The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - 55.2-59 Rear suspension

Ziegelsteinfaust · 01-07-2021, 11:35 AM

The trick to leaves for a smooth ride is as long as possible, as wide as possible, and as many as possible.

Old truck have narrow leaves, and often quite short. Which leads to buck board ride.

Long leaves flex easier, and more leaves allow for easier travel under compression. Versus a leaf with 4 leaves. A leaf with 8 leafs will ride immensely better at the same weight capacity.

This is why wider leafs help too. Narrow leafs have to resist more twist, and such on a narrower leaf. Standard 2.5 or 3 inch leafs help out alot here too.

New trucks use quite long springs in 3" widths for the cush ride, and a good weight carrying capacity.

01-07-2021, 11:35 AM	#11
Ziegelsteinfaust Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Temple City Posts: 3,564	Re: Rear suspension The trick to leaves for a smooth ride is as long as possible, as wide as possible, and as many as possible. Old truck have narrow leaves, and often quite short. Which leads to buck board ride. Long leaves flex easier, and more leaves allow for easier travel under compression. Versus a leaf with 4 leaves. A leaf with 8 leafs will ride immensely better at the same weight capacity. This is why wider leafs help too. Narrow leafs have to resist more twist, and such on a narrower leaf. Standard 2.5 or 3 inch leafs help out alot here too. New trucks use quite long springs in 3" widths for the cush ride, and a good weight carrying capacity.