63' chevy springs

fireman1559 · 09-10-2008, 05:11 PM

i am planning on doing the 63' chevy spring swap i would like to know where i can find new shackles that will give me the most flex

toylocost · 09-10-2008, 05:13 PM

You have probly seen this but if you haven't...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...threadid=20665

fireman1559 · 09-10-2008, 05:19 PM

yes i have thats where i got the idea but i couldnt find where he got his shackels from

fireman1559 · 09-10-2008, 05:46 PM

oops sorry guys i found what i was looking for just didnt read far enough down

fireman1559 · 09-10-2008, 08:01 PM

Ok the double shackle set-up works like this. You connect one Toyota style shackle from the factory rear hanger (let it lay flat against the frame)
to another shackle going straight down to the spring. Most people run the stock Chevy shackle as the second one that mounts to the spring. my question is if i am going to double shackle the new 63'springs would i put them in the rear or in the front or both

tc · 09-10-2008, 09:48 PM

I wouldn't double shackle them ... once the first shackle unloads, you're not putting any force on that tire - kinda what the desert guys call "dirty hooker travel".

I think Sky has a kit with everything you need

Tofer · 09-10-2008, 10:13 PM

i've been very happy with my double shackles on my 63's. i've havent had any negative experiences with them

dirtoyboy · 09-11-2008, 09:06 AM

......mispost

RobD · 09-11-2008, 11:29 AM

Wow...63 foot springs. Those are going to make for a hell of a turning radius, and probably make parking impossible.

Personally, I think 63" springs would be better than 63' springs.

ryantowry_81 · 09-11-2008, 11:57 AM

i just did 63's on my truck and all i did was fabbed the front mounts and put them 11" forward and then cut off the old rear hanger as close as i could to the frame, re welded it to a piece of 2"x1/4" plate and then welded that to the frame just behind the stock location (literally touching the back of what was left of the old mount). I used a 7" shackle and it came out at a really good angle really close to 45. i used one extra leaf in the rear and netted 5" of lift!!

I would send you pics but the truck is a half hour drive away in a buddies shop, i will try and take some this weekend when i do the front.

Over all i did the whole rear swap in 10 hours with all parts already collected, and a plasma cutter which made quick work of it!!

tcoiler · 09-22-2008, 09:35 PM

I've been looking around at the 63" chevy spring swap and had some basic questions that I didn't see answered in the postings that I read or the pirate 4x4 site.
Could someone answer these questions for me, n00b that I am?
Thanks in advance.

1) Why *Chevy* springs? Why not, say, Ford or Dodge? One has to relocate hangers and shackles anyway so what is it about the Chevy springs?

2) What is it that people are trying to achieve with the Chevy springs over stock springs?

Thanks in advance!

Chip

tc · 09-23-2008, 09:27 AM

Longer spring length means less arch is required meaning they will flex better. The Ford and Dodge springs are only like 57" long IIRC.

ChickN · 09-23-2008, 05:25 PM

i have a buddy who did a dodge spring swap....was like 59 or 60 inches or something, but his truck has got some major flex w/ a 4 leaf pack on his runner! so yes, you could do that but like TC said, the chevy's are the best. i have a friend looking into some mid 90's ranger springs that are supposed to be super flexy. let yall know aabout it tho!

ryantowry_81 · 09-23-2008, 06:59 PM

the other advantage to the chevies is the broad range (88-98) of use they can be found in so they are a dime a dosen, and like said before the chevies are the longes fullsize spring so less arch for lift= better flex.

I had to limit mine seriously on up travel because they flexed soooo much, but i am running 40's on 6" of lift.

tcoiler · 09-23-2008, 08:29 PM

Thanks for the information! So the down side of using springs with a large arch is that they are typically stiffer than flatter springs (such as the chevys), right?

It's also kind of unclear to me how much lift one can get with the chevy springs. I have a 4" lift from blocks in the rear and ideally I'd like to go with a "spring-based" lift of 4". It seems that a 2" lift block on the chevy springs would be the way to go. That and a traction bar to prevent wrap. Wait, just found this: http://www.yotatech.com/f88/what-ove...toyota-122425/ So it looks like no need for a 2" lift block even. (I love the edit feature of the forums! :-) )

Also something for me to consider is that it's a pickup and I'd like to preserve its load carrying capability more than have a large amount of articulation.

