Leafs or Springs and why? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Beefcake · 11-03-2003, 08:38 AM

I have a couple rolling frames. One is equiped with springs, the other has leafs. Both are '72 2wd c10s.

I want to convert one of these chassis to a 4x4. I want performance out of this thing. Something, that can handle some real 4 wheelin.....

My question is, which one is better better start- leafs or springs???

thanks!

Blue Beard · 11-03-2003, 09:14 AM

If you want to convert to 4x4 go with the leaf spring..........don't think the coils would work very well in the off road work....just my 2 cents.......

Beefcake · 11-03-2003, 09:26 AM

Should I put leafs in the front? or just have them in the rear???

bpmcgee · 11-03-2003, 11:38 AM

The stock 4wd setup had 4 wheel leaf springs. My guess is that you'd have to go with this if you don't intend to have a completely custom front axle and suspension.

Brian

Beefcake · 11-03-2003, 12:58 PM

k... thanks!

blaz72 · 11-03-2003, 09:08 PM

Lots of work involed in it but do able need 4 springs,4 perches for springs engine cross member, ect. you should try to find a 4x4 frame.

Scrub · 11-04-2003, 12:40 PM

I have never heard of a coil sprung 4x4. I went with leaves like every one else but, the coil trailing arm setup will completely remove all axle wrap. IMO a 2wd coil rig will more places than a 2wd leaf sprung rig due to zero axle wrap. If you wanted to build a pretty trick rig, I always thought about finding a set of those great big airbags off a semi and throwing them in a coil trailing arm configuration. You could get about a foot of travel.
If I ever get crazy enough to start another project, thats how I would do it.

I would suggest finding a 4x4 frame as a 2wd and 4wd frame are really different.

Good luck

**Stocker** · 11-08-2003, 11:59 AM

FWIW, Jeeps seem to do pretty well off road with coils at all corners...

OneMpg · 11-08-2003, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Stocker
FWIW, Jeeps seem to do pretty well off road with coils at all corners...

Which jeeps have 4 coils? The CJ's YJ's and TJ's (wrangler styles) all have leafs on all corners.

I didn't think that any jeeps (besides maybe Liberty) have four coils. Liberty is a yuppie mobile, not meant for offroad.

If you realllllly want to do rock crawling or serious offroad you will need a custom 3 or 4 link suspension with coilovers front and rear

. . . leaf springs are next best, much cheaper, and can perform very well. Check out www.pirate4x4.com. You will find lots of info there. If you go with leafs I would think that finding a 4x4 frame would be much easier.

-Dave-

Edit: Oooops you were right. I coulda sworn they were leafs. Oh well. Found this pic. http://www.4x4wire.com/news/fts/7505ramp.jpg

**Richard** · 11-09-2003, 01:14 AM

Coils have a more linear rate which is why they are used by most racing vehicles and rock crawlers. As far as production 4X4's with coils there is the Jeep TJ-all four corners since introduction, Jeep cherokee, Newer Dodge trucks, early Ford broncos and 1/2 ton trucks including the twin traction beam all the way untill the IFS switch. I am sure thare are more. I would love to do a full coilover four link front and back on my truck, kind of like a mini monster truck. If you have the resources I say do the research and use coils. Have fun.
I should add that it probably does not matter which frame you use if you do the coil or coilover suspension because most of the bracketry would probably be unusable.

**Stocker** · 11-09-2003, 12:34 PM

Well, the ZJ and WJ (Grand Cherokee) models also use 4 coils, and plenty of them are set up for serious off-road work including rock crawling.

ronh72c10 · 11-10-2003, 06:38 PM

I'd agree with the guys who said to buy a 4x4 frame, I thought about converting a 2wd frame to 4x4 and I decided it was too difficult and ended up buying a another truck. People have converted 2wd frames to 4wd, but why not save yourself some trouble, I've seen a few rolling 4wd frames for sale on here and they've been priced in the $200US range.

