1ST GEN Chevy 63s conversation

@El Taco Diablo
What year and model would I hunt for to find the 5 pack of springs you have?
Starting on car-part.com

@Speedytech7
You mentioned there was a 7 pack?! How does this compare to the 5 and what you used?

Thanks for this thread! Wealth of knowledge for the 1st gen

 

Chevy/GMC Leafs from 88 to 2014 (maybe even past that) had "63s"

My set came off of a commercial truck with boxes on it. I bought them while I was there with @foxrcing07 when he was buying the 14 bolt axle off the same truck.

 

Oh. Haha, so literally just look for a commercial truck. Solid!
Let the hunt begin.

 

When you measure the leafs you want to measure them along the arch. They will probably be 64 inches from center eye to center eye.

 

Got it. I'll be sure to bring a tape for sure when I go.
Going to make a list of a bunch of spots in otay so the trip isnt in vein.
You recall if it was a 2500 or 3500?

 

I believe it was a 3500.

14 bolt is a 1 ton axle.

 

Perfect. I've got two yards with quite a few options
Dave's and another that just has trucks.

Found a 3500 work pair
I think this be able to handle the weight

 

Those look like the ones I've got

 

ho damn!
will they require new hardware for reassembly when you remove all the extra stuff off them?

 

Definitely don't run the micropack on top of the main pack, those are designed to hit bump pads hanging off the frame and will do nothing for you besides hit the frame and limit up travel.

 

Following, for future endeavors

 

Haha, thank you for the clarification, but figured that was why they were there.
I did not actually pick that pack up. but its an image from some of the ones i found. going to see if i can find that without the top pack (they want more for stuff that won't be used) don't know if that pack is available without them though.

 

Yeah, it's kinda hit and miss how cab chassis and work trucks get configured too, sometimes they'll have something excessive cause they're a tow truck and sometimes they'll have something light because they're a former airport tug. Best to just walk the yard and see what jumps out at you. Mine were $100 for the pair and found laying already removed minus one bolt cause someone already took the axle.

 

YA, Just glanced at the pic. Looked like 2 sets laying on top of each other.

Didn't realize they had the overloads on top. Like Zane said... definatly remove those. The main leafs look like my pack (Thickness of leafs etc)

 

Jumping on the 63 band wagon also, got mines this memorial day for 50% off. $39 out the door for the pair.

Few questions for you 1st genners that have 63s already:
1. Does the spring perch have to be clocked or can you keep the perch in the stock location?
2. Did you have to move the rear hanger forward/backward?
- I say this because I have Dakars on the truck now, at ride height from center pin to rear center eye of spring I got 31". The 63 measures 31 1/2" center pin to eye. I know my shackles aren't in the ideal angle but if I'm correct at most I would have to move my hanger forward to get the 45°.

 

Finally cracked open the leaf pack. I Think this is the stack I'm going to try first.

Got the old shackles off and pushed the old bushings out.

 

Ordered bushings

 

Also ordered new center pins. (Don't forget about thise)

 

Used a wire wheel to clean all the dirt and surface rust off the leafs.



Said screw it and just put a light coat of Rustoleum on them. Just need to flip em and do the other side.

 

Made a bit more progress. Zapped the leaf and shackle perches together.