My current plan is to go with a traction bar setup similar to the one here:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ntiwrapbar.htm
I figure it will be an economical solution to spring wrap with the lift blocks until I can better understand all the issues and make the right decisions.

Ok, one more edit -- Anyone know of a good book that I can turn to? It's hard to bring my computer everywhere.

Thanks again for your help!

Chip

ryantowry_81 · 09-23-2008, 08:40 PM

your load carryig ability should still be good, remember these springs came out of a 1/2 ton fulsize truck!

Fizboy · 09-23-2008, 08:49 PM

Not to hijack the thread, but I just finished this swap last week and I am wondering what length shock people are running. I am also wondering what valving people like for crawling.

tcoiler · 09-23-2008, 08:53 PM

<blush>That would be question #8 in the FAQ. doh!

So with the longer springs you get greater flex, but since they are from a 1/2 ton vehicle, they aren't all spongy. Is the main off-road advantage then that when you are in a situation where you may be on one rear wheel with less flexible springs the long chevy springs would flex more and perhaps allow you to keep both rear wheels on the ground? In a nutshell, you get the same (or greater) load carrying capacity with greater travel with the 63" springs, right?

tcoiler · 09-23-2008, 08:56 PM

On the FAQ here's what kind of shocks were recommended:
Will I need longer shocks?
Yes! You will definitely want longer shocks to take advantage of all that new travel you gained. Get Rancho 5012 or 9012's or Procomps. Bilstein 5100 series are also great shocks.

What do you estimate you put into the spring swap? (buckage and time wise)

Al's Chop Shop · 09-25-2008, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcoiler

What do you estimate you put into the spring swap? (buckage and time wise)

its all relative! if you can weld yourself, just a few bucks for the hangers. if not, find out what someone wants to weld it for you.

Al

ryantowry_81 · 09-25-2008, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al's Chop S

09-10-2008, 05:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
fireman1559 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: new market Alabama Posts: 88	63' chevy springs i am planning on doing the 63' chevy spring swap i would like to know where i can find new shackles that will give me the most flex __________________ FIRST-truck 1990 SR5 pickup 4x4 cracked head ran for a year had over 360,000miles with the 3.0L v6 SECOND-truck 1997 ford f150 with the 4.2L v6 bearly 100,000 miles when it runs i got 8mpg WHEN it ran THIRD-truck 1990 SR5 pickup 4x4 3.0L v6 150,000 miles runs like i bought it in 1990 life lesson ford sucks toyotas rock!!

09-10-2008, 05:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
toylocost Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ione, CA Posts: 258	You have probly seen this but if you haven't... http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...threadid=20665 __________________ 1982 2wd Pickup - Mods: - Custom Interior - Severe Exhaust Leak 2000 Tundra 1996 Camry - 380,000 miles on original engine/transmission. HELL YES!!!

09-10-2008, 05:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
fireman1559 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: new market Alabama Posts: 88	yes i have thats where i got the idea but i couldnt find where he got his shackels from __________________ FIRST-truck 1990 SR5 pickup 4x4 cracked head ran for a year had over 360,000miles with the 3.0L v6 SECOND-truck 1997 ford f150 with the 4.2L v6 bearly 100,000 miles when it runs i got 8mpg WHEN it ran THIRD-truck 1990 SR5 pickup 4x4 3.0L v6 150,000 miles runs like i bought it in 1990 life lesson ford sucks toyotas rock!!

09-10-2008, 05:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
fireman1559 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: new market Alabama Posts: 88	oops sorry guys i found what i was looking for just didnt read far enough down __________________ FIRST-truck 1990 SR5 pickup 4x4 cracked head ran for a year had over 360,000miles with the 3.0L v6 SECOND-truck 1997 ford f150 with the 4.2L v6 bearly 100,000 miles when it runs i got 8mpg WHEN it ran THIRD-truck 1990 SR5 pickup 4x4 3.0L v6 150,000 miles runs like i bought it in 1990 life lesson ford sucks toyotas rock!!

