How to: Chevy 63" Leaf Spring Swap

I just got my Ruffstuff kit in and had a question about the bushings. After reading through the OP and this whole thread, I was under the impression that the RuffStuff kit comes with replacement bushings for the front and rear eyes of the leaf springs, as well as bushings for the rear shackle hanger. Mine arrived with only the bushings for the shackle hanger. I called Ruff stuff this AM and they said that the kit doesn't come with bushings for the spring eyes, and never has. I know there's at least 1/2 dozen posts in this thread with people talking about how much of a PITA the bushings are to get out of the leaf springs and how the ones supplied by ruff stuff may not fit pre-98 springs. I know there's a link to the energy suspension ones at the bottom of the thread for pre-98 bushings, but did I completely mis-understand something, or did Ruff stuff change this kit? They aren't pictured or listed as part of the kit on their website, so I'm just trying to reconcile what I thought I read in this thread to what I got in the kit from Ruff stuff.

I was also hoping for some input from @drr and @ovrlndkull on leaf springs as you guys are running heavier trucks. My truck weighs in at around 6000lbs most of the time, and the chevy pack I picked up is a 4+1 off and '03 silverado 1500HD. I am planning to remove the overload, for flex but I was wondering if you guys would recommend I add another leaf to bring it to a 5 leaf based on your experience running a heavier rig?

Thanks in advance for the input.

 

my ruffstuff kit never came with leaf bushings, but i never really expected them to either.
there seems to be so many different leaf springs (especially if you count all the aftermarket variations) out there i would recommend starting with what you have, and then adding or subtracting as needed based on how it sits and rides. doesn't take long to add or subtract a leaf after the whole setup is done

 

Yeah I don't think my RuffStuff kit came with the leaf spring eye bushings either, I replaced those a year or so after I did the spring swap with some aftermarket polyurethane bushings.

I really like the ride height and handling with 5 leaves when I'm fully loaded. My leaf packs are from a mid-90s truck though, I know at some point Chevy started using less leaves but they are thicker - yours might have that so it has the same weight capacity as the older ones. I would install them and test them out before making any changes, you might like them just how they are.

 

Thanks guys, appreciate the input. I'll set it up with the 4 leaf and see how it looks and feels. I had a feeling that was the answer.

I went ahead and ordered energy suspension part number 3.2141R for my '06 silverado springs. These should also fit a bunch of other post '98 springs but you should double check fitment for yours.

$83 Energy Suspension- 3.2141R CHEVY REAR LEAF SPRING SET

https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Suspe...t=&hvlocphy=1014462&hvtargid=pla-554037813779

 

Soooo I need new bushings for my 63s. Squeaking like crazy but I have no clue what they’re out of year wise. Any way to tell or know what set to order? And best place to get decent bushings

 

OP said 5" shackle for 2nd gen, would that be the same for 3rd or bump it up to 6"? Also, should I be looking for 3+1 or 4+1

 

I dont have an answer for your first question.

the second however, id recommend 4+1, im going to be adding another leaf to my 3 pack. it works well when im wheeling, but when im loaded up with a bunch of camping gear im definitely to soft

 

Thats what I was worried about, didn't want it to sag but idk if the 4+1 would still be flexy enough. I wheel more than I camp. Is your back end lower than your front when full loaded?

 

If you can find a 4+1, I am of the opinion it's easier (cheaper) to pull the extra leaf if you dont need it than it is to source the extra leaf if you do. I also wouldnt go crazy looking for a 4+1 if they have a 3+1 on hand. The junk yard will likely dictate what you get based on availability. They will likely charge you the same price for either pack regardless of leaf count.

 

I guess I would have to cut the rebound clips off?

 

If they wrap around the top of the pack, I think you'll probably at least need to bend or cut the tabs off. Havent done mine yet, so I'd defer to someone who has pulled theres apart for confirmation.

 

Do you think any damage would be done by not having the clips? I plan to put a limiter strap on it so it shouldnt overextend

 

Not considerably lower, it is noticeably soft when loaded and driving.

 

I would think theres and increased risk of leaf springs fanning out and hitting something you dont want, like the gas tank and carving that up. I think they are fairly easy to replace that though.

 

None. I cut the top of the retainers/clips years ago and haven’t had any issue. They won’t spread out. U bolts keep them from twisting.

no retainer may allow a little more axle wrap but I get very little as it is.

 

I just bent my clips open a little with no problems and still offers all the droop. Ive seen some aftermarket spring packs that have the leaf clips clamped around pretty tightly. The only problem i have is my overload spring tends to twist out of line after wheeling, it only goes so far because the u-bolt stops it. Ive tried to wedge a plate in there and bent it around the u bolts to stop it, it only marginally helped. Every once and a while i put it on the lift and hammer them back in line.

 

Will these leafs cycle with 16 or even 18 inch shocks if I go through the bed?

 

Probably not. If you want that much flex go links

 

What numbers are you shooting for? an SUA setup like JD Fab may be more what you're looking for. The way it's setup you can get 17" of travel out of a 14" shock on Deaver H70s. More if you notch the frame.

 

Well I’m in a weird spot. Half of me wants to build a desert truck and the other half wants something for trail. These leafs seem like a good option to avoid going full spring-under and losing the ground clearance. Or maybe I just need 2 trucks