Chevy and GMC differences - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Already Gone** · 08-11-2013, 02:45 AM

I am looking at a 1972 GMC Sierra Grande long wheelbase very seriously and I'm wondering if the GMC will ride rougher/harsher because of the leaf spring rear as opposed to the Chevys trailing arms. I've had my long wheelbase Chevy up to near 100 mph and it was steady and solid on the road and rides real smooth. Would the leaf spring GMC be the same? I guess ideally if anyone has had both Chevys and GMC's and drove them both for a while that should answer my question.
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Eddie H. · 08-11-2013, 08:27 AM

I have never been able to tell much difference in the ride between trucks with trailing arms or leafs. I prefer GMC just because of the look of the front end, otherwise they are basically the same truck.

**special-K** · 08-11-2013, 08:57 AM

Either make could have leaf or coil,but coils certainly ride best...sifter...in an empty truck. Leaf springs are certainly steady at high speeds and you get less body roll. If you've ever driven either a Chevy or GMC made after '72,that is how these ride with leaf springs

68gmsee · 08-11-2013, 10:29 AM

Depends on what you prefer. My 68 GMC has leaf springs and my no longer running 69 Chevy had coil springs. Both were swb and the coil springs were somewhat smoother. I'm not sure how the lwb compares but I would suspect both may run smoother than the swb.

**Already Gone** · 08-11-2013, 01:49 PM

Thanks for the info. Sounds like there isn't much if any difference. The reason I ask is that I plan to use it as daily driver in the summer and want a reasonably smooth ride like I get with my Chevy.
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Chrome8 · 08-11-2013, 01:58 PM

Does anyone know if there is a difference in the rear view mirrors on GMC's? Mine is partially missing so I pulled the mirror out of my 69 chevy and it is very different than what's left of the mirror in the 69 GMC. Any thoughts? Not a hijack just a chev gmc question.

68gmsee · 08-11-2013, 03:42 PM

I have the original round peep mirrors on my 68 GMC and 69 Chevy and they're the same. There were several aftermarket mirrors made and even the dealer could install whatever you wanted on them. There is a difference between the right and left one, though.

Chrome8 · 08-11-2013, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

I have the original round peep mirrors on my 68 GMC and 69 Chevy and they're the same. There were several aftermarket mirrors made and even the dealer could install whatever you wanted on them. There is a difference between the right and left one, though.

Sorry man, I didn't mention that I was working on the inside rearview mirror.

68gmsee · 08-11-2013, 06:40 PM

In that case I don't know. However, I do know that some didn't come with a mirror and the dealer would install them. After market mirrors could still be the difference in what you see.

I would start a new thread and post some pics so we can see what you got.

**leddzepp** · 08-11-2013, 06:43 PM

Leaf springs will have a rougher ride than coil springs, unless you are carrying a load in the back.

SS Tim · 08-11-2013, 08:25 PM

THey will ride differently but not a huge difference. Of course if it has HD springs (G50) too, then it will be stiffer yet.
Funny thing is the base rate leaf spring option (G70) is 17lbs lighter than the coils on a lwb 10/1500. There is even more difference on a swb.
Overhung weight will also affect the empty ride.
A standard rear bumper adds 56lb to the rear axle weight while pulling 16lb off the front.
The factory step bumper adds 96lb to the rear axle weight while pulling 27lb off the front.
Any spare tire helps under the rear as would a receiver hitch.
Even a wood bed is good for another 11lb on the rear axle.