Ron

ronh72c10 · 11-10-2003, 06:56 PM

Some examples:

Looks like a LWB,
72 1/2 ton rolling frame

Hmm, did a search and couldn't find anymore.

If you're determined to convert the 2wd frame do the leaf spring one, the back of the coil spring frame is definately different.

Ron

LeRoy · 11-12-2003, 08:47 AM

Back a few years there was a cool 72? SWB that the guy converted to 4x. He retained the coil rear and flipped the trailing arms on top of the axle and then used some sort of taller coil spring. It was in a 4x mag and showed him wheeling in the rocks. Flexed pretty good. I'd do the same just to be different

SWEET7T · 11-14-2003, 03:51 AM

The trailing arm design on a 2wd truck wound be a great start for making a neat little pre-runner! I had always thought of doing this for the fun of it but $$$ always holds me back.
Depending on what you want to do with the truck. First, the easiest way to do this would be to buy a 4x4 frame and build on that. But if you want to be different... If you want to go hit some jumps/run some dunes/blast across some whoops I say stay with the trailing arms!!! If you want to rock crawl/ect, then slap some leafs under it.
Depending on budget::: For your front, the cheapest and easiest way to build would be to do a straight axle and leafs. Next up would be a 3 or 4 link with coils. Or you could fab up a newer IFS onto the older frame... The possibilities are endless!!!
IT all depends on how you want to use the truck. Just another idea, just throw a locker in the rear, put some lift coils in it, and just have a 2wd that is lifted........

11-03-2003, 08:38 AM	#1
Beefcake Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Motor City Posts: 540	Leafs or Springs and why? I have a couple rolling frames. One is equiped with springs, the other has leafs. Both are '72 2wd c10s. I want to convert one of these chassis to a 4x4. I want performance out of this thing. Something, that can handle some real 4 wheelin..... My question is, which one is better better start- leafs or springs??? thanks! __________________ 72 GMC Camper Special 2500. currently has 350/350/14 bolt. 383 and 400 tranny is in the works.

11-03-2003, 09:14 AM	#2
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	If you want to convert to 4x4 go with the leaf spring..........don't think the coils would work very well in the off road work....just my 2 cents....... __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

11-03-2003, 09:26 AM	#3
Beefcake Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Motor City Posts: 540	Should I put leafs in the front? or just have them in the rear??? __________________ 72 GMC Camper Special 2500. currently has 350/350/14 bolt. 383 and 400 tranny is in the works.

11-03-2003, 12:58 PM	#5
Beefcake Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Motor City Posts: 540	k... thanks! __________________ 72 GMC Camper Special 2500. currently has 350/350/14 bolt. 383 and 400 tranny is in the works.

11-04-2003, 12:40 PM	#7
Scrub Collector of rusty Items Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Sisters,Oregon USA Posts: 731	I have never heard of a coil sprung 4x4. I went with leaves like every one else but, the coil trailing arm setup will completely remove all axle wrap. IMO a 2wd coil rig will more places than a 2wd leaf sprung rig due to zero axle wrap. If you wanted to build a pretty trick rig, I always thought about finding a set of those great big airbags off a semi and throwing them in a coil trailing arm configuration. You could get about a foot of travel. If I ever get crazy enough to start another project, thats how I would do it. I would suggest finding a 4x4 frame as a 2wd and 4wd frame are really different. Good luck __________________ Scrub Sisters, Oregon - Home of the Sisters Rodeo. 70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles 72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends.

11-03-2003, 11:38 AM	#4
bpmcgee Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 2,181	The stock 4wd setup had 4 wheel leaf springs. My guess is that you'd have to go with this if you don't intend to have a completely custom front axle and suspension. Brian

11-03-2003, 09:08 PM	#6
blaz72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: connecticut Posts: 21	Lots of work involed in it but do able need 4 springs,4 perches for springs engine cross member, ect. you should try to find a 4x4 frame.

