Front leaf springs too high - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ryanmctee · 07-30-2012, 10:56 AM

Help. I've installed a 2" Tuff Country lift kit on my 72 K10. New springs in the front and blocks in the back. Before and after measurments actually show 4" of lift - much more than I wanted. Anyways, the front of the truck is about 1-1/2" higher than the rear, you can kinda see it in the picture. How can I fix this without raising the rear? I've read about taking a leaf out of the front spring packs. Any thoughts? I've also thought about just buying new stock front leafs....

SunSoaked · 07-30-2012, 11:14 AM

That's a GOOD looking truck. It's almost exactly what I'm building, same color and all. If the spring pack is correct (2' lift) and it actually lifted it 4 inches something has to give? Maybe your initial measurements were actually low due to spring sag and it was sitting lower than when it was new.

ryanmctee · 07-30-2012, 11:21 AM

I can really buy into that. The truck had the original springs on it. That's why I'm thinking I could buy new STOCK springs and get the front to settle down a bit. But I've been doing some reading and it seems fairly common for guys to remove the bottom spring out of the pack and it does the same thing, just saves a few hundred bucks. Any thoughts?

SunSoaked · 07-30-2012, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanmctee

I can really buy into that. The truck had the original springs on it. That's why I'm thinking I could buy new STOCK springs and get the front to settle down a bit. But I've been doing some reading and it seems fairly common for guys to remove the bottom spring out of the pack and it does the same thing, just saves a few hundred bucks. Any thoughts?

How many leaves does the spring pack have?
Another option is to just drop in a big block. The extra weight should even it out

ryanmctee · 07-30-2012, 11:53 AM

Three springs in the front packs, but I'm keeping my engine.....

69GWC · 07-30-2012, 01:26 PM

My skyjacker 2.5" lift did the same thing, not quite as tall as yours but it has a 2" rake to it now like it needed 4" blocks in the back.
Posted via Mobile Device

**Stocker** · 07-30-2012, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanmctee

the front of the truck is about 1-1/2" higher than the rear, you can kinda see it in the picture.

Beautiful truck you have there -- the stance is great, I'd leave it just like it is. The front springs will probably settle just a bit with time. My K20 ended up like that after the 2.5" Softrides. I kept my rear AALs and never installed the rear blocks. I actually like the look with the nose up a bit, somewhat like a pre-runner or desert racer look.

BLAZERMAN · 07-30-2012, 06:44 PM

Beautiful truck...and I love the stance just the way it is! But it is Your truck...and I dont think you would be happy with stock springs...it doesnt look like you have an excess of tire clearance. Those are 33" arent they? I have a 4" lift on my 71 1/2 ton with 35" KOs and have about the same amount of tire clearance as you do. I would hold off and drive it for awhile and see how you feel about it.

ryanmctee · 07-30-2012, 07:36 PM

Thanks for the compliments guys. More than likely, I will drive it for awhile and see what happens. IF I really don't like it (which is were I am right now) I will take one leaf out of the front spring packs and try that route.....

Redcap · 07-30-2012, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanmctee

Thanks for the compliments guys. More than likely, I will drive it for awhile and see what happens. IF I really don't like it (which is were I am right now) I will take one leaf out of the front spring packs and try that route.....

I'd add a leaf in back rather than take one from the front...

BLAZERMAN · 07-30-2012, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanmctee

Thanks for the compliments guys. More than likely, I will drive it for awhile and see what happens. IF I really don't like it (which is were I am right now) I will take one leaf out of the front spring packs and try that route.....

I dont think I would take a leaf out of a 3 spring pack...if I were you I would call Tuff Country and explain whats going on and see what they say.

noco-k5 · 07-30-2012, 09:20 PM

Just installed a 2 1/2 inch Tuff Country lift on my 70 Blazer. Looks exactly the same. Not sure I like the way it looks, but it definitely rides much better than it did with the original springs which were hammered.

