Rear Suspension Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bodad · 12-06-2002, 04:12 PM

Did GMC have a rear leaf setup while chevy had the coil setup on the 1/2 ton 2wd? What are the benefits of one over the other and why would they have both setups if that is the case?

**1971Stepside** · 12-06-2002, 04:16 PM

I believe the GMC's had the leaf set up with a few exceptions and all the Chevy's had the coil set up. I think the coil set up gives you a better ride, but I have read on heard the guys on here believe the leaf springs are better for loads and pulling. I like the coils because of the ride and the shear looks of them.

I'm sure someone can give you more details.

Yellow Cheyenne · 12-06-2002, 04:20 PM

Leafs were an option on both Chevy and GMC from '67-'72. Generally, the leafs are a little more stable and work well if the vehicle is used to tow with. The coil set up rides a little better, and works better in race situations, it doesn't have wheel hop as bad as leafs do. If possible, choose the type that fits your use. Either can be improved on their bad points, but often at the cost of the good points.

Huck · 12-06-2002, 06:17 PM

Coils verses Leaf's---interesting observation----on a recent NASCAR race, a car flipped over only to show a similar design as our coil springs setup--couldn't believe it!! Of course Chevy changed back to leafs in 73 and never went back to coils on there trucks---but they did go to the old chrysler design of TORSION BARs on the front end of their 4x4 trucks~~~~. What Next--will we will see hand crank starters!
Leaf's==more TRUCK like, load capable, handling, and muffeler/tailpipe friendly
Coil ===more car like, nice on rough roads or long trips

Low69CST · 12-07-2002, 02:54 AM

Nascar doesn't use a simular set up, it is our set up. They use the exact same arms as under our trucks, excepted they box them for strength and add rod ends instead of rubber.

12-06-2002, 04:12 PM	#1
bodad Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 106	Rear Suspension Question Did GMC have a rear leaf setup while chevy had the coil setup on the 1/2 ton 2wd? What are the benefits of one over the other and why would they have both setups if that is the case?

12-06-2002, 04:16 PM	#2
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	I believe the GMC's had the leaf set up with a few exceptions and all the Chevy's had the coil set up. I think the coil set up gives you a better ride, but I have read on heard the guys on here believe the leaf springs are better for loads and pulling. I like the coils because of the ride and the shear looks of them. I'm sure someone can give you more details. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

12-06-2002, 04:20 PM	#3
Yellow Cheyenne Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Eastern Kansas Posts: 488	Leafs were an option on both Chevy and GMC from '67-'72. Generally, the leafs are a little more stable and work well if the vehicle is used to tow with. The coil set up rides a little better, and works better in race situations, it doesn't have wheel hop as bad as leafs do. If possible, choose the type that fits your use. Either can be improved on their bad points, but often at the cost of the good points. __________________ '72 Cheyenne. AC, PS, PB, Rear slider window, tilt. Light yellow (grapefruit yellow according to new sales literature from '72) '56 Chevy short step V-8 (My dad bought it new!!) '70 Olds 442 convertible '70 Olds Rallye 350

12-07-2002, 02:54 AM	#5
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	Nascar doesn't use a simular set up, it is our set up. They use the exact same arms as under our trucks, excepted they box them for strength and add rod ends instead of rubber. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

12-06-2002, 06:17 PM	#4
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Coils verses Leaf's---interesting observation----on a recent NASCAR race, a car flipped over only to show a similar design as our coil springs setup--couldn't believe it!! Of course Chevy changed back to leafs in 73 and never went back to coils on there trucks---but they did go to the old chrysler design of TORSION BARs on the front end of their 4x4 trucks~~~~. What Next--will we will see hand crank starters! Leaf's==more TRUCK like, load capable, handling, and muffeler/tailpipe friendly Coil ===more car like, nice on rough roads or long trips



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