Changing leaf springs???

Tahoe933 · July 14, 2003

Has anyone swapped the rear springs out of a 1/2 ton and replaced with 3/4 ton??

I know it isn't much fun, but are there any fit issues?

I'm asking because the current springs are squatting pretty badly when I fully load my trailer. The load leveler hitch helps alot, but the front end feels too light.

I'm pulling a 20' enclosed trailer that grosses @ 7200# loaded.

Car is loaded as far back as possible. This isn't a big problem if I haul locally and don't need to take all the extras (fuel, both tool boxes, spare set of wheels), but it is very noticable with everything in it. Mike

siskiyou · July 16, 2003

I don't know about the 3/4 ton springs. I thought about that one also but I had a local spring shop add 1 more leaf to my springs and that improved my trailer towing a lot. What they did was take the springs apart and added another one in the middle of the 2 that were there. It brought the truck up about 1 1/2" so I had them remove the 2" lift blocks they add at the factory and it sets closer to level. When I add a load it does not sag and also firmed up the ride so it doesn't bounce alot when you hit a bump.

chevy4x4trucks · July 16, 2003

Before going to 3/4 ton springs you can buy add-a-leafs pretty cheap (I'm thinking about 50-100 dollars for a pair. Another choice if you don't want a rough ride all the time would be some air bags to help level the load and your back end.

Just another way to go and will probably be cheaper than 3/4 ton springs.

Chris97K1500 · July 16, 2003

Another option could be to just install Suspension stabilizers like the ones SuperSprings and Helwig makes. My brother in law put the SuperSprings on his 99 silverado Z71 for when he tows his camper. The ride when empty isn't harsher than normal, ride height isn't changed from stock, I think it is a nice product. Helwig makes some similar products. They run about 150-250$ depending on how much you want to be able to level your load. Chris

Tahoe933 · July 16, 2003

Thanks guys. I'll check out those options. Mike

bobc · July 16, 2003

I've been debating pulling the OEM HD tow package rear springs and going to the base 1/2 ton springs. Followed by the install of a set of Firestone Ride-Rite Helper air bags. This would provide the load carrying capacity for a 2 horse slantload trailer and with a little luck help the unladen handling.

I don't know about anyone else on this forum, but my 2001 2wd has the most unstable road manners of any truck I've ever driven. I'm hoping that is just the stiff tow package springs. I've had the truck step out a few *feet* at 70mph when hitting expansion joints... talk about pucker.

later,

bobc

MarkD · July 16, 2003

Roadmaster makes a sweet setup! It works great with a lawn business trailer.

silverado3500 · July 17, 2003

Yes, it is possible to install GM 3/4 ton leaf springs on your 1/2 ton. Ive done this to my 1500, but i used springs from a 3500 with wrecker prep. But any gm spring from a new body style truck will fit. If you plan on doing the upgrade, i'd go with either the springs from a 2500hd or a 3500. They will be a direct swap, only other thing you will need is longer u-bolts, and possibly longer shocks (this will be the case with add-a-leafs as well)

Hope that helps.