2004 Silverado Leaf Springs

chevrolet1616 · May 11, 2015

I'm not entirely sure if my leaf springs need to be replaced but my ride has become incredibly stiff over the last 2 years. I am fairly sure it is not the shocks (replaced those about 18 months ago). I dont have any pictures at the moment, but it appears the two leafs are sitting very close (1/2") to the overload leaf. Also, the springs have a distinct bow in the opposite direction from the normal arc across the top of the axle. I rather not replace them if it's not necessary, but it's more stiff/bouncy compared to a year or 2 ago without a load in the back.

Has anyone replaced the leaf springs on a GMT800? Are there any specific spring rates needed, i.e. is there a difference between a denali leaf spring and a work truck spring? Any brand recommendations? upgraded parts? etc? A quick search has shown them to be between 80 bucks and 200 bucks each.

Has anyone experienced a ride difference before and after a leaf spring change?

Thanks!

gmtech4 · May 12, 2015

I'm not entirely sure if my leaf springs need to be replaced but my ride has become incredibly stiff over the last 2 years. I am fairly sure it is not the shocks (replaced those about 18 months ago). I dont have any pictures at the moment, but it appears the two leafs are sitting very close (1/2") to the overload leaf. Also, the springs have a distinct bow in the opposite direction from the normal arc across the top of the axle. I rather not replace them if it's not necessary, but it's more stiff/bouncy compared to a year or 2 ago without a load in the back.

Has anyone replaced the leaf springs on a GMT800? Are there any specific spring rates needed, i.e. is there a difference between a denali leaf spring and a work truck spring? Any brand recommendations? upgraded parts? etc? A quick search has shown them to be between 80 bucks and 200 bucks each.

Has anyone experienced a ride difference before and after a leaf spring change?

Thanks!

t

If they look like a W then they are done . Replace the u bolts and nuts as well..

chevrolet1616 · May 17, 2015

This is what it looks like, does that block on the axle come out? Or is it welded in? If its not what would happen if you replaced it with a 2 inch lift deaver spring minus the block?

BLACK DEATH · May 17, 2015

They look like a W in the first pic....

Mine are like that also.

Where did you find them for sale at? And are those leafs any good from them?

chevrolet1616 · May 17, 2015

Just a google search, havent looked for a few days though, my truck isnt my daily driver anymore so I am not in a rush to swap it yet. I use my truck for hauling duty primarily but I still drive 4 hours at a time in it during the cold seasons so I'm looking for a good cross of comfort and capacity. Deavers might limit the capacity so just bouncing the idea around. Backup is obviously stock replacement.

Here are 2 more images

Chris · May 17, 2015

This is what it looks like, does that block on the axle come out? Or is it welded in? If its not what would happen if you replaced it with a 2 inch lift deaver spring minus the block?

Block is not welded. It comes out. Not sure why you would replace it.

chevrolet1616 · May 17, 2015

I'll have to look again but my thinking is the stock block is about 2 inches thick. Remove the block (replace it with a proper low profile angled block), swap in a 2 inch lift deaver spring. Hopefully that makes sense?

Chris · May 17, 2015

I'll have to look again but my thinking is the stock block is about 2 inches thick. Remove the block (replace it with a proper low profile angled block), swap in a 2 inch lift deaver spring. Hopefully that makes sense?

Stock is 2"

chevrolet1616 · May 28, 2015

$315 for a set of 2 inch lift deavers: http://www.deaverspring.com/products/chevrolet-leaf-springs/1500-2wd4wd-1999-2014/

I'm not sure if they'll bolt right up to the axle pad or not (without the 2" block). Also not sure if the pinion angle will be the same and if they come w/ an overload spring. Plus I'm pretty sure deavers will flex more than the stock springs under any loaded condition.

Chris, the HD springs on your truck are from a 2500 correct? What size block did you put under them? How does it ride unloaded?

chevrolet1616 · May 28, 2015

My bad, those 2 inch lift springs are just to replace the overload spring on the stock setup. Looks like I'll just get some stock springs or something intended for a bit more capacity.