chevy lift springs

[chunkswood]

has any body ever used front chevy lift springs on there waggy? or will even work? havent had time to go look at the spring and messure them.

[Gearhead 1990]

Yep it can be done. It will move you axle forward about an inch or so. But personally I think it puts the axle centered in the wheel well.

This is my 75 chief with 6" chevy lift springs up front with 1.5" shackles and 36s

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/2028/1027071109nr8.jpg

Edit: Here's a side view

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/5548/1019071716ez2.jpg

[navyordnance]

Good to know. I know I have some here somewhere.

[mark]

ive been running 10 inch chevy springs in the front for years.

[MischiefMan]

What do you run in the rear with the Chevy springs in the front? Sorry for the dumb question, I admit I'm a noob. :D

[mark]

i had a set of 17 inch lift springs that we had made for a ford f350.they were front springs and the eye to eye was too close together(besides they were way too tall)i took them to a spring shop and had the 1st 3 leaves spread out to where it was correct for the lift i wanted.i bought f350 factory hangers and welded them up to my frame in new positions.the ford springs are 3 inches wide and .375 thick!im only running a few leaves and it has worked out well in the back.
now the front is another story!(stiff)

[chunkswood]

gear head what axles are you running? i have a 3/4 ton set out of a dodge i was thinking about useing but not sure yet.

[Gearhead 1990]

gear head what axles are you running? i have a 3/4 ton set out of a dodge i was thinking about useing but not sure yet.

I have had 3/4 and 1 ton chevy axles in it. in those pictures it is 1 ton.

[89Woody]

So you are telling me that if I was to buy a lift kit for an 80's model chevy it would bolt up to my wag?

[Gearhead 1990]

So you are telling me that if I was to buy a lift kit for an 80's model chevy it would bolt up to my wag?

Well in the front at least...... I figure you need a 2-3" chevy spring to have about the same arch as a stock waggy one.

So if you use a 6" chevy spring with a SOA it will net about 3-4" more inches than just a SOA.

[89Woody]

So are the rear springs not compatable at all?

[jeepjerry]

So it would take about 8" chevy front lift springs to lift a FSJ about 4" keeping spring under axle?

[Gearhead 1990]

So are the rear springs not compatable at all?

The rear springs were pretty close on both my 74 and 75 cherokees in length but the bushings are different.

I don't know much about the newer rear springs though.

[Gearhead 1990]

So it would take about 8" chevy front lift springs to lift a FSJ about 4" keeping spring under axle?

Well yeah, 4-6" and it will also move the front axle forward a little bit. You would probably want longer shackles too.

This is what the shackles did at full flex with my old 6" springs when I had stock shackles.

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/1854/0323071548wu5.jpg

EDIT: Fixed picture

[misfittom138]

Very interesting. That 1 inch forward would be nice. My stock waggy springs are already starting to bend and negative arch on me, and I'm only 3 runs on them since SOA. I can tell I lost a little hieght.

[Gearhead 1990]

Very interesting. That 1 inch forward would be nice. My stock waggy springs are already starting to bend and negative arch on me, and I'm only 3 runs on them since SOA. I can tell I lost a little hieght.

I can't remember for sure but I think it was somewhere around 1-1.5" inches forward. All I know is that it really helps you fit tires better.

This is a 38x12.50 stuffed and I think it is in the perfect spot
http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/1267/0323071549jn9.jpg

[misfittom138]

That does look better. My friend does have a pair of 2.5" Chevy Blazer springs in his yard...

[Madbodhi]

Iv'e got a related question.I'd like to do a SOA up front and run stock Chevy springs (I figure that their designed for SOA configuration and readily available) and 52 in. or possibly 56 in. Chevy spings out back with a shackle flip.It's my understanding that the chevy springs out back will move the axle rearward about 3 in. and may require relocating the mount(what I want,I'd like to be able to add flares and avoid cutting into the dogleg or rear door).Anyone done this?.Id love to adapt the Chevy shackle reversal kit from DIY4x4 but from the scant info iv'e been able to find it sounds like it would outboard the spring abit too much and wouldn't line up with the front mount.If I were to fabricate a new front mount would there be any issues or things I should watch for?

