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Chevy 63 & 64 Inch Leaf Spring Clarifications....


Jim Oaks

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I've seen several discussions in the forums about the Chevy 63-inch and 64-inch leaf spring swaps on the rear of Ranger's. We even have (2) articles in the tech library on the issue.

There seems to be some confusion, or lack of a clear answer on how much lift you get from these springs. Especially since many have done them using the Belltech 6400 shackle.

There seems to be an understanding that the Chevy 64-inch leaf along with a Belltech 6400 shackle is providing 3-inches of lift. It's also been said that the Belltech itself offers 1.5-inches of lift. That would lead me to believe that the 64-inch Chevy leaf itself is adding 1.5-inches. With this being said, it would seem that a 64-Inch Chevy leaf, Belltech 6400 shackle and the factory block should offer about 5-inches of lift.

We have the article on the 64-inch Chevy leaf with a shackle flip, but the springs were re-arched 12-inches and the stock shackle was replaced with a 7-inch one. What about a shackle flip using the stock shackle and a 64-inch Chevy lift spring? How many inches of lift to get a Ranger to sit (4) and (6) inches higher in the rear with this set up and a shackle lift? If the stock shackle flip caused you to lose 2-inches and a stock 64-Inch leaf itself gave you an increase of 1.5-inches, could you uses a 64-inch leaf for a 6-inch Chevy lift along with a shackle lift and gain 5.5-inches of rear lift??

I'm hoping that some of you who have used the Chevy leafs will post up some facts and measurements so we can try to clarify this.

Thanks. :icon_thumby:
 


Jim Oaks

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.....I know we have members here that have done the Chevy leaf swap......
 

Sasquatch_Ryda

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I did the swap 3 years ago to my ranger. I didn't know that there were 63 and 64" leafs?

I assumed mine were 63"ers. They came out of an 88 c1500 and had 3 leafs and an overload. I removed the overload. I'm running 5" of suspension lift up front and with the chevy leafs, an extended shackle (7" eye to eye, same as the belltech) and the factory 4x4 block the truck sat just a tad higher in the back than the front, so yes your 5" of lift thought is pretty much bang on Jim.

Last year when I built my new box for the truck I had to add another leaf to my spring pack so that it would sit level. The new box probably has a good 200+ lbs on the stock short box. I added a main leaf from a B2 with the spring eyes cut off into the mix under the 2nd leaf on the chevy pack.

The swap is well worth the effort. Better on road ride, and way better flex.
 

spaz1879

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i have been trying to find a good site that had these leaf springs for sale and havent came across a good pair of new 64" springs. Can anyone point me and maybe some of the other members here to the right web url?

Thanks
 

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why not just get a set of long travel Deavers? oh ya, you cant find them in a junk yard!
 

UrbanRedneckKid

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I got my 64"s from Ebay, $200 shipped. They are 4" lift for a 3/4 ton. I removed leaves to make em softer, like the 1/2 ton springs. I used them with a 7" shackle, same a Belltechs, but mine are better. That with the factory 4x4 2" block, the truck sits level with a 5.5" coil SAS.
 

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Okay, I have a question. I've been lookin into doin this swap, and when I went to purchase the springs new from Summit Racing, I couldn't find the 63 or 64's, all I could find was 52's. I've looked at a wide range of years, makes, lifts, and Chevy models...What am I missing?? I'm wanting around 10 inches of lift with these springs, with the overload leaf as I occasionally pull trailers with my truck. Can someone clarify what I'm missing?? Is it just misinformation on Summit's website??
SVT
 

JohnnyU

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88-98 C/K Series trucks all used 63" rear springs. I'm not sure what information Summit lists, but I can assure you that anything from those years, provided it is the "Classic" body style, will fit the bill.
 

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I'm running around 9" of rear lift using Belltech 6400's and the 88-98' 63" Chevy Procomp 5.5" lift leaves with the stock block.
 

RangerSVT

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I'm running around 9" of rear lift using Belltech 6400's and the 88-98' 63" Chevy Procomp 5.5" lift leaves with the stock block.
How are you liking the softness of those, would the Skyjackers be better?? How much are you getting with just the shackles?? I'd like to run the factory shackles and no blocks...I guess I would be hunting for an 8" lift leaf then, right?? Thanks again guys:icon_thumby:
SVT
 

wahlstrom1

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I love the way they ride, I can't compare to stock as my truck had an AAL from new, and I added a second one later on but they are smooth and flex GREAT.

From the center of my hub to the top of my wheel well is 30", and thats with 150lbs of crap in the bed and 150lbs of overkill rear winch bumper.
 

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How are you liking the softness of those, would the Skyjackers be better?? How much are you getting with just the shackles?? I'd like to run the factory shackles and no blocks...I guess I would be hunting for an 8" lift leaf then, right?? Thanks again guys:icon_thumby:
SVT
Why do you want to keep the stock shackle? I got my drop shackles for less than 50 bucks. If you keep the stock shackles then you wont gain much travel over the stock springs.(unless you are looking to keep it stiff so you can run a larger tire and keep them out of the fenders)

-plumcrazy
 

RangerSVT

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Why do you want to keep the stock shackle? I got my drop shackles for less than 50 bucks. If you keep the stock shackles then you wont gain much travel over the stock springs.(unless you are looking to keep it stiff so you can run a larger tire and keep them out of the fenders)

-plumcrazy
I wasn't plan on flipping my hangers, so I wouldn't gain much flex anyways, just lift
SVT
 

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The extra length of the ext. shackles allow the spring "flatten" out more, so you gain decent amount of stuff. It may be more cost effective to go with 6 inch springs and pick up the extra 2 with shackle rather than buy an 8 inch spring, but i havnt looked into prices.

-plumcrazy
 

RangerSVT

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IDK, I might just go ahead and get me a 10" spring and do the hanger flip with the 6400's...This way I'll gain both. I'm still building the front axle, almost done, I got a deal on another D60 with factory disc brakes for cheap, so I got a 60 that I'll be selling to get that one so I got some time before I get to the rear springs
SVT
 

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