man. P

Sorry for the delay. Here are a few including bump stops and shackles. I believe the 14 bolt rear is the same for 2500s and 3500s w/454, although the duallys have bigger drums. Other than that should be pretty much the same. (Also let me know if pictures came out right I did this from my phone).

 

[packer0440]

Sorry for the delay. Here are a few including bump stops and shackles. I believe the 14 bolt rear is the same for 2500s and 3500s w/454, although the duallys have bigger drums. Other than that should be pretty much the same. (Also let me know if pictures came out right I did this from my phone).

Front shackle:

 

[Westieterrier]

Thanks Packer! Looks like the helper spring would just sit on top of my 5/1 spring pack. Perhaps I'll get both an add-a-leaf and the helper spring and I'll be good to go. I like the idea of the Air Lift, but have recently read that with those you can't ever jack the truck up by the frame because it might pull the air spring apart (downward force). I think I'll take a few picture of my truck's underside to show you as well. I really appreciate your guidance here! I owe you a couple of Oregon IPAs (if you like good beer)!! P

 

[stutaeng]

Thanks Packer! Looks like the helper spring would just sit on top of my 5/1 spring pack. Perhaps I'll get both an add-a-leaf and the helper spring and I'll be good to go. I like the idea of the Air Lift, but have recently read that with those you can't ever jack the truck up by the frame because it might pull the air spring apart (downward force). I think I'll take a few picture of my truck's underside to show you as well. I really appreciate your guidance here! I owe you a couple of Oregon IPAs (if you like good beer)!! P

I think you can do some hold-down or strap to prevent damage to the airbags...

I would not recommend Add-A-Leaf. Years ago I had some AAL to my 1500 and made the truck run really harsh, but worst is that they rattled like crazy. Stay OEM if possible.

I think that OEM overload from the DRW is going to be plenty honestly. Just a thought. @Supercharged111 I think added the overload with multiple leafs that came in the GVWR = 12k (cab & chassis frame?) Maybe look into that.

 

[Supercharged111]

I think you can do some hold-down or strap to prevent damage to the airbags...

I would not recommend Add-A-Leaf. Years ago I had some AAL to my 1500 and made the truck run really harsh, but worst is that they rattled like crazy. Stay OEM if possible.

I think that OEM overload from the DRW is going to be plenty honestly. Just a thought. @Supercharged111 I think added the overload with multiple leafs that came in the GVWR = 12k (cab & chassis frame?) Maybe look into that.

I have a Mish mash leaf pack, but for a 3500# camper a stock dually leaf pack is plenty. I hauled my 5000# camper and car hauler with empty bags on stock leaves. Could also do the GMT800 pack with 2 upper overloads.

 

[GMCTruck]

An add-a-leaf is a good option IMHO. Yes, the empty ride will be stiffer and the rear end of the truck will be a little higher. But with a 3500 lbs camper on, one will appreciate the extra stability, especially on rough roads or strong crosswinds.
I would ask the OP; how much camping will you be doing? Is the camper going to sit on the truck most of the year? Will you use the truck as a daily driver for most of the time?

As i said before, I had 3 extra leafs added to my 1995 K1500 ECSB. It came from the factory with the pathetic 3+1 pack. It rides stiff for sure but still softer than the 1950 GMC one ton truck I learned to drive in the mid-70s so I can live with it.

Here is the way my 95 looks, 7 leafs in all;

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[Westieterrier]

I think you can do some hold-down or strap to prevent damage to the airbags...

I would not recommend Add-A-Leaf. Years ago I had some AAL to my 1500 and made the truck run really harsh, but worst is that they rattled like crazy. Stay OEM if possible.

I think that OEM overload from the DRW is going to be plenty honestly. Just a thought. @Supercharged111 I think added the overload with multiple leafs that came in the GVWR = 12k (cab & chassis frame?) Maybe look into that.

Hi Stutaeng, this sounds like a good idea and thanks for the input. Def. will start scouring Pick A Part for those overload springs. P