[Gearhead 1990]

Iv'e got a related question.I'd like to do a SOA up front and run stock Chevy springs (I figure that their designed for SOA configuration and readily available) and 52 in. or possibly 56 in. Chevy spings out back with a shackle flip.It's my understanding that the chevy springs out back will move the axle rearward about 3 in. and may require relocating the mount(what I want,I'd like to be able to add flares and avoid cutting into the dogleg or rear door).Anyone done this?.Id love to adapt the Chevy shackle reversal kit from DIY4x4 but from the scant info iv'e been able to find it sounds like it would outboard the spring abit too much and wouldn't line up with the front mount.If I were to fabricate a new front mount would there be any issues or things I should watch for?

Well first off, stock Chevy front springs are WAY negative arched and would only net you like 3-4" over stock. Plus, at the ends of them they flare out to 3" wide and you would have to make all new spring mounts. And IMO you would be better off using your stock rear springs and do a shackle flip and/or inboard them unless you are set on using all chevy stuff. I used all chevy stuff but I re-did everything.....

[Desert Rat]

This is real interesting to me too. I'm running a set of stock wag leaf packs in SOA on my Xterra with an additional leaf under the main leaf to stiffen up the pack, but I don't think they'll last long.

So a set of 4" or so Chevy leaf springs have about the same arch as a wag stock pack, right?

I would guess they're also a little stiffer too, eh?

My axle is already forward a little bit because I swapped ends around on the wag springs and put the shackles to the rear - the center pins aren't exactly centered on wag packs, so that should work well for me.

[jeepjerry]

Well yeah, 4-6" and it will also move the front axle forward a little bit. You would probably want longer shackles too.

This is what the shackles did at full flex with my old 6" springs when I had stock shackles.

EDIT: Fixed picture

Maybe i should just find some jeep lift springs. I dont know if i need to move my axle forward, and dont know if the caster will change at all with a chevy spring. Maybe i would be fine though. A friend of mine has lots of chevy parts, i could just try it and see what happens.

[Desert Rat]

Gearhead 1990 - can you provide an eye to eye measurement on your springs with the weight of the truck on them, and can you estimate your truck's curb weight?

many thanks.

[Subic Jeep]

I have a set of Rough Country front leaf springs for a Blazer.

Unloaded data: Eye to Eye 45.5 inches Arch height 6 inches. Thickness 3/8 inches

Looks like the front axle will move about 1 inch forward.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/SubicJeep/Front%204-link/ChevyRoughCountryspring.jpg

I do not need more height but I want it softer so I was thinking of removing the 2 lower leafs. :confused: :confused: The Rough Country springs are much thicker so maybe they still will be too stiff.:confused:

My present setup has 2 added Chevy leafs with same arch as the Cherokee leafs springs.

[Gearhead 1990]

Gearhead 1990 - can you provide an eye to eye measurement on your springs with the weight of the truck on them, and can you estimate your truck's curb weight?

many thanks.

Um.... well.... I don't have that set up any more but I know that the eye to eye measurement is closer to 47" when weight is in them. And I think the weight of my truck was somewhere around 5000lbs...?

I'll go measure another set

EDIT: It measured right at 47"...... And as for the weight of it. It had 350/350/205/D44/14b. What would that weigh? lol

[Gearhead 1990]

Oh and one way to tell how far it will move the axle forward is, on chevy springs the center pin is just that, centered, so it is 23.5" from the back spring mount to the axle.... I don't know what it is on stock jeep springs

[Desert Rat]

Yeah, I'm looking for the loaded measurement - that'll tell me if my shackle placement will work with those springs. So you have stock packs with 2 chevy leaves added now?

Thanks for the measurements you gave. That unloaded leaf pack in the pic - is that the rough country pack?

