How to Replace Leaf Springs on 1973-1987 Chevy & GMC Trucks

Let’s Keep History on the Road!
Learn some tips and tricks on how to replace the Leaf Springs on your 1973-1987 Chevrolet C10/C20/C30 or GMC equivalent truck. This video will cover safety, set up, prep, and removal of the Leaf Spring, Leaf Spring Shackle, and the reinstallation of new parts and hardware to include shocks. I hope you find it helpful!
Feel free to like and subscribe!
Contents:
0:00 Intro
1:11 Tools & Parts
2:44 Safety & Set Up
3:25 Lifting the Truck
4:51 Removal Prep
6:30 Removing the Shock
7:48 Removing the Spring
12:33 Installation Prep
12:53 Installing the Spring
20:28 Installing the Shock
22:34 Closing
Tools used:
3 Ton Floor Jack: amzn.to/2AirKMz
12 Ton Jack Stands: amzn.to/3h8XYKQ
Wheel Chocks: amzn.to/3f4bEVv
Torque Wrench: amzn.to/3dP6dtm
Metric Wrenches: amzn.to/2zkmoQw
SAE Wrenches: amzn.to/3h4ZVYB
½ Socket Wrench Set: amzn.to/30niLV6
Addtl Metric Sockets: amzn.to/2AMM7S3
Penetrating Oil: amzn.to/2Aiwamq
Thread Locker: amzn.to/2YisSaQ
WD-40: amzn.to/3cKgw0n
Prybars: amzn.to/37d1CP0
Tapered Edge Rolling Head: amzn.to/2YfSFQV
Mallet: amzn.to/2AiHvmu
Optional Tools:
Air Compressor: www.harborfreight.com/8-gallo...
Impact Gun: amzn.to/30kwCLB
Impact Socket Set: amzn.to/2MD3kQo
Parts Used (For 1984 Chevy C-20):
Leaf Spring: HUSKY SPRING 22547 (Rock Auto)
Leaf Bolts: www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....
U-Bolts:
www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....
Shackle:
www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....
Shock:
www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....
Legal & Disclaimer: Please do not attempt working on your own vehicle if you do not possess the aptitude and experience to do so. Use this video guide at your own risk, and always use proper maintenance procedures as outlined in manuals; this video is intended only as supplementary information and Shady Jay’s Garage assumes no liability for property damage, injury, or loss incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Always practice safety, and never attempt work on your own vehicle that you feel is beyond your capabilities or knowledge. Ensure proper eye protection and glove wear during work on your vehicle at all times. Due to factors beyond Shady Jay’s Garage’s control, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Shady Jay’s Garage. If in doubt, contact a certified mechanic for advice.

[@gimmefuel7268]

Excellent, excellent video man. I really love your step-by-step approach to how you shoot your videos. Please keep up the great work! And thanks for posting this!

[@066motocross]

Absolutely the very best video I've found to prepare me to replace 4 leaf springs on my 83 k10 pickup . Thank you so much!

[@ugna2773]

How much would you pay for 1980 mint condition k10 short box pickup

[@raulzamora8928]

Golden how to information (knowledge). A 9 hour journey but my 97 suburban k10 has a set of new leaf springs. Thanks for posting.

[@darrenjattan4277]

You're most welcome brother man. And thank you for the opportunity you're planning. I know it'll be a good process in teaching. That's I'll keep my watching the best in your following. Cool🏆👍🏆🏆👍

[@claycox6818]

Really nice video. I've been trying to decide if I want to tackle this project on my 99 K1500. Your video was actually the most informative I've seen at this point. The main thing I liked was that you actually showed how to support the frame properly. The way you did it was what I believe I needed to do, but this is the only video that has actually shown it. I really appreciate you taking the time to upload your video!

[@chuckles789]

Perfect "How to" video for a Newbie like me!! Thank You

[@shadyjaysgarage5176]

Thank you! Glad it helped!

[@lindawall498]

This is the best video I've found for Leaf Springs. Hands down the most descriptive! I'm in need of directions on how to install the shims for front Caster. And cant find anything helpful. I'm learning as I go so I watch and learn as much as I can find. Any advice would be awesome! I have a 1980 CJ7

[@shadyjaysgarage5176]

Linda, thank you for the compliments! I'm not sure exactly which type of casters/camber shims you are installing, and sadly I don't have handy access to a CJ to do a video. I poked around a bit and hope this link might help some in the short term, not the best video but best I could find so far. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5OXc6V4pbqmoqs If you have a part number on what you're installing I can look for more specifics.

[@WESTSIDEZ4]

I really appreciate this video. I will be replacing my lead springs as soon as they come in. Mine are old and worn on my 76 c10

[@Steve-yf5id]

Awesome video my friend very well put together I have a C30 1985 Chevy Vanguard motorhome but I'm going to put some new Springs under the old girl thanks again

[@jerryjimenez8248]

More Chevy vids plz

[@tarzan30809]

Thank you! Doing this today on my 1974 Jeep J10

[@MatthewMulka-le5sg]

Hey, just wanted to say really good video, very professional. Keep up the good work!