09-10-2008, 08:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
fireman1559 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: new market Alabama Posts: 88	Ok the double shackle set-up works like this. You connect one Toyota style shackle from the factory rear hanger (let it lay flat against the frame) to another shackle going straight down to the spring. Most people run the stock Chevy shackle as the second one that mounts to the spring. my question is if i am going to double shackle the new 63'springs would i put them in the rear or in the front or both __________________ FIRST-truck 1990 SR5 pickup 4x4 cracked head ran for a year had over 360,000miles with the 3.0L v6 SECOND-truck 1997 ford f150 with the 4.2L v6 bearly 100,000 miles when it runs i got 8mpg WHEN it ran THIRD-truck 1990 SR5 pickup 4x4 3.0L v6 150,000 miles runs like i bought it in 1990 life lesson ford sucks toyotas rock!!

09-10-2008, 09:48 PM	#6 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 6,817	I wouldn't double shackle them ... once the first shackle unloads, you're not putting any force on that tire - kinda what the desert guys call "dirty hooker travel". I think Sky has a kit with everything you need __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

09-10-2008, 10:13 PM	#7 (permalink)
Tofer Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Tacoma WA. Posts: 5,713	i've been very happy with my double shackles on my 63's. i've havent had any negative experiences with them __________________ 3genRunner: including parts from 3 generations of 4runners, '92 pickup, '80something Land Cruiser, Chevy truck, Ford sedan 89 4runner: Project DD. 3.0, needs a new tranny 81 2wd pickup: 22R \| 5-sp \| long bed \| quad hauler, leaks oil but gets 26mpg 91 Honda Prelude: the Daily Driver WA, OR or CA wheeler?? Check out pacific-crawlers.com and check out yotaworks.com

09-11-2008, 11:29 AM	#9 (permalink)
RobD Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 1,071	Wow...63 foot springs. Those are going to make for a hell of a turning radius, and probably make parking impossible. Personally, I think 63" springs would be better than 63' springs. __________________ 1991 4Runner, 3.4 5VZFE swap, OME shocks/springs, 33" BFG All Terrain T/A KOs, Pioneer head unit, Infinity speakers, XM Satellite radio

09-11-2008, 11:57 AM	#10 (permalink)
ryantowry_81 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Anchorage, AK Posts: 234	i just did 63's on my truck and all i did was fabbed the front mounts and put them 11" forward and then cut off the old rear hanger as close as i could to the frame, re welded it to a piece of 2"x1/4" plate and then welded that to the frame just behind the stock location (literally touching the back of what was left of the old mount). I used a 7" shackle and it came out at a really good angle really close to 45. i used one extra leaf in the rear and netted 5" of lift!! I would send you pics but the truck is a half hour drive away in a buddies shop, i will try and take some this weekend when i do the front. Over all i did the whole rear swap in 10 hours with all parts already collected, and a plasma cutter which made quick work of it!! __________________ the "Turtle": goes really slow but always gets there in the end! 84 ex cab 63" chevies Rears Up Front Square Drive Shaft Trail Gear Cross over aussie locker 39.5x15-15 TSL's 295k on motor, new Buick V-6 motor on the way!!! Denali offroad club: http://www.denalioffroadclub.com/for...orum/index.php

09-22-2008, 09:35 PM	#11 (permalink)
tcoiler Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lafayette, CO Posts: 12	I've been looking around at the 63" chevy spring swap and had some basic questions that I didn't see answered in the postings that I read or the pirate 4x4 site. Could someone answer these questions for me, n00b that I am? Thanks in advance. 1) Why Chevy springs? Why not, say, Ford or Dodge? One has to relocate hangers and shackles anyway so what is it about the Chevy springs? 2) What is it that people are trying to achieve with the Chevy springs over stock springs? Thanks in advance! Chip

09-23-2008, 09:27 AM	#12 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 6,817	Longer spring length means less arch is required meaning they will flex better. The Ford and Dodge springs are only like 57" long IIRC. __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

09-23-2008, 05:25 PM	#13 (permalink)
ChickN Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 43	i have a buddy who did a dodge spring swap....was like 59 or 60 inches or something, but his truck has got some major flex w/ a 4 leaf pack on his runner! so yes, you could do that but like TC said, the chevy's are the best. i have a friend looking into some mid 90's ranger springs that are supposed to be super flexy. let yall know aabout it tho! __________________ '80 Pickup...20r, 5-Speed Swap, 32/36 Webber, 5 inch Downy Fronts/63's in the Rear, 36" IROKS, 4:37's, HID's and Lincoln LOCKED!!!

