Chevy 63 & 64 Inch Leaf Spring Clarifications....

[red_ranger50]

The Chevy springs I snagged from the junkyard were an extra 1/2in thick in the wraps. The width is spot on. But the end wrap is a little larger on mine. I think if I had stock rear shackles I'd be fine. But I have camburg extended rear shackles which are plated in and only give a 1/4in clearence for the wrap.

 

[RangahDanga]

I like the idea of getting more flex, but i don't really want my truck to sit much higher (all I've got on the front is a T-bar crank and 33's). I'm not all that familiar with how this all works, but it sounds like i could do the 63" spring swap and flip my hangars/shackles and eliminate my 4x4 blocks, and the truck would sit where it is now? Would i actually gain anything, or am i making things up?

 

[Dugan]

I like the idea of getting more flex, but i don't really want my truck to sit much higher (all I've got on the front is a T-bar crank and 33's). I'm not all that familiar with how this all works, but it sounds like i could do the 63" spring swap and flip my hangars/shackles and eliminate my 4x4 blocks, and the truck would sit where it is now? Would i actually gain anything, or am i making things up?

If you flip it (-2" lift) add the 63s (+4" lift) and remove your factory block (-2" lift) you should be where you are currently with a better ride.

 

[RangahDanga]

If you flip it (-2" lift) add the 63s (+4" lift) and remove your factory block (-2" lift) you should be where you are currently with a better ride.

Alright, Kinda what i figured based on browsing the forum. My only other question is about the hangers/shackles. I've seen people leave the hangers and turn the shackles around (not sure if it was for the chevy spring swap or something else) and I've seen people rotate the hangars 180 degrees and re-use the two stock holes and drill new ones for the further back/front bolts. I believe i'd be assuming correctly with the 180 degree flip idea?

This truck is my DD so i'd rather have all the facts than f*** up and have the truck off the road 3 days. seems like it should only be a couple hour project.

 

[RangahDanga]

Hey guys I've read all 6 pages and other threads about the 63" Chevy leaf spring swap. But I haven't found anything about needing to modify the bed when you move the hanger forward. Just wondering if there's anything you've got to do to the bed? I have an extend cab short bed. I don't know if that matters.

-Blake

i'm aware of the front clearance issue with the supercab/bed wount in the front. Some say no mods to the bed (rear shackle end) but i just crawled under and it looks like it'll interfere hardcore. the picture below (stolen from another TRS forum) shows it sits above the frame, and my bed sits on the frame. suggestions? angle grinder and welder? i'd like to see what some other people have done.

 

[PlumCrazy]

There will be no interference with inverted stock shackles...

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I built a crossmember to lower the shackle mount. This was for changing my ride height but could be used for extended shackles;









Richard

 

[RangahDanga]

There will be no interference with inverted stock shackles...

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

Great, thanks for the help guys! looks like the ranger is going under the knife again this weekend for some chevy springs.

 

[85bronco2]

Does anyone happen to know a good part number for replacement bushings for the springs? I tried the dealership and they say they are discontinued. I'm trying to find rubber bushings instead of poly mainly because I'm trying to do this Ranger on a very tight budget. The springs I have I'm not positive what year Chevy they are off of but they are the 3 leaf packs with a bigger size bushing at one end than the other.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Poly bushings are not expensive, and are easier to install. IMO

 

[85bronco2]

I couldn't find any poly 2 inch bushings that weren't in a set that included more stuff than I needed. I finally found my rubber bushings for under 40$ shipped after spending about 6 hours searching yesterday! It's funny how you change one search term and bam its right there in front of you!

 

[project ranger]

wow this is a confusing topic but I like the idea so what is the setup that gets you decent lift and articulation??

 

[Dugan]

wow this is a confusing topic but I like the idea so what is the setup that gets you decent lift and articulation??

roughly 4" of lift, and great articulation.

 

[RangahDanga]

wow this is a confusing topic but I like the idea so what is the setup that gets you decent lift and articulation??

Read the first 12 pages and its not so confusing. haha

 

[project ranger]

so putting on 63" chevy leafs and flipping shackels will give you that amount of lift? what do you do on the front to level it out? I did read the first 11 pages since this is now the 12 and it is a confusing topic just a lot of different configurations I am sorry we are not all master builders obviously like yourself.