11-08-2003, 11:59 AM	#8
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,545	FWIW, Jeeps seem to do pretty well off road with coils at all corners... __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

11-09-2003, 01:14 AM	#10
Richard Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,725	Coils have a more linear rate which is why they are used by most racing vehicles and rock crawlers. As far as production 4X4's with coils there is the Jeep TJ-all four corners since introduction, Jeep cherokee, Newer Dodge trucks, early Ford broncos and 1/2 ton trucks including the twin traction beam all the way untill the IFS switch. I am sure thare are more. I would love to do a full coilover four link front and back on my truck, kind of like a mini monster truck. If you have the resources I say do the research and use coils. Have fun. I should add that it probably does not matter which frame you use if you do the coil or coilover suspension because most of the bracketry would probably be unusable. __________________ Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746 Last edited by Richard; 11-09-2003 at 01:22 AM.

11-09-2003, 12:34 PM	#11
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,545	Well, the ZJ and WJ (Grand Cherokee) models also use 4 coils, and plenty of them are set up for serious off-road work including rock crawling. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

11-10-2003, 06:38 PM	#12
ronh72c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada Posts: 978	I'd agree with the guys who said to buy a 4x4 frame, I thought about converting a 2wd frame to 4x4 and I decided it was too difficult and ended up buying a another truck. People have converted 2wd frames to 4wd, but why not save yourself some trouble, I've seen a few rolling 4wd frames for sale on here and they've been priced in the $200US range. Ron __________________ 72 Chevy C10 (rust repaired, starting body work) 72 GMC 3/4ton 4x4 72 Chevy C20 Suburban 38 Ford Tudor Humpback Sedan (from the darkside) 67 Pontiac Parisienne 55 Studebaker Commander 2dr Hardtop (Starliner) My Youtube channel with Video Updates!

11-10-2003, 06:56 PM	#13
ronh72c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada Posts: 978	Some examples: Looks like a LWB, 72 1/2 ton rolling frame Hmm, did a search and couldn't find anymore. If you're determined to convert the 2wd frame do the leaf spring one, the back of the coil spring frame is definately different. Ron __________________ 72 Chevy C10 (rust repaired, starting body work) 72 GMC 3/4ton 4x4 72 Chevy C20 Suburban 38 Ford Tudor Humpback Sedan (from the darkside) 67 Pontiac Parisienne 55 Studebaker Commander 2dr Hardtop (Starliner) My Youtube channel with Video Updates!

11-12-2003, 08:47 AM	#14
LeRoy Registered truck nut Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mt. Vernon, Washington, USA Posts: 1,584	Back a few years there was a cool 72? SWB that the guy converted to 4x. He retained the coil rear and flipped the trailing arms on top of the axle and then used some sort of taller coil spring. It was in a 4x mag and showed him wheeling in the rocks. Flexed pretty good. I'd do the same just to be different __________________ MOUNT VERNON, WASH. STATE Need a part? Just PM me

11-14-2003, 03:51 AM	#15
SWEET7T Try spinnin 4 rear tars Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 757	The trailing arm design on a 2wd truck wound be a great start for making a neat little pre-runner! I had always thought of doing this for the fun of it but $$$ always holds me back. Depending on what you want to do with the truck. First, the easiest way to do this would be to buy a 4x4 frame and build on that. But if you want to be different... If you want to go hit some jumps/run some dunes/blast across some whoops I say stay with the trailing arms!!! If you want to rock crawl/ect, then slap some leafs under it. Depending on budget::: For your front, the cheapest and easiest way to build would be to do a straight axle and leafs. Next up would be a 3 or 4 link with coils. Or you could fab up a newer IFS onto the older frame... The possibilities are endless!!! IT all depends on how you want to use the truck. Just another idea, just throw a locker in the rear, put some lift coils in it, and just have a 2wd that is lifted........ __________________ SWEET7T 1970 C10, 2wd, LB, 307/TH350/3.08. PS, PB



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