09-23-2008, 06:59 PM	#14 (permalink)
ryantowry_81 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Anchorage, AK Posts: 234	the other advantage to the chevies is the broad range (88-98) of use they can be found in so they are a dime a dosen, and like said before the chevies are the longes fullsize spring so less arch for lift= better flex. I had to limit mine seriously on up travel because they flexed soooo much, but i am running 40's on 6" of lift. __________________ the "Turtle": goes really slow but always gets there in the end! 84 ex cab 63" chevies Rears Up Front Square Drive Shaft Trail Gear Cross over aussie locker 39.5x15-15 TSL's 295k on motor, new Buick V-6 motor on the way!!! Denali offroad club: http://www.denalioffroadclub.com/for...orum/index.php

09-23-2008, 08:29 PM	#15 (permalink)
tcoiler Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lafayette, CO Posts: 12	Thanks for the information! So the down side of using springs with a large arch is that they are typically stiffer than flatter springs (such as the chevys), right? It's also kind of unclear to me how much lift one can get with the chevy springs. I have a 4" lift from blocks in the rear and ideally I'd like to go with a "spring-based" lift of 4". It seems that a 2" lift block on the chevy springs would be the way to go. That and a traction bar to prevent wrap. Wait, just found this: http://www.yotatech.com/f88/what-ove...toyota-122425/ So it looks like no need for a 2" lift block even. (I love the edit feature of the forums! :-) ) Also something for me to consider is that it's a pickup and I'd like to preserve its load carrying capability more than have a large amount of articulation. My current plan is to go with a traction bar setup similar to the one here: http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ntiwrapbar.htm I figure it will be an economical solution to spring wrap with the lift blocks until I can better understand all the issues and make the right decisions. Ok, one more edit -- Anyone know of a good book that I can turn to? It's hard to bring my computer everywhere. Thanks again for your help! Chip Last edited by tcoiler : 09-23-2008 at 08:38 PM. Reason: more questions!

09-23-2008, 08:40 PM	#16 (permalink)
ryantowry_81 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Anchorage, AK Posts: 234	your load carryig ability should still be good, remember these springs came out of a 1/2 ton fulsize truck! __________________ the "Turtle": goes really slow but always gets there in the end! 84 ex cab 63" chevies Rears Up Front Square Drive Shaft Trail Gear Cross over aussie locker 39.5x15-15 TSL's 295k on motor, new Buick V-6 motor on the way!!! Denali offroad club: http://www.denalioffroadclub.com/for...orum/index.php

09-23-2008, 08:49 PM	#17 (permalink)
Fizboy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Blacksburg VA Posts: 84	Not to hijack the thread, but I just finished this swap last week and I am wondering what length shock people are running. I am also wondering what valving people like for crawling. __________________ 92 4-RUNNER AKA: "THE MEXICAN TAXI" 33x10.50-15, Downey 26mm torsion bars, Downey 3" kit sitting on All Pro 1 1/2" coils, HyperFlex suspension bushing kit, flex-a-lite electric fan, NWOR hedders, Flowmaster, K&N, silencer mod, Yakima roof rack w/ Surco safari basket, Midland 75-822 hand held CB, and a bunch of other mods. 84 PU THE EXTREME BUDGET VEHICLE Project Seven Rocks 63" Chevy swap, 4X innovations horse collar, 31X10.5 Interco TrXus MT. Slow go cause I am broke.

09-23-2008, 08:53 PM	#18 (permalink)
tcoiler Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lafayette, CO Posts: 12	<blush>That would be question #8 in the FAQ. doh! So with the longer springs you get greater flex, but since they are from a 1/2 ton vehicle, they aren't all spongy. Is the main off-road advantage then that when you are in a situation where you may be on one rear wheel with less flexible springs the long chevy springs would flex more and perhaps allow you to keep both rear wheels on the ground? In a nutshell, you get the same (or greater) load carrying capacity with greater travel with the 63" springs, right?

09-23-2008, 08:56 PM	#19 (permalink)
tcoiler Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lafayette, CO Posts: 12	On the FAQ here's what kind of shocks were recommended: Will I need longer shocks? Yes! You will definitely want longer shocks to take advantage of all that new travel you gained. Get Rancho 5012 or 9012's or Procomps. Bilstein 5100 series are also great shocks. What do you estimate you put into the spring swap? (buckage and time wise)