Ride height question.... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

knsmodels · 07-06-2005, 02:20 PM

I have a 72 LWB K10 with the stock springs.....on level ground with no load the back of the truck looks low....I think that is the way they are from the factory....anyway...I dont care for this look as it always looks like there is weight in the back.....What is the best way to raise the back up about an inch.....Have my springs re-arched, new springs with a new arch, or lift blocks?? I am leaning towards the new springs but wanted some opinions...the stock springs on the truck are not that old....Thanks....Paul

uncle_handsome · 07-06-2005, 05:56 PM

Yes. If you buy some add-a-leafs you can raise the rear anywhere from 1-1.5", maybe even 2". They are very cheap. You might be able to buy a pair for under $50 U.S.

These add-a-leafs also usually increase rear spring stiffness, though you can by "zero-rate" springs which give you lift and not much else.

avejoe · 07-06-2005, 06:34 PM

I had the same problem with my 72 GMC. I did two things that changed the stance.

1. New cab mounts. The rubber cab mounts were shot which gave the truck a sway backed look.

2. Added "Add a Leafs" to the rear which gave the truck a slight forward rake. Cheap and easy to install.

see ten · 07-06-2005, 07:23 PM

My 72 K10 also "looks" low in the back. But I have done some checks with a tape and a level and it is an optical illusion. With a level on top of the bedside my truck is actually slightly high in the rear. But if I measure from the ground to the top of the fender lip the front measures higher from the ground. It seems that the fender openings are taller on the front than they are the back. I assume that this allows room for the tires to move side to side while moving up and down. If you are still certain that it is sitting low in the rear after measureing there are several ways to go about leveling it up. I guess it all boils down to what you want to spend.

ryan68 · 07-06-2005, 08:40 PM

Front fender openings are taller than the rear. My Suburban looks like the back is lower but it's level.

knsmodels · 07-07-2005, 01:35 AM

Thanks for the replys...."see ten"....you are correct on the optical illusion...mine measures the same as you said...but I still am not happy with the stance optical or not....I figure if I am not happy with an inch in the back I can always reverse whatever I do.....leaning towards a leaf if it does not harm the ride to much....thanks again....Paul

PS I will keep ya's posted on the results and I will add some pics of before and after..

07-06-2005, 02:20 PM	#1
knsmodels I make Models Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bucks, PA Posts: 626	Ride height question.... I have a 72 LWB K10 with the stock springs.....on level ground with no load the back of the truck looks low....I think that is the way they are from the factory....anyway...I dont care for this look as it always looks like there is weight in the back.....What is the best way to raise the back up about an inch.....Have my springs re-arched, new springs with a new arch, or lift blocks?? I am leaning towards the new springs but wanted some opinions...the stock springs on the truck are not that old....Thanks....Paul __________________ Click to see what I do 1972 LWB K10 350/4 sp 1968 SS Chevelle 396/tremac5spd

07-06-2005, 05:56 PM	#2
uncle_handsome Uncle H. is this cartoon Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mississauga, SC (I wish! lol!) Ontario Posts: 797	Yes. If you buy some add-a-leafs you can raise the rear anywhere from 1-1.5", maybe even 2". They are very cheap. You might be able to buy a pair for under $50 U.S. These add-a-leafs also usually increase rear spring stiffness, though you can by "zero-rate" springs which give you lift and not much else. Last edited by uncle_handsome; 07-06-2005 at 05:58 PM.

07-06-2005, 06:34 PM	#3
avejoe Custer had a plan too. Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: No. California Posts: 344	I had the same problem with my 72 GMC. I did two things that changed the stance. 1. New cab mounts. The rubber cab mounts were shot which gave the truck a sway backed look. 2. Added "Add a Leafs" to the rear which gave the truck a slight forward rake. Cheap and easy to install. __________________ 72 K15 GMC (aka Big White) Performance Rockers, Cab Corners, and Floors Fossil Fuel Glutton Neighborhood Nuisance 98 BMW 540i for Speed (Sold ) 05 Subaru Outback for mileage

07-06-2005, 08:40 PM	#5
ryan68 Certified Chevy Man Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Tucson, Arizona, United States Posts: 2,053	Front fender openings are taller than the rear. My Suburban looks like the back is lower but it's level. __________________ 68 Chevy CST (327,TH400) 3/5 drop lots of fun stuff 71 Suburban 4x4 (350,TH350) 7" lift 37's, D44/14 bolt and other sorts of goodies, lockers front and rear, flexes 40", 895 RTI score Check out my web site!!! http://www.geocities.com/cst68chevy/

07-07-2005, 01:35 AM	#6
knsmodels I make Models Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bucks, PA Posts: 626	Thanks for the replys...."see ten"....you are correct on the optical illusion...mine measures the same as you said...but I still am not happy with the stance optical or not....I figure if I am not happy with an inch in the back I can always reverse whatever I do.....leaning towards a leaf if it does not harm the ride to much....thanks again....Paul PS I will keep ya's posted on the results and I will add some pics of before and after.. __________________ Click to see what I do 1972 LWB K10 350/4 sp 1968 SS Chevelle 396/tremac5spd

07-06-2005, 07:23 PM	#4
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,073	My 72 K10 also "looks" low in the back. But I have done some checks with a tape and a level and it is an optical illusion. With a level on top of the bedside my truck is actually slightly high in the rear. But if I measure from the ground to the top of the fender lip the front measures higher from the ground. It seems that the fender openings are taller on the front than they are the back. I assume that this allows room for the tires to move side to side while moving up and down. If you are still certain that it is sitting low in the rear after measureing there are several ways to go about leveling it up. I guess it all boils down to what you want to spend.



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