Front End Sags, Kinda Like Me...... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

North Idaho Rancher · 01-22-2012, 01:24 AM

First off, I haven't been here in a while

Anywho, picked up another K series to play with. "82 K30, 454, started restoring the inside and need to get the drivetrain set up. The front leaf springs seem pretty well sacked, even though the archives tell me the fronts are almost level when they're still in new shape. I've only got 1" to the rubber bump stop, so I figger holding up the 454 for 30 years took it's toll.

Lifted the front until the door trim was level, and it looks like I'm down about 3". Read in the archives about helper springs, both long and short variety's. Would a set of helpers get me up 3"? Would I need new U bolts with helpers? I'm not too concerned with ride, hell it's a 3 ton K30.......

Anybody run Skyjackers F1100 or something similar? They're supposed to give me 2", so I could address the bump stop issue and add blocks from there.

It doesn't looked too sacked in the photo, I jacked it up and put spacers in just to get a visual.

Opinions? Advice? I'm open to suggestions!

Scott in North Idaho

kpeztruck · 01-22-2012, 10:37 AM

I don't have any ideas where to send you to get the proper parts without lifting it too high. My concern was the mention of blocks to raise the truck. Short blocks are safe for the rear only. They are dangerous in the front due to the forces put on the area from trying to change the direction of a 3 ton truck that has a natural desire to keep going straight. Not bashing, just could not pass by and fail to mention. Paul

North Idaho Rancher · 01-23-2012, 03:23 PM

Thanks Paul.

Believe you me, I don't want to block it and cause a safety concern if I can get the front end up any other way!

I've looked into complete spring replacements, but they are spendy and I don't want to get into steering issues. I just want to return it back to the stock ride height and possibly level it out and wondered if helper or add-a-leaf springs would address the issue. I also read in the archives that new U-bolts might be needed if I add helpers, and I wondered if this was true. I can't be the only guy who has tried to do this, so I was asking for opinions from someone else who has tried it!

Scott

01-22-2012, 01:24 AM	#1
North Idaho Rancher Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Troy Posts: 3	Front End Sags, Kinda Like Me...... First off, I haven't been here in a while Anywho, picked up another K series to play with. "82 K30, 454, started restoring the inside and need to get the drivetrain set up. The front leaf springs seem pretty well sacked, even though the archives tell me the fronts are almost level when they're still in new shape. I've only got 1" to the rubber bump stop, so I figger holding up the 454 for 30 years took it's toll. Lifted the front until the door trim was level, and it looks like I'm down about 3". Read in the archives about helper springs, both long and short variety's. Would a set of helpers get me up 3"? Would I need new U bolts with helpers? I'm not too concerned with ride, hell it's a 3 ton K30....... Anybody run Skyjackers F1100 or something similar? They're supposed to give me 2", so I could address the bump stop issue and add blocks from there. It doesn't looked too sacked in the photo, I jacked it up and put spacers in just to get a visual. Opinions? Advice? I'm open to suggestions! Scott in North Idaho

01-22-2012, 10:37 AM	#2
kpeztruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Canton, GA Posts: 229	Re: Front End Sags, Kinda Like Me...... I don't have any ideas where to send you to get the proper parts without lifting it too high. My concern was the mention of blocks to raise the truck. Short blocks are safe for the rear only. They are dangerous in the front due to the forces put on the area from trying to change the direction of a 3 ton truck that has a natural desire to keep going straight. Not bashing, just could not pass by and fail to mention. Paul

01-23-2012, 03:23 PM	#3
North Idaho Rancher Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Troy Posts: 3	Re: Front End Sags, Kinda Like Me...... Thanks Paul. Believe you me, I don't want to block it and cause a safety concern if I can get the front end up any other way! I've looked into complete spring replacements, but they are spendy and I don't want to get into steering issues. I just want to return it back to the stock ride height and possibly level it out and wondered if helper or add-a-leaf springs would address the issue. I also read in the archives that new U-bolts might be needed if I add helpers, and I wondered if this was true. I can't be the only guy who has tried to do this, so I was asking for opinions from someone else who has tried it! Scott



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.