[@johnclark6751]

I need to do this to my 89 R3500 cab and chassis.

[@chickenbonelives]

Great vid

[@Greg-fl8fp]

Very easy to follow instructions! Excellent job Shady Jay! =S=

[@shadyjaysgarage5176]

Thank you Greg!

[@jackstoepfer1494]

Great video

[@marcosvalencia8039]

I love your video thank you so much.

[@shadyjaysgarage5176]

Thank you! Glad it helped!

[@michaelegarnerwolfgange5656]

Exlent explaintion thanks 😊

[@shadyjaysgarage5176]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darrenjattan4277]

Hey brother man I'm from Trinidad 😀. Wow I admire your mechanic show. Cause You take your time to teach everything row by row. Just to help someone climb and grow. Are you making more video? Please let me know,cause your channel is something good to follow. Yes brother man bring more videos. But what I'll love to see you repair is 1972-1991 f800 ford,f600,f350 wrecker, role back truck,bucket truck,f250 & f150. Yes I love old time truck. Ford is my favorite included chevy. PLEASE. 👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🔔🔔🔔🔔🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@shadyjaysgarage5176]

Darren. Thank you so much for words of encouragement! I have a couple videos about to come out covering the "Chevy Lean" and PCV Valves, Exhaust Manifolds, and installing braided fuel lines. I will absolutely keep my eyes on some old Ford's and drop your name in the credits once I can make a video on one! Take care in Trinidad, brother!

[@atkshow2111]

Got new leafs, bushing and the metal tube that goes in the bushing. But my old bolt won't go through my new metal tube. Do I just buy a smaller bolt?

[@mblake0420]

how tight are those bushings in the frame pockets? mine lifted the whole truck without slipping in

[@stevebrown6906]

adding a 4-6" spring lift to 1972 4wd.. I am having problems with my ubolts attaching perpendicular to axle on the rear. they want to angle forward. any suggestions?

[@shadyjaysgarage5176]

Sorry for the incredibly long delay on replying. If you haven't figured it out by now (again, sorry page took a back seat too long with COVID and moving), The forward angling happens alot with lifts. You can try just doing 1-2 turns at a time, then "massaging" the U-Bolts more straight with a BFH (Rubber mallet) or pray bars. Alternatively, you can potentially rectify it by disconnecting the drive shaft from the rear differential to reduce angular tension by the drive shaft. That being said, ensure one side always remains connected and that you properly seat the guide-pin so you have a chance of getting the yoke realigned. (and remember for safety that park won't help you once the differential isn't connected but the parking brake will). Ultimately, massaging it patiently with a BFH or crowbar as you get it tighter and tighter is my best recommendation. That's the best I could recommend without seeing just how far its attempting to angle away.

[@darrenjattan4277]

Hey brother remember me the guy from Trinidad. Well I'm still looking out for your latest and update to create interest & high rate. I'm still waiting for this to regulate. Cause it's a list of your teaching for me to congratulate. So what's the latest truck. Get any ford f350 & ford f600 or 800. I love your teaching brother🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊✨✨✨✨✨✨🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺✋✋✋✋✋✋✋✋🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

[@shadyjaysgarage5176]

Thank you! just got done moving and everything is slow with COVID. I'll get more content up soon! Thanks for being patient!

[@gimmefuel7268]

You think you’ll have more Square Body content coming for us sometime Jay??

[@shadyjaysgarage5176]

I will, my day job has been getting in the way. But more is coming!

[@gimmefuel7268]

@@shadyjaysgarage5176 Man, if you could do a video on how to replace ball joints on a K series truck, that would just be beyond spectacular. 😁😛👍🏻👍🏻

[@gimmefuel7268]

Hey Jay, just curious what your reason was for replacing your leaf springs?? 🤔

[@shadyjaysgarage5176]

Had been having a lot of rear end drop towing my Nova or Monte Carlo. Also getting an excessive chevy lean. I didn't trust just doing a side-swap to balance it out due to how much my tail end was dropping towing. You can see by the gaps and weld points that the springs were quite old, just time for them to go. Improved the ride and towing.

[@artem.romanenkov]

What torque for U bolts was on your truck?

[@shadyjaysgarage5176]

Artem, the packaging for the U-Bolts I purchased showed 145 ft-lbs

[@artem.romanenkov]

@@shadyjaysgarage5176 thank you!

[@aladwanit]

How much is it?

[@Chameleon_Effect74]

I notice you only show removal of the passenger side.. Show me your awesome trick for getting the front shackle off while the gas tank is in the way. You can't hammer from the other side the fender is in the way.