K1000 Leaf Spring Upgrade

[arepoff]

I have a 1965 GMC K1000 all stock, the leaf springs are shot after years of abuse. I checked Eaton Detroit for a new set and they want about $1800 to my door with everything. I wanted to see if anyone has changed out their hangers and used 67 and up set. I know there are length differences and the hangers are different but you can buy new springs (especially 73 and up) for much less money ( and might be able to get rid of the factory lift block). Anyone else come across this or have a less expensive option (supplier) for leaf springs?

[Charon]

I never keep the stock spring setup in a 60-66 K truck. I have done 11 conversions over the last 28 years. 4 for myself and 7 for customers. I use 69-72 front mounts. Moved forward one inch. I leave the rear shackle mount and bore it out for poly bushings. Then I use 73-91 four inch lift springs. I also always do the rear. I use 73-91 4x4 mounts. And earlier i used the 56 inch springs. But the last few I have used the 62 inch gmt 400 series springs. This eliminates the tall lift block. If you have any traction device in the rear with some. Sticky tires. The wheel hop with the blocks and stock shock geometry will make understand that upgrade.

[arepoff]

thanks! That was the info I was looking for. I want to keep the truck stock in appearance an height, I assume I could use stock HD springs for the front from a 73-91. I just don't want the lift. I understand I would need the lift springs in the rear to get rid of the factory lift block.

Let me know if this is correct.

[Charon]

Now if you patient. Over the next two months I will be posting this very upgrade on a 61 k1500 frame. At the same time I will be upgrading the axles. Adding powersteering. Using a reverse rotation Saginaw box. This is far stronger than the adapter plate set up that uses a standard rotation box.

[Charon]

No. You can't use the negative arch front doings. You need the lift springs for the 73-91 truck. This keeps the front the same. The rear you use the stock 73-91 52 or 56 inch springs. The spring hangers make the blocks go away. The 73-87 truck frames kick up in the back. That's why the hangers are longer. But the 3/4 ton heavy duty 62 inch springs from the 88-98 trucks ride so nice. Not choppy and hual a great load

[Charon]

I will post some pics of all the parts and a frame for comparison. But it will be a day or so.

[arepoff]

I can't wait! I love to fabricate but I also don't like to reinvent the wheel each time. This truck is very special to me as my grandfather bought it new and I just inherited it. My plan is to keep it looking stock but upgrade the suspension and steering. I am also going to find a later set of Dana 44's, cut them down to the same width as originals. I also plan on keeping the timken transfer case, keep it a V6, and decide on how I want to overdrive it.

[Charon]

No need to cut a 71-78 dana 44 down. The width difference is not noticeable. You can keep the rear.Its fine. As long as your not beating on it. If you have a fourspeed just run 3.07 gears. Its a good compromise . And way easier then an overdrive. I see your close. I have piles of d44 fronts. I can set them up any flavor.

[Charon]

And since you want to keep the t221 . I can't stand them. Put a 90degree street elbow in the fill hole. This gives you an inch more oil in it. This helps mitigate some of the oiling problems the top bearings have.

[arepoff]

thanks for the tip. I can't bastardize this truck, since it is a family Icon. I have been up in Spirit Lake before, I bought a quad up there. I may need to meet up with you. Basically I want a stock looking GMC with disc brakes (all 4), upgraded suspension, power steering (optional) cross steer ( I assume a later model 2wd box). I want to keep the 3.54 ratio with some type of selectable locker. I will run around a 31" tire similar to the 7x16 it came with. I know the T221 doesn't have a very low ratio but it has the factory look.