Well, dont flame me here people, but ive been wondering. The new trucks like the one my dad just got (sierra) have leaf springs in the back. I know all thirdgens came with four coil spings, but im wondering if there are any benefits to converting a car to leaf springs. I have no intentions on doing this, just would like to hear some opinions.

 

In a nutshell....NO.

The ride with leaf springs is worse...GM can still get away building trucks with leaf springs because of load reasons and they are simply cheaper to build, and because there hasn't been a customer revolt. Leaf springs are a PITA...

Besides being old technology, they are not something you would want on a 3rd gen. It would be equivalent to trying to install a 1950 Chevy inline six....why? Unless you LIKE trying to squeeze your private parts with a cheese grater

 

the 4 link coil style rear suspention is better, but if you want a leaf spring f-body you can get a 1st or 2nd gen, they all have leaf springs

 

I agree...I have owned a few 2nd gens and I like their personality...but leaf spring still suck.

A good friend of mine is restoring a 1978 Z28 that he has had for about 12 years and the whole rear suspension bites...The best replacement for the leafs is a mono-fiberglass leaf spring setup from Vette brakes. It will probably be ok...but not as good as our 4 link. He researched fabbing up a 4 link for it, but too much PITA required for what he wants.

Oh well.