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#1 |
Back in the sticks
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Fordland, MO
Posts: 3,188
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Need leveling ideas
My Blazer has a 4 inch lift in the back with blocks, and I guess just the larger springs in the front. Problem is, the front sits higher than the back. How do I level it out, or even better get the back a little higher than the front? I don't really like the block idea, but if thats the only way let me know. Thanks, Jeff.
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1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty |
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#2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: OKC, OK
Posts: 2,365
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Re: Need leveling ideas
I would not put anymore block out back, it can be dangerous. You could install some zero rates which might require still longer u bolts, or install a shckle flip kit from ORD to eliminate the blocks all together along with zero rates. ORD also has a longer shackle as well that could be used in place of the zero rates.
Mike
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Mike Redpath |
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#3 |
Post Whore
![]() Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA
Posts: 12,684
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Re: Need leveling ideas
How much do you need to raise the rear to get it level? The Blazer lines make it a little difficult to know when you have it sitting level. The Zero Rate mentioned above might get what you need. They will gain you 1".
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1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 |
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#4 |
SKINNY TIRES RULE!
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Bothell, WA
Posts: 11,049
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Re: Need leveling ideas
Squatty-butt is a common issue with Blazers. Some run 6" lift in the rear and 4" in the front. This usually gives the rig a slight rake rather than the squat. Helper springs might give you some more height in the rear, but it will stiffen up the ride some. If your truck still has the stock rear springs with the blocks, it could be the springs are worn or need to be re-arched.
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bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L |
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#5 |
Back in the sticks
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Fordland, MO
Posts: 3,188
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Re: Need leveling ideas
I am thinking the leafs in the back are original except for the coat of POR on them. YJ, I think I would need closer to 2 or 3 inches to level it out. I don't think I can get that much out of a re-arch can I, Bouncy? Muscle, what does the shackle flip involve? As far as engineering goes? Take out the blocks, flip the perches and then new spring mounts? I am not real sure on that. Thanks for the help though! Jeff.
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1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: tally FL
Posts: 74
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Re: Need leveling ideas
Shackle flips are rough riding. I'd look at getting a set of 6" springs out back and then maybe a zero rate for the front to level it out if it needed it.
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1972 GMC Jimmy - 383SBC | TH350-NP203-NP205 | D60PL | 14FF Detroit | 42 TSL's | 4Xeyes | Heavy FOotE "Trail in. Trash out." Florida4x4 dot Com |
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#7 |
Back in the sticks
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Fordland, MO
Posts: 3,188
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Re: Need leveling ideas
Is that just a new set of springs to replace the old ones, then I can remove the blocks?
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1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty |
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#8 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: OKC, OK
Posts: 2,365
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Re: Need leveling ideas
Quote:
Shackle flip requires replacement of the spring hanger. Gives approximately 4" lift. You could either use shorter blocks or zero rates to level the truck from there. http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/shacklekit.htm Mike
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Mike Redpath |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: tally FL
Posts: 74
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Re: Need leveling ideas
No disrespect to ya man but they sucked so much on my truck I took them off. putting a set of 6" skyjacker springs on there made the ride even out nicely... not perfect and most likely not as good as an alcan or custom spring pack, but much more acceptable. My guess as to why they suck is the springs are flattened and are at full compression all the time.
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1972 GMC Jimmy - 383SBC | TH350-NP203-NP205 | D60PL | 14FF Detroit | 42 TSL's | 4Xeyes | Heavy FOotE "Trail in. Trash out." Florida4x4 dot Com |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: East Sooke B.C. Canada
Posts: 543
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Re: Need leveling ideas
I did a shackle reversal on my Blazer and it rode way smoother and flexed a bunch more. Must have been some other factors if yours got stiffer.
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#11 |
Back in the sticks
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Fordland, MO
Posts: 3,188
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Re: Need leveling ideas
Thanks Bouncy, I'll start watching craigslist. What am I looking for? 6" rear springs? Does it matter what they come off of? Are they pretty much a universal fit?
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1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty |
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#12 | |
The LuvShack Garage
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side)
Posts: 30,477
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Re: Need leveling ideas
Quote:
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Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T |
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#13 |
SKINNY TIRES RULE!
