Need leveling ideas

[red71cheyenne]

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.

[Musclerodz]

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

[Yukon Jack]

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".

[bouncytruck]

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.

[red71cheyenne]

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.

[florida4x4]

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.

[red71cheyenne]

Is that just a new set of springs to replace the old ones, then I can remove the blocks?

[Musclerodz]

Originally Posted by florida4x4

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.

How are shackle flips rough riding? Spring rates are not changed and spring movement geometry is not changed. The only thing changed is the pinion angle in the correct direction. Unless you are buying Alcon or BDS lift springs, I have not heard of any other spring having decent ride quality.

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

[florida4x4]

Originally Posted by Musclerodz

How are shackle flips rough riding?

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.

[pumpkin]

Originally Posted by florida4x4

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.

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.

[red71cheyenne]

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?

[LUV2XCLR8]

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

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.

GQ is just like this, when the top is on she sits LEVEL

[bouncytruck]

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.

[bouncytruck]

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.

[red71cheyenne]

Thanks Bouncy, when I get home from CA, I'll start calling around. Jeff.

[2wdBlazer]

rear springs are the same up to 87. Fronts are different.

[red71cheyenne]

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.

[red71cheyenne]

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.

[bouncytruck]

Some springs are stiffer than others. Rancho & Rough Country are usually the cheapest but from what I've heard, provide the roughest rides.

[jaros44sr]

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

[2wdBlazer]

Originally Posted by jaros44

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

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.

[jaros44sr]

I thought we were talking rear springs, and the extra lenght is what raises the body, my mistake

[red71cheyenne]

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.

[florida4x4]

Originally Posted by 2wdBlazer

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.

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.