How to: Chevy 63" Leaf Spring Swap

Good reference point. I just check and I’m 5” from center of rear bolt to hanger bolt. So yeah, 5” shackles gotta make it into my truck.

 

Based on my calculations 1 3/4” should be a solid extension for bump stops(super bump by wheelers/tg) am I correct? All that will be done once I install the towers and the 14” shocks.

 

I still need to extend mine as well. I just been running it and bottoming out my shocks.

 

Just go hydros

 

Possibly down the road brother. Set up looks clean

 

are those 4 inch?

 

2”

 

Did you have the mount made? I’m wanting to swap over from a total chaos hydro mount to threaded bumps. Would like to stick with Fox too. I know there’s other kits out there.

 

Took 2x3 3/16” and some 3/16 plate and made these.

 

Any chance you would make and sell these mounts? thought about customizing one too.

 

Got the idea from tko/kpo on ig. Was in a time crunch for a trip so I did something similar

https://kpoffroad.com/product/toyota-rear-hydraulic-bump-stop-kit

 

Have an interesting idea that will probably happen soon. Really like how the archive cross tube affects the ride characteristic. Going to tie in my outrigger between the chassis with the trail gear rear tow hitch for additional rigidity. I also plan on running a crosstube between the Ford shock perches.

Steel plate represents chassis for visual reference

 

Is it normal to struggle badly with keeping the leaf springs parallel. Took my 09 Tacoma apart back in 2020, got busy with kids and worked on it here and there throughout the last few years without luck…just now getting back to work on it full steam trying to get it on the road again and my garage back. My struggle has always been getting the leafs perfectly parallel at the front, axle, and rear. Front starts at 39-3/8” (measure from inside of top leafs)then behind the axle it’s 39-1/8” and at the rear it’s 39” … I’ve spent weeks on it making sure axle is centered front to back and centered under the truck. I checked the leafs to make sure they weren’t bent and they aren’t. Cant adjust the front mounts anymore as the driver side would be touching the gas tank. Is it normal for the parallel measurements to be off slightly? I haven’t gotten to putting it on its own weight yet but I’m getting to the point where I’m just gonna move onto the next struggle of setting shackle angle and call it a day. Any tips greatly appreciated.

 

well first of all good for you for getting back to it.
family first is also my idea too.
this is what I would do, I'm sure there are many other ways but hear is what I'm thinking,


if you have welded the front mounts on already,
1. loosen the u bolts on the axle
2.install the rear shackles leave bolts loose
3.make sure rear shackle mount can slide if hit with a hammer with the visegrips/c-clamps or something that will keep them in place but let them slide
4.jack up the rear diff putting the full weight on the springs and adjust rear hanger / shackle angle to suit yourself ( i like 45 deg. myself
5. tack weld or bolt or however your going to attatch those rear mounts to the frame
6.lower you jack and finish it all off

caution: the rear mounts to the frame make sure what ever you have holding them on is secure enough not to let the mounts come off the frame but loose enough to slide. remember the full weight of the truck will be on the springs and mounts non of which will be completely secure.

good luck let us know how it turns out.

 

I appreciate the quick response, glad to see some life in the forums these days lots of good information on these platforms. I will proceed onto the next step with setting the shackle angles and hopefully can get things lined up under the weight of the truck on it.

 

Please be careful.
I had a front spring almost taken my head off using a Chinese spring compressor and a mishap with rear leafs where a Suzuki samurai pined me between the rear wheel and rear fender.
Please be careful.
Cheers

 

Will do ….Fronts will be thoroughly tacked along with the outriggers before adding the weight

 

Almost all the parts came in for my swap. Just waiting on new center pins and new bushings. Leafs are out of an 03 1500HD

Also are +4 brake lines long enough for 63's with 14" shocks?

 

+4 worked for me -- good luck on the install. it's a night and day difference.

 

Op used 28” and had some room to spare. I’ll be ordering 28”-30” just to be safe. I already have +4 lines… they are not going to be long enough for my comfort.