**special-K** · 07-31-2012, 07:59 AM

Regardless off the measurements,that lift looks appropriate for the tire/wheels. It gives healthy/ample clearance w/o looking any higher than necessary...just right. I prefer the nose up a bit myself. The rear up higher than the front is for 2wds,IMO. This is how 4wds have always sat from back when lifts first came out. They look stout and proud. The front requires more clearance than the rear. You'll find a 4wd that sits slightly higher in the front will ride and handle far better. Just look at off road racers. It tosses the weight to the rear and the rear just follows the front. On crowned 2-lanes your truck won't feel like it's being tossed to the side of the road,like with the rear is raised. It will brake better,too,with more weight transferred to the rear (fronts are way heavier) and nose diving/rear lifting will be compensated more.

ryanmctee · 07-31-2012, 09:53 AM

I drove the truck last night and the ride is incredible. Far better than I had expected. Anybody looking for a lift, in my opinion the Tuff Country is the way to go - VERY plush ride for a 40 year old 4x4 truck. Maybe I'm just being anal about the stance. I think I will just drive it for awhile and see what happens. FYI, my 13 year old son now really wants one of these after last night's test drive. That kid had a perma-smile for about five miles.......

**special-K** · 07-31-2012, 09:44 PM

That's awesome! Makes it worth every penny,huh? I really like the Tuff Country suspension,too. My '72 GMC is still original with seriously negative arched front springs and beat shocks. One tire is also worn from being on a truck with bad ball joints. I have the Tuff Country stuff,wheels,and tires for it,just need a chance to do it. I love the feel of all that fresh stuff done.

Murphy IRE · 08-01-2012, 11:54 AM

Looks good to me and I agree with Special-K and Stocker. I love the two tone. I'm debating that green or staying with the light olive.

Mudder · 08-01-2012, 11:41 PM

I agree with driving it for a while. The springs may settle in and drop a bit. I have had several of their lifts and I have had good luck with all of them. Truck looks really good.

MikeS. · 08-02-2012, 02:31 AM

That is a great lookin truck.
Posted via Mobile Device

ryanmctee · 08-16-2012, 10:20 AM

Well, after a full week of driving, I think I'm just going to leave things alone. I don't know if it's me or what, but the front springs have seemed to settle just a bit. Check the picture, the truck almost looks level. Once again, the ride is awesome. Super smoothe for an old 4x4. Thanks for all's opinions!

Redcap · 08-16-2012, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanmctee

Well, after a full week of driving, I think I'm just going to leave things alone. I don't know if it's me or what, but the front springs have seemed to settle just a bit. Check the picture, the truck almost looks level. Once again, the ride is awesome. Super smoothe for an old 4x4. Thanks for all's opinions!

Looks good. Might consider one of these zero rate springs for the rear if you want to level it out all the way.

SunSoaked · 08-19-2012, 09:27 AM

That looks terrible! Drop it off at my house and I'll take care of it and return it in a year or two

This is one of my favorites to be honest

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanmctee

Well, after a full week of driving, I think I'm just going to leave things alone. I don't know if it's me or what, but the front springs have seemed to settle just a bit. Check the picture, the truck almost looks level. Once again, the ride is awesome. Super smoothe for an old 4x4. Thanks for all's opinions!

*72longbed* · 08-31-2012, 10:55 AM

Ryan,
first off ... Great Truck!! As far as your difference in height front to back ... did I read that you used a new spring pack in front and old springs with blocks in the rear?

If that is what you did, I can almost guarantee you I know what the problem is. I have been installing Tuff Country products on 67-72 trucks and Blazers for many years now. Each time a "block / spring combo" is used by customers there is a disparity in finished height. If I were you, I'd replace the stock rear spring packs with the #19470 52" Springs with NO blocks, and it will give you a matching ride height to the front. That is ... if you installed the 2" lift front springs (#18260) NEW from Tuff Country. If you installed the #18261 up front, then you are running a Heavy Duty front spring pack.

Let me know if this helps. Great truck ... keep up the great work!

72longbed

ryanmctee · 08-31-2012, 11:13 AM

[QUOTE=72longbed;5567554]Ryan,
first off ... Great Truck!! As far as your difference in height front to back ... did I read that you used a new spring pack in front and old springs with blocks in the rear?

Yes, that's exactly what I did. Believe it or not, the truck seems to be "settling" down a little in the front after putting a couple of hundred miles on it. Thanks very much for your information though....

**special-K** · 08-16-2012, 04:23 PM

The wheel openings on these trucks raises more in the front than the rear...maybe to allow for steering clearance. Look at the distance from TDC if the openings and the upper trim. Notice the front is closer. That may be what makes folks think the front is up more than it really is. I think it looks great...still.

msgross · 08-18-2012, 12:43 PM

Looks nice... you could always add a 1" zero rate spring in the back... those will also allow you to move the axles forward or backwards to center it in the wheel arch..

ORD and DIY4x.com have them..

07-30-2012, 11:14 AM	#2
SunSoaked Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Yuma Arizona Posts: 1,525	Re: Front leaf springs too high That's a GOOD looking truck. It's almost exactly what I'm building, same color and all. If the spring pack is correct (2' lift) and it actually lifted it 4 inches something has to give? Maybe your initial measurements were actually low due to spring sag and it was sitting lower than when it was new.

07-30-2012, 11:21 AM	#3
ryanmctee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Gardnerville Nevada Posts: 270	Re: Front leaf springs too high I can really buy into that. The truck had the original springs on it. That's why I'm thinking I could buy new STOCK springs and get the front to settle down a bit. But I've been doing some reading and it seems fairly common for guys to remove the bottom spring out of the pack and it does the same thing, just saves a few hundred bucks. Any thoughts? __________________ Check out my build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=512620

07-30-2012, 11:53 AM	#5
ryanmctee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Gardnerville Nevada Posts: 270	Re: Front leaf springs too high Three springs in the front packs, but I'm keeping my engine..... __________________ Check out my build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=512620

07-30-2012, 01:26 PM	#6
69GWC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,089	Re: Front leaf springs too high My skyjacker 2.5" lift did the same thing, not quite as tall as yours but it has a 2" rake to it now like it needed 4" blocks in the back. Posted via Mobile Device

07-30-2012, 06:44 PM	#8
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,828	Re: Front leaf springs too high Beautiful truck...and I love the stance just the way it is! But it is Your truck...and I dont think you would be happy with stock springs...it doesnt look like you have an excess of tire clearance. Those are 33" arent they? I have a 4" lift on my 71 1/2 ton with 35" KOs and have about the same amount of tire clearance as you do. I would hold off and drive it for awhile and see how you feel about it. __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

07-30-2012, 10:56 AM	#1
ryanmctee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Gardnerville Nevada Posts: 270	Front leaf springs too high Help. I've installed a 2" Tuff Country lift kit on my 72 K10. New springs in the front and blocks in the back. Before and after measurments actually show 4" of lift - much more than I wanted. Anyways, the front of the truck is about 1-1/2" higher than the rear, you can kinda see it in the picture. How can I fix this without raising the rear? I've read about taking a leaf out of the front spring packs. Any thoughts? I've also thought about just buying new stock front leafs.... Attached Images __________________ Check out my build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=512620

07-30-2012, 07:36 PM	#9
ryanmctee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Gardnerville Nevada Posts: 270	Re: Front leaf springs too high Thanks for the compliments guys. More than likely, I will drive it for awhile and see what happens. IF I really don't like it (which is were I am right now) I will take one leaf out of the front spring packs and try that route..... __________________ Check out my build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=512620

07-30-2012, 09:20 PM	#12
noco-k5 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Colorado Posts: 138	Re: Front leaf springs too high Just installed a 2 1/2 inch Tuff Country lift on my 70 Blazer. Looks exactly the same. Not sure I like the way it looks, but it definitely rides much better than it did with the original springs which were hammered.

07-31-2012, 07:59 AM	#13
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Front leaf springs too high Regardless off