How to: Chevy 63" Leaf Spring Swap

Got my 63 swap finished this weekend. Still need to re size my bump stops - they’re entirely too tall, measured them wrong, oops - and install limit straps but so far the ride is amazing and the flex is awesome. I think I’ve got my fill of wrenching on my truck for a while.

 

Sweet!!! BTW that bumper you made looks pretty damn good!!!!

 

Thank you! Was one of the first things I built when I got my welder.

 

I was talking about Brian's!

 

Ah. Yeah, that ones nice too.

 

I am trying to find the proper bushings to get for the leaf springs. What did y’all get? Thanks

 

You want the energy suspension ones that are linked down below.

 

Awesome thanks just wanted to make sure haha you never know if the stuff on the page is an add or what you actually need... Amazon is always listening haha

 

I actually used these bushings as well. Just want to verify fitment from the truck the leaf springs came from. Not sure if there are any dimensional differences over the years but it’s worth checking.

 

How much do you guys think labor would cost to do this?

Non-shop labor, just someone at home who knows what they’re doing. What would be a fair price?

 

People typically it takes close to 2 days to complete everything. Probably around $450-500 is the person likes you a lot.

 

I'd do $50/hr for someone I like. Its not an easy task.

 

I was pretty darn far off. I estimated it at $30 per hour, lol.

 

Nope. Cheap welding shops charge $50/hr. Going rate is closer to 75-100. And for a job this involved, you really need two people so double that shop rate if you aren't helping.

 

So how many hours would you say? If it’s generally a 2 day task, maybe 16 hours total?

 

I underestimate the price of a welder. I’m seeing $$

 

Basically, if you are not doing most everything yourself, the 63 swap isn’t worth it

 

For my personal truck, I had a total of 36 hours in to it not to include miscellaneous stuff I completed the week after or prepped/built before. That includes getting the frame stripped/ prepped then welding the spring perches in/ getting my shackle angle set correctly, installing shock relocation/cycling suspension/installing bumpstops/installing limit straps. Bear in mind, I did this alone. With help and an extra grinder, I could've cut down significantly on prep time (one person per side).

 

I hope @ovrlndkull REALLLLLLYYYYYYYY likes me then...

 

I have volunteered Matt to help me grind. The only part I’m worried about is centering the axle and getting the shackle angle correct.