Leaf spring plastic shims - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Gary 70 Jimmy** · 12-12-2021, 10:16 AM

How many do you put between the springs just one on to and one on bottom.

hemi43 · 12-12-2021, 10:26 AM

I don't recall having plastic shims in my stock springs, but all they do is reduce noise. I would think you would need one in front and one in the rear of each leaf that rubs against another leaf.
I wish Tuff Country did install these, because twice a year I have to spray WD-40 on all my springs to keep the squeaks away.

**Richard** · 12-17-2021, 03:12 AM

Guessing OP is referring to the thin shims on the axle pad and under the u-bolt plate. I really do not see a purpose for the plastic shims, mine were chewed up. You could leave them out and be fine. I will not be using any on my new rear springs. But yes, from factory my truck had one on spring pad and one under u-bolt cap.
These old trucks never had sliders in-between the leaf ends.

**DeadheadNM** · 12-17-2021, 09:59 AM

I used the spring liners by Speedway motors ( https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Flat-...ners,7471.html ) to replace the OEM examples on the top and bottom of the spring pack (two per spring). These did seem to "cushion" the ride on my K20 enough that I went back and added them to my Blazer. I recommend the product.

**Gary 70 Jimmy** · 12-17-2021, 10:17 PM

Thanks for the help I thought they had one on the bottom and one on the top just wanted to make sure.

hemi43 · 12-18-2021, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

I used the spring liners by Speedway motors ( https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Flat-...ners,7471.html ) to replace the OEM examples on the top and bottom of the spring pack (two per spring). These did seem to "cushion" the ride on my K20 enough that I went back and added them to my Blazer. I recommend the product.

Thanks for that tip! I'll definitely be looking into this.
How do they stay in place? website says "edge lip keeps it in place", but not sure what they are referring to.

Ziegelsteinfaust · 12-18-2021, 01:47 PM

Depends on the leafs style. Some use continuous straps, and some use buttons on the ends.

I highly recommend them since they allow the leaves to slide against each other easier. Plus give the leaf a more progressive spring rate because of the reduced drag or friction.

**DeadheadNM** · 12-18-2021, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hemi43

Thanks for that tip! I'll definitely be looking into this.
How do they stay in place? website says "edge lip keeps it in place", but not sure what they are referring to.

You bet. We cut these roughly the same size as the OE pieces then carved out holes that slip over the center pin of the spring pack (like the OE pieces). They sandwiched in place nicely. Honestly I didn’t expect to notice any difference in the ride but they did seem to give just a little cushion.

Example photos of original pieces: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...14&postcount=1

12-12-2021, 10:16 AM	#1
Gary 70 Jimmy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Burghill, Ohio 44404 Posts: 3,400	Leaf spring plastic shims How many do you put between the springs just one on to and one on bottom. __________________ 1972 GMC Jimmy 1/2 4X4 4wheel camper 1970 GMC Jimmy 1/2 4X4 350 1969 Chevy Blazer 1/2 4X4 307 1967 chevy LWB 3/4 396

12-12-2021, 10:26 AM	#2
hemi43 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 1,499	Re: Leaf spring plastic shims I don't recall having plastic shims in my stock springs, but all they do is reduce noise. I would think you would need one in front and one in the rear of each leaf that rubs against another leaf. I wish Tuff Country did install these, because twice a year I have to spray WD-40 on all my springs to keep the squeaks away.

12-17-2021, 03:12 AM	#3
Richard Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,696	Re: Leaf spring plastic shims Guessing OP is referring to the thin shims on the axle pad and under the u-bolt plate. I really do not see a purpose for the plastic shims, mine were chewed up. You could leave them out and be fine. I will not be using any on my new rear springs. But yes, from factory my truck had one on spring pad and one under u-bolt cap. These old trucks never had sliders in-between the leaf ends. __________________ Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746 Last edited by Richard; 12-17-2021 at 05:06 AM.

12-17-2021, 09:59 AM	#4
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,284	Re: Leaf spring plastic shims I used the spring liners by Speedway motors ( https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Flat-...ners,7471.html ) to replace the OEM examples on the top and bottom of the spring pack (two per spring). These did seem to "cushion" the ride on my K20 enough that I went back and added them to my Blazer. I recommend the product. __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

12-17-2021, 10:17 PM	#5
Gary 70 Jimmy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Burghill, Ohio 44404 Posts: 3,400	Re: Leaf spring plastic shims Thanks for the help I thought they had one on the bottom and one on the top just wanted to make sure. __________________ 1972 GMC Jimmy 1/2 4X4 4wheel camper 1970 GMC Jimmy 1/2 4X4 350 1969 Chevy Blazer 1/2 4X4 307 1967 chevy LWB 3/4 396

12-18-2021, 01:47 PM	#7
Ziegelsteinfaust Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Temple City Posts: 3,560	Re: Leaf spring plastic shims Depends on the leafs style. Some use continuous straps, and some use buttons on the ends. I highly recommend them since they allow the leaves to slide against each other easier. Plus give the leaf a more progressive spring rate because of the reduced drag or friction.



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