Leaf spring swap questions

[rentedmule]

I picked up a set of ZQ8 leafs this weekend so I can finally ditch the brutally stiff Z85 setup. I know I've seen a how-to on leaf swapping somewhere but I can't find it on any of the forums - anyone have a link or info?

I seem to remember one bolt behind the gas tank being a problem, is that the only complication I can expect?

I have ZQ8 coils up front so a 1" block on top of the new leafs should level it out, correct?

I haven't decided if I'll swap them now or wait until the spring since I'll be carrying around a few hundred pounds of sand in the back this winter (we had our first snow last night :( ). The truck actually handles much better with that much weight in it!

[87wildside]

Spray all the bolts with penetrating lube the day before you start. You may want a propane torch to heat up the bolts.

You have to put the back of the truck on jack stands. Put the a jack under the center section but don't jack it up. Remove the shocks, but be careful the lower the lower stud likes to break. Then the u bolts. Now jack the rear up and support it. Remove the shackle bolts and lower the rear off the spring down. Remove the front hanger bolt but be careful, the leaf spring will want to fall over when you pry them from the hanger. The drivers side hanger bolt can be a PITA to get out as you mentioned but it will come out without removing the tank. You just have to work at it.

Reinstall is reverse. Start on the hanger side.

[Mikz86TA]

X2 on above

My reg cab ZQ8 was higher in the rear than the front. I used a 1" block to level it out. See my pics?
On the ext cabs, they always looked level to me. I assume its the extra weight. But I think the ext cab rear leafs are a different part number. I dont remember. The block is easy to add and remove. So no sweat in trying it both ways.

[rentedmule]

thanks guys - the leafs came off my buddy's extended cab that he bagged. I'll order some blocks this week and make a decision on whether I'll do the swap now or wait. now I need to track down a 33mm sway bar

[TreasonAgainstCaesar]

I've heard good things about the poly leaf spring bushings. Might be a good time to put them in there before you get them on. Especially if the current ones aren't in great shape.

[87wildside]

X2

[T Man]

Im rollin the poly leaf spring bushings on the 87, and cant really give much of an input on how good they are since my zq8 swaybar went in at the same time.

[rentedmule]

I had thought of that - maybe I'll track down poly bushings for the leafs and both sway bars at the same time - where did everyone get theirs and do you have part #'s? The rear sway bar bushings take some fabbing don't they?

[T Man]

nope

I got my stuff from a buddy with an x that bagged his truck

[87wildside]

Energy Suspension or PST. Those are the only two companies I like.

[T Man]

front to rear im setup with energy suspension red bushings