78GMC Project for Life
 

I'm pretty new here, but i've been doing my homework over the last year and decided on this 78 gmc shortwide as a project. Now from the crazy rides you all have done, which all are in a league of the own i decided on a Mcgaughys 4.5/6 for mine, which consisted of 2 1/2 spindles and 2inch springs and flip kit and cnotch out back with belltech drop shocks all around. Now i have the front finished and have moved to the rear. My only issue back here so far is that PO removed some leafs or maybe not. I dont know. I have 2 long leafs and then a short one on the bottom. I ve been looking like crazy. I understand that there was a 52 inch and a 56 but my question is how many leafs should i use on mine? Any help would be appreciated and pictures will be coming shortly. Thanks for any help.

Re: 78GMC Project for Life
 

Welcome to the boards! I'm in okc not too far from you. My truck had 6 leafs and the overload after flip, Im running '67-'72 trailing arm now.

Re: 78GMC Project for Life
 

My 84 has 3 and the overload which resulted in about a 5" drop..If you have only 2 you won't get a 6" drop out of your flip kit.

Re: 78GMC Project for Life
 

Since your in the city. If you need a set of leaf springs I will give you mine just pm me and come get them ASAP
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Re: 78GMC Project for Life
 

Hell yeah. Thanks for the responses.
So if I'm understanding right here I need more leafs
For more drop. Man that sounds stupid when
I say it. That makes sense. So I ll probably go with 3 and the
Overload. What size are those leafs that you don't need?
I ll take em. I'm gonna measure mine and see and let u know.
And how many leafs are there. Thanks again guys.
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Re: 78GMC Project for Life
 

Hey rich can u elaborate a little. Am I looking for more leafs for more drop. Is that how it's working?
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Re: 78GMC Project for Life
 

No you don't need more springs unless you dont like the ride.
Do the flip you will be happy..
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Re: 78GMC Project for Life
 

No thats not how it works. If your truck had all the leafs in place before you installed the flip kit you would net a bigger drop. Adding leafs will slightly lift the truck with the flip kit installed or not.

Re: 78GMC Project for Life
 

Ok this is what ive got. I found that mine are 56 inches and 2 1/2 wide. thats 26 center to front eye and 30 center to rear eye. With the responses and research it looks like mine is 56 which are only sold now with like 8 plus leafs. Thats fine but with what ive heard most are running like 4 or 3/1, which is 3 on top one on bottom. Well the 56 does not have that low of an option in leafs so now my brain is exploding.

Re: 78GMC Project for Life
 

You can move the rear shackle hanger forward on the frame 4in and use the 52in springs with 3/1 leafs.

Re: 78GMC Project for Life
 

Aren't those shackles riveted in place?
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Re: 78GMC Project for Life
 

Does anybody think the leafs that I have would be ok. Or should I replace.
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Re: 78GMC Project for Life
 

If you are sitting too low after you install the flip kit you will need to add leafs or replace.

Re: 78GMC Project for Life
 

When I first did the flip it kinda freaked me out how low it was..So give it a chance. Now I look at it and think "maybe a little lower".

Re: 78GMC Project for Life
 

Cut them off and bolt it back. And if you can come take mine today would be a huge plus. You the wife and all
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