So we are going camping tomorrow and my truck (91 c1500) is hauling the wood + coolers and other heavy stuff. This is the first time I have really loaded it since putting the parts trucks (97 c1500) springs on along with the 2 inch drop shackles on the rear. Now I am noticing that despite the newer springs my truck is squating pretty bad from the load. It will be fine for the trip but I really want to make it more capable for the future. So for you guys with 88-98 Chevy's have you ever seen 3/4s put on a 1/2? A quick Google search tells me that yes it can be done but I'd like a little confirmation.

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2000 ssei gone but not forgotten

Current fleet:
2009 G8 v6, 2009 Avalanche LTZ, 2013 Volt

It may be more cost effective option to use an air helper spring, unless you're getting a good deal on a salvage part. The other thing I think you have to look out for is that the HD frames in the 3/4 ton trucks are not the same as the regular 3/4 ton frame, I believe that they are all interchangeable (4, 5, or 6 leaf) except the HD version (6, 8 leaf). RockAuto sometimes has RPO codes listed for springs.

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Boost addict


The Fleet:
'93 SSEi - Twincharged + manual Build thread
'97 Camaro - Top swap
'05 STS - V8, AWD, her DD
'92 Trofeo - Fair weather DD
'99 Montana - top swap 3800
'04 Sierra 2500HD - LLY Duramax

Current project:
Something cool, trust me.

Upcoming projects:
'92 Bonneville SSE
'87 LeSabre T-type
'67 LeSabre

Gone to greener pastures:
'84 Sierra Classic - Twin turbo 3800
'97 LeSabre - Top swap

RIP:
'86 LeSabre - pictures
'93 SE - L67

I agree on the air helper. No use living with the 3/4 ton ride if you never use it.

Also make sure that the tires are not overloaded. Remember, the 3/4 ton truck is built around carrying heavier loads, so make sure cooling (Entire driveline), brakes, etc, is up to the task.

I would feel better about buying a 3/4ton truck if I need to do 3/4 ton work with it.

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~Randall~


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place

This is more just to help with squat when under load.. Right now my truck has wood, two full coolers and lots of misc camping stuff with a fiberglass camper top and its basically bottomed out. From what I've been able to gather if I go for the lighter duty 3/4 sprjngs I'll only notice a little firmer ride but it won't squat so easy.

Edit: so yeah some 1/2 tons came with 5 leaf springs stock so if I find a set of those I'm basically making the payload capacity like a heavy half. Now before anybody says anything I am not intending to work this truck too hard I just want it to sit more level with the lowering shackles I have installed. And to be fair the axle has already been upgraded from a 3:42 to a 3:73 limited slip.

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2000 ssei gone but not forgotten

Current fleet:
2009 G8 v6, 2009 Avalanche LTZ, 2013 Volt

http://www.activesuspension.com/

Lots of guys on another forum I'm on run these and love them. They even say it acts like a stiffer swaybar for handling. No air or lines to run.

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Bye Bye:

RIP sandrock