anyone running 73-87 GM front leaf springs?

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AwesomeJ10
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anyone running 73-87 GM front leaf springs?

Post by AwesomeJ10 »

I keep bending/breaking RS 44044 springs on the front of my honcho (tons and 42's SOA).

So I'm thinking about running some stock GM front springs which seem to be pretty close to the correct lenght and are a little heavier.

Anyone running these SOA? What do you think about them?
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Stuka
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Re: anyone running 73-87 GM front leaf springs?

Post by Stuka »

I know a few that have. You will lose some lift in comparison to the 44044 springs. Stock GM springs are flat. 4" GM lift springs give about an inch of lift over stock FSJ springs.

I am thinking you need a full wrap spring if you are going to keep running leaves.
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rocklaurence
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Re: anyone running 73-87 GM front leaf springs?

Post by rocklaurence »

We've been running Chevy ProComp 6" spring as SUA with shackle reversal for years now. Youll have to shave the bushings to fit the Jeep mounts [too wide]. Plus, Chevy springs are approx' 25% cheaper than the Jeep springs. Note: the spring pin is centered on the 47" pac
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j20brett
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Re: anyone running 73-87 GM front leaf springs?

Post by j20brett »

Why not run the 44044's in a front fixed, rear shackle position?
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AwesomeJ10
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Re: anyone running 73-87 GM front leaf springs?

Post by AwesomeJ10 »

j20brett wrote:Why not run the 44044's in a front fixed, rear shackle position?

I've thought about that.

But I'm concerned that I will no longer be able to have enough stability for towing...
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Stuka
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Re: anyone running 73-87 GM front leaf springs?

Post by Stuka »

You will get a lot of nose dive and roll when braking with a rear shackle as the axle is allowed to move backwards, which will pull the front end down. You will also need a front drive shaft with a longer slip and higher operating angle. But it would help prevent bending the rear half of the spring.
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j20brett
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Re: anyone running 73-87 GM front leaf springs?

Post by j20brett »

I wouls rather live with brake dive than bend leaf springs all the time. Which is why i did flip mine around. Longer travel shaft and high pinion axle makes it easier though.
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Re: anyone running 73-87 GM front leaf springs?

Post by BenD »

Blake, any more thoughts on this. What did you end up with and were ya happy with your decision. I’m contemplating the same thing, I have a 81 j10 I want to drop my cucv axles and spring under, with 4” 1 ton Chevy front springs.
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