As for the weight question, I was just trying to estimate how close you are to me in weight. The Xterra is right near 5k lbs.

[Subic Jeep]

Yes its the Rough Country pack.

I added 2 leafs from some Chevy springs i got for free.

The unloaded arch is the same as on jeep pack, each leaf added 1 inch of lift. (Totally 2)
I used the main leaf, eyes cut off and the second as both are longer than the jeep pack.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/SubicJeep/Leaf%20spring/Added2leafs.jpg

Here when first fitted

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/SubicJeep/IMG_1048.jpg

[Subic Jeep]

This is what my 2 leafs added to original jeep leaf springs flexes today, went out and lifted the body a bit.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/SubicJeep/Leaf%20spring/Flexing1.jpg

Note the ties are very close to axle.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/SubicJeep/Leaf%20spring/Flexing2.jpg

Not much movement here on the other hand to get the a better idea how much the springs flex up the wheel has to be lifted...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/SubicJeep/Leaf%20spring/Flexing3opposite.jpg

Slightly off topic but this is a cheap way of gaining some lift :thumbsup:

[Subic Jeep]

I removed one leaf from the Rough Country spring pack.

Could not remove more as then it will be too thin for the Dana 60 spring perch.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/SubicJeep/Leaf%20spring/DSCF0940.jpg

She is now leaning over to rough Country side partly because RC pack is 5/8 inch thinner and surprisingly soft.

[Subic Jeep]

Not much comments needed unfortunately i see some rubbing problems due to the axle moving forward..

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/SubicJeep/Leaf%20spring/DSCF0948.jpg

[elbastardo]

Not to get totaly off topic. I run a set of 4" chevy leaf springs on my front axle, but i run shackle reversal aswell.

On my XJ. My springs crapped out (negative arch). So i took all but the main leaf out and stuffed a couple of chevy leavs in there. The ride is allitle stiffer but the weight cap is better:thumbsup:

[DiazWag]

This is a great thread. Can the Chevy springs be used in a the original spring under axle configuration, or are so soley for the SOA conversion?

[Desert Rat]

Elbastardo (great user name, btw!), you're the guy I need info from

On your chevy springs, can you provide the eye to eye measurement on the springs with the weight of the truck on them? Also, What specific chevy lift springs are you running?

Subic, great pics and thanks for the info. I have the rough country packs in a SUA configuration on my Frontier and have been real happy with them. On the X, I went SOA and used stock wag packs with one additional long leaf under the main leaf. I'm worried they're going to collapse though - they've already settled quite a bit and I haven't even had it on the trail yet. The X is a heavy truck and I'm thinking full size chevy springs might be the ticket provided they'll bolt into my existing spring hanger and shackle configuration. I have the shackles to the rear.

On a more general note, I love this site. Great info here and never once have you guys hammered on me for running Nissans :)

[elbastardo]

The springs on my FSJ are 4" lift springs off of a 77 chevy 3/4 ton. With the weight on them there 46" eye to eye.

On my XJ, i used the main leaf from the XJ and used 2 long leafs from a 3/4 ton rear. So I have the stock XJ main and 2 long chevy springs.
I was really unhappy with the stock XJ springs, they crapped out in no time. The chevy springs have given me no problems yet.

[Desert Rat]

Thanks!

Are Chevy 3/4 ton leaves the same length as the 1/2 ton ones?

They should be all the same from '73-87, right?

[orangebike]

I have a 73 j4000 factory soa and factory 2 bl...fits 33s alright but i want 38s i cant find a lift for the year 73 only 74 and up ...i have a set of 8 inch chevy springs in my garage and was wondering what steering pieces i have to change and what would be best to use? are these springs pretty much a bolt in or is there lots of relocating i need to do thanks for your info...

[elbastardo]

It would be allot of work to make the chevy springs fit. 73 was the last year that the springs were on the outside of the frame. In 74 they were located under the frame, and swiched from 2" to 2 1/2" springs, aswell as bieng spring under, open knuckle, disc brake IIRC. Also if you have power brakes, the booster is a 73 only brake booster, but later year modles can have the later version.

With all that negative crap out of the way. I loved my 73, the springs were allitle bouncy but smooth, the 2bbl was awsome, the 401 T18 D20 combo never gave me any problems:fsj: . Turns out the trucks only downfall was its idiot owner:banghead:

[orangebike]

gearhead 1990

is there anychance u can post a up close pic of your rear wheel well? i just bought a 78 chief and was thinking of cutting my flairs out (to get rid of rust) and saw yours are slightly cut and was hopeing to get a closer look to see if that little bit of cutting would work for me and how it looks would greatly appreciate it thanks

[Gearhead 1990]

gearhead 1990

is there anychance u can post a up close pic of your rear wheel well? i just bought a 78 chief and was thinking of cutting my flairs out (to get rid of rust) and saw yours are slightly cut and was hopeing to get a closer look to see if that little bit of cutting would work for me and how it looks would greatly appreciate it thanks

I don't have any close views of it. But It is a really ugly cut lol. I just trimmed it enough to get rid of some of the rust. And some of it was already gone due to rust. Sorry for not being much help

[orangebike]

i still appreciate it thanks....just going to be alot of masking and tapeing tomorrow tell i get it where i like it:)

[Desert Rat]

I'm dredging up an old topic for a couple more questions.

El Bastardo, are the 4" springs you're running sitting relatively flat? could you post a pic?

I appreciate the help.

The Wag springs I have with 2 leaves added are just giving me too much lift in SOA configuration....and the 9 leaf pack is giving me more than 2" of lift just on pack thickness alone. I'd love to go with some 3-4 leaf packs that have a tick less arch with the weight of the truck on them to lower the front a couple inches.

[elbastardo]

No there not flat atall. But the stock ones in my 1980 K30 are flat. Ill get some pics for you later today:thumbsup:

[Desert Rat]

To get close to flat then, I'm probably needing some 2.5" lift springs then.

[Desert Rat]

Well, I found and installed a set of used Chevy 2.5" lift springs and it's just about perfect. The center pin is dead center on these, so it moved my axle back a bit (I had shackles to the rear on the wag springs), but I think I still have adequate fender clearance. If not, it's nothing a cutoff wheel can't fix.

They're definitely stiff though. My truck is just over 5k lbs, so I'll probably lose a bit of flex, but the tradeoff in on road ride and handling is probably worth it.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my incessant questions. As always, you guys were a huge help.

[jtr]

Well, I found and installed a set of used Chevy 2.5" lift springs and it's just about perfect. The center pin is dead center on these, so it moved my axle back a bit (I had shackles to the rear on the wag springs), but I think I still have adequate fender clearance. If not, it's nothing a cutoff wheel can't fix.

They're definitely stiff though. My truck is just over 5k lbs, so I'll probably lose a bit of flex, but the tradeoff in on road ride and handling is probably worth it.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my incessant questions. As always, you guys were a huge help.

Wow, that little Nissan is weighing in at 5k:eek:

[Desert Rat]

The Xterra does - yeah. It's a pig. My Frontier regular cab is a bit lighter at about 4600 with the exo cage.

[rocklaurence]

Reserecting this thread. It sounds as though a set of 6" front Chevy springs and my SR would provide 2" of lift and move the axle to the rear 1". Hmm? It seems that the concensus is that the Chevy springs are stiffer. TRUE?:confused:

[rocklaurence]

The Chevy SkyJacker 6" springs list for 1/2 the price of the FSJ ones.:confused: My research shows that theyre Rate is approx 8% greater and the free arc is 3 inches less. So, a Chevy 6" will net 3" of lift (not including the additional lift from the higher Rate), move the axle rearward 1" (in my case) and cost the same as the BJ's/HellCreek springs.

[cable97526]

You are correct! and also you will get a much thicker/heavier leaf spring that will take a bit more abuse than the stock jeep ones.

[Rompn]

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