08-11-2013, 02:45 AM	#1
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,073	Chevy and GMC differences I am looking at a 1972 GMC Sierra Grande long wheelbase very seriously and I'm wondering if the GMC will ride rougher/harsher because of the leaf spring rear as opposed to the Chevys trailing arms. I've had my long wheelbase Chevy up to near 100 mph and it was steady and solid on the road and rides real smooth. Would the leaf spring GMC be the same? I guess ideally if anyone has had both Chevys and GMC's and drove them both for a while that should answer my question. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021

08-11-2013, 08:27 AM	#2
Eddie H. Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Paradise TX USA Posts: 1,200	Re: Chevy and GMC differences I have never been able to tell much difference in the ride between trucks with trailing arms or leafs. I prefer GMC just because of the look of the front end, otherwise they are basically the same truck. __________________ "Negative people always seem to have a problem for every solution"

08-11-2013, 08:57 AM	#3
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Either make could have leaf or coil,but coils certainly ride best...sifter...in an empty truck. Leaf springs are certainly steady at high speeds and you get less body roll. If you've ever driven either a Chevy or GMC made after '72,that is how these ride with leaf springs __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 08-11-2013 at 10:39 AM.

08-11-2013, 10:29 AM	#4
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Depends on what you prefer. My 68 GMC has leaf springs and my no longer running 69 Chevy had coil springs. Both were swb and the coil springs were somewhat smoother. I'm not sure how the lwb compares but I would suspect both may run smoother than the swb. __________________ 68 GMC 250/3 speed Saginaw p/b p/s 69 Chevy 350/350 currently in pieces still lookin for a cab 06 Trailblazer I just want a vehicle that I can work on, that won't talk to me, leave error msgs or keep track of how I drive...

08-11-2013, 01:49 PM	#5
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,073	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Thanks for the info. Sounds like there isn't much if any difference. The reason I ask is that I plan to use it as daily driver in the summer and want a reasonably smooth ride like I get with my Chevy. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021

08-11-2013, 01:58 PM	#6
Chrome8 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Park Rapids, MN Posts: 288	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Does anyone know if there is a difference in the rear view mirrors on GMC's? Mine is partially missing so I pulled the mirror out of my 69 chevy and it is very different than what's left of the mirror in the 69 GMC. Any thoughts? Not a hijack just a chev gmc question. __________________ 1969 K20 not running, complete but rusty with wrecker boom and push bumper 1969 GMC C20 un-molested rust free original paint "a 4 eyed girl named 'Tina" 1971 Chev K20 4X4 Box Delete Commercial Truck Flatbed "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." Confucius

08-11-2013, 03:42 PM	#7
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Chevy and GMC differences I have the original round peep mirrors on my 68 GMC and 69 Chevy and they're the same. There were several aftermarket mirrors made and even the dealer could install whatever you wanted on them. There is a difference between the right and left one, though. __________________ 68 GMC 250/3 speed Saginaw p/b p/s 69 Chevy 350/350 currently in pieces still lookin for a cab 06 Trailblazer I just want a vehicle that I can work on, that won't talk to me, leave error msgs or keep track of how I drive...

08-11-2013, 06:40 PM	#9
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Chevy and GMC differences In that case I don't know. However, I do know that some didn't come with a mirror and the dealer would install them. After market mirrors could still be the difference in what you see. I would start a new thread and post some pics so we can see what you got. __________________ 68 GMC 250/3 speed Saginaw p/b p/s 69 Chevy 350/350 currently in pieces still lookin for a cab 06 Trailblazer I just want a vehicle that I can work on, that won't talk to me, leave error msgs or keep track of how I drive...

08-11-2013, 06:43 PM	#10
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,981	Re: Chevy and GMC differences Leaf springs will have a rougher ride than coil springs, unless you are carrying a load in the back. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

08-11-2013, 08:25 PM	#11
SS Tim Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Edwards, CA Posts: 7,504	Re: Chevy and GMC differences THey will ride differently but not a huge difference. Of course if it has HD springs (G50) too, then it will be stiffer yet. Funny thing is the base rate leaf spring option (G70) is 17lbs lighter than the coils on a lwb 10/1500. There is even more difference on a swb. Overhung weight will also affect the empty ride. A standard rear bumper adds 56lb to the rear axle weight while pulling 16lb off the front. The factory step bumper adds 96lb to the rear axle weight while pulling 27lb off the front. Any spare tire helps under the rear as would a receiver hitch. Even a wood bed is good for another 11lb on the rear axle. __________________ Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban



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