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Bothell, WA
Posts: 11,049
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Re: Need leveling ideas
If you find a set of 6" rear springs, you can make the swap and remove the blocks. It will be a better setup anyway. Keep an eye on craigslist. You see them for sale once in a while. You might check with the local tire shop too. They may have done a swap for a bigger lift and have a use set available.
Re aching the springs is an option, but I think you'd be better off getting a new set. Keep or sell the stock set. If you find a used set of springs on this side, drop me a line. I might be able to go pick them up for you and hold them til you can come across or I might be able to drop them off next time we visit the in-laws in Belfair.
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bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L |
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#14 |
SKINNY TIRES RULE!
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Bothell, WA
Posts: 11,049
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Re: Need leveling ideas
I think you need them to be for a 67-72 truck, but I'm not 100% sure. Try calling 4wheelparts in Lynnwood or Olympic 4wd in Snohomish to see if they can tell you what to look for. Ya might try your local Les Schwab to see if they can give you the info too. I know that the lift on my '72 was purchased used at Les Schwab in Bend by Bad4x4 when he owned the rig (it's blocks). Also check pirate4x4 and CK5.com to see if anyone has anything for sale.
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bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L |
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#15 |
Back in the sticks
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Fordland, MO
Posts: 3,188
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Re: Need leveling ideas
Thanks Bouncy, when I get home from CA, I'll start calling around. Jeff.
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1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty |
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#16 |
The Blazer King
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Valrico, Fl (Tampa)
Posts: 1,213
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Re: Need leveling ideas
rear springs are the same up to 87. Fronts are different.
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72 2wd Blazer. Its the superbichinest, megacoolinest, superflowinest. |
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#17 |
Back in the sticks
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Fordland, MO
Posts: 3,188
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Re: Need leveling ideas
Thanks 2wd! Don't suppose you would know what truck I could pull them off of would you? Which ones came with stock 6"? Or is there even such an animal? Jeff.
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1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty |
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#18 |
Back in the sticks
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Fordland, MO
Posts: 3,188
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Re: Need leveling ideas
Hmm, I just found some on JC Whitney for $174 each. They go up to 8"! I didn't know they did that. Thanks all for the help! Jeff.
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1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty |
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#19 |
SKINNY TIRES RULE!
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Bothell, WA
Posts: 11,049
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Re: Need leveling ideas
Some springs are stiffer than others. Rancho & Rough Country are usually the cheapest but from what I've heard, provide the roughest rides.
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bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L |
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#20 |
Senior Member
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Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454
Posts: 9,516
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Re: Need leveling ideas
I thought I read where we can swap out stock springs from the '73 and up boys. 54" springs on their rigs.IIRC, it gives you a 4" lift and a better ride, and a direct bolt in. These guys throw them out, double check me as I could be wrong, but it's over on CK/5
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Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim |
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#21 |
The Blazer King
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Valrico, Fl (Tampa)
Posts: 1,213
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Re: Need leveling ideas
The front springs on a 73+ are softer and ride better and they use a sway bar to compensate for the squishy springs. Problem is they are a different length so they wont bolt in. You could move the spring perches but i'm not into that much trouble.
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72 2wd Blazer. Its the superbichinest, megacoolinest, superflowinest. |
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#22 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2006
Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454
Posts: 9,516
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Re: Need leveling ideas
I thought we were talking rear springs, and the extra lenght is what raises the body, my mistake
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Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim |
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#23 |
Back in the sticks
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Fordland, MO
Posts: 3,188
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Re: Need leveling ideas
It was the rear we were talking about jars. The ones I looked at on JCW were 52" and they were Rough Country I think. I'll keep looking and when I get home call around like Bouncy suggested. May be able to get something used for a song! Later, Jeff.
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1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: tally FL
Posts: 74
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Re: Need leveling ideas
I just did this converstion and it is a piece of cake. Remove the rivits and move the hanger forward one rivit hole. drill out the rivit holes to 7/16" and bolt down with 1 1/2" grade 8 bolts. It sounds difficult but it's really not that bad a job to do.
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1972 GMC Jimmy - 383SBC | TH350-NP203-NP205 | D60PL | 14FF Detroit | 42 TSL's | 4Xeyes | Heavy FOotE "Trail in. Trash out." Florida4x4 dot Com |
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