First 3rd Gen 63" Leaf Spring Swap and Shock Relocate Done

Yea, but do they squeak? I paid $35k for squeaky leafs dammit.

 

I did a 63 conversion on my '96 Taco and the flex was awesome but the ride on the street was WAY better. I don't offroad anymore but I'm still tempted to do this on my '16 just for the ride improvement. I already got a shackle flip kit and some B110s sitting in my garage collecting dust so I just need the front hangers and a Ubolt flip kit. Awesome job with the conversion

 

any pics without it flexed? I want to see how it sits just on flat pavement (not that I plan to do it, I'm just curious lol)

 

No squeaking at all

 

Is it spring over or under?
Would you mind taking some close in fabrication pics?

 

It's spring over. Check out my build page for the FAB pics.

 

Side shot post 63 swap on level ground

 

Final measurements are as follows:

Front: 25" from hub center to bottom of fender
Rear: 25.5" from hub center to bottom of fender

 

How much did parts cost to run this setup?

 

This is awesome. Well done op, well done.

 

Interested. OP----I'm new to the truck world; can you do a brief "cliff notes" write up, in laymans terms of:

what this mod is, specifically?
what are the benefits?

 

amazing

 

Roughly $600

 

This is a complete rear suspension removal and replace. All the stock spring and shock mounts are cut off, ground down, and new heavy duty mounts are welded into place to accommodate 63" leaf springs from a 88-98 model Chevy c1500. Also included in this was shock relocation using Ford shock towers and bigger lower shock mounts. It took me and a buddy 13 hours to do this.

 

Thanks! Looks awesome and that flex is insane!

 

Thanks

 

This is exactly the explanation I was looking for, thanks! Other question, as I've looked into altering suspension geometry or mechanics to get increased performance:

1) You mentioned it rides better - is that because the spring rate is softer, more progressive or there are just more leafs?

2) Does the increased leaf spring length get you more suspension travel? (was that the main point of this?)

 

1) You mentioned it rides better - is that because the spring rate is softer, more progressive or there are just more leafs?

There are 3 leafs in the 63" chevy pack. The ride is hard to explain, they're firm when on flat surfaces but soft over bumps.

2) Does the increased leaf spring length get you more suspension travel? (was that the main point of this?)

Yes. Better articulation over obstacles was the main purpose. I should never lift a rear wheel off the ground again.

 

Parts list can be found here.

63 Swap Parts List