3/4 ton springs in a 1/2 ton

[Dozer]

I have a 00 1/2 ton chev and would really like to firm up the rear suspension. Ive heard 3/4 ton springs are the same length and size and would fit. I would assume I would need longer U-bolts for a taller spring pack.

Should have mentioned I already have an add-a-leaf which added 2" of height, which matchs my torsion bar index in the front. Where would my ride height be with 3/4 ton springs alone?

[Surface Tension]

If the springs are weak I'd not add to them.

Would a new set close to the factory specs be sufficient? Or are you looking to beef up over that. If so you might want to do that to the fount end as well.

So I guess if it were me I'd go with a new set of springs.

I've done that on two of my trucks that had either weak or broken springs. Made a world of difference. I buy them from an outfit that makes spring in Duluth. Duluth Spring I believe.

Talk with them, they can make a custom stack for you.

They'll make the ubolts as well.

[Macgyver55]

Are you doing this to carry more weight, a firmer ride, or just for a bit of lift? If its for carrying more weight be careful, just because the springs can handle it doesnt meant the axles, bearings and brakes can. There is another option to springs and that is air bag overloads. They are pretty simple to install, and you can adjust them depending on what you need and still retain ride quality. I've installed several sets and haven't had any complaints.

[311Hemi]

 Originally Posted By: Macgyver55

Are you doing this to carry more weight, a firmer ride, or just for a bit of lift? If its for carrying more weight be careful, just because the springs can handle it doesnt meant the axles, bearings and brakes can.

Good post...this is important! Just because you add 3/4 ton springs in the rear does not mean the truck can handle the payload of a 3/4 ton truck.....if that is why you want to do it.

If your just looking to level out the truck you could either drop your front end down a litter or add some small blocks in back. By what the sounds of it your trying to level it out when carrying weight, which may be hard to do without some sacrifices in ride quality. But keep the in mind the overall weight your truck is meant for...otherwise you could run into problems with your drive line and braking.

[sparcebag]

 Originally Posted By: Dozer

I have a 00 1/2 ton chev and would really like to firm up the rear suspension. Ive heard 3/4 ton springs are the same length and size and would fit. I would assume I would need longer U-bolts for a taller spring pack.

Should have mentioned I already have an add-a-leaf which added 2" of height, which matchs my torsion bar index in the front. Where would my ride height be with 3/4 ton springs alone?

I once added booster leafs a leaf system of smaller springs that bolted on top of the existing leaf springs,it was a 3/4 ton and I had a heavy cabover.They worked GREAT as long as the camper was on,I think they were rated 1500lb each side,with out the camper there was NO give and driving over a pebble could be felt! for a smooth ride I needed weight.Empty it was the worse ride you could imagine!Air shocks, air lifts.Only way to go!

[Phred52]

Dozer, I'd question whether the 3/4 ton springs would even fit. Short of completly dismantling the 2 springs and building one. In the past, the 1/2, 3/4, 1 ton trucks always had a different length main leaf (eyelet to eyelet) to provide more flex, and that was backed by the 'stack' to carry the weight. Then there also is the issue of the width and thickness. If I were you, I'd go with the stock replacement springs for the 1500, and if that's not enough, the air shocks, or air bladders, etc. Phred52

[Dozer]

Will they fit? Nobody knows?

[fishorgolf]

I once had a ford 1/2 ton that the previous owner put 3/4 ton springs on. Worked great not problems at all.

[Surface Tension]

Yes.

When you order springs you have the option of what lb. you'd like.

There really isn't a 1/2-3/4 ton class rating for springs.(unless your buying from a dealership and you don't want to do that)

Go to a place that makes and sells springs, call them its painless and they'll get you what you want.

So if your buying new get the lb rating you want.

If your getting them from a bone yard, as long as the length is correct and the load rating is what you want go for it. You can buy the ubolts anywhere.

Just because you have springs with a higher load rating then what was stock means nothing other then your truck won't sag with a load. Load distribution and hight are more important. In fact a sagging truck is dangerous and also puts more strain on the u-joints. Your not going to ruin your 1/2 ton truck with and occasional 1500 lb load as long as you drive accordingly.

Granted there is a point where you'll overload wheel bearing and brakes but if your looking to level the truck while loaded you'll be fine.

[Phred52]

Yep, I should've qualified my response with the fact that I was in the auto salvage business 20+ years ago and ALOT has changed since then. Phred52

[Dozer]

Done some more reseach and looks like 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton are same length and width for that year. Might need longer U bolts since a 1/2 ton is 2 springs + overload and 3/4 ton is 4 + overload.

[Bjjams]

Yeah they should work, if you want you can call husky springs in St. Cloud and ask them but when I needed new springs in my 92 1/2 ton I could have put on the 3/4 ton but I went with the 5 leaf 1/2 tons instead of the regular 4 leaf. Depending what your planning on doing I'd go this route. It's not the same as an add-a-leaf, they were a lot stiffer. If anything you might just need new shackles for the 3/4 tons to fit. No matter which way you go you'll need new bolts. They are a lot easier to cut off than take off anyways.

[anyfishwilldo]

Give Gary a call at 4 Wheel parts & Service in Ham Lake. He stocks the particular spring you are looking for, as well as the u bolts and the eye bolts if you have to blue wrench them out.

[Dozer]

Thanks for all your input guys! My plan is to get some junkyard ones out of a 3/4 ton non HD since they are around $100 a pair. I checked Husky Spring and they list alot of different packages and the one I would want was $259 and I would assume that doesnt include U-bolts. I had it all apart about a year ago to install the add-a-leaf so it shouldnt be a problem to get the U-bolts apart again. Either way I will have to buy U-bolts though. I will have to see how much extra space there is with the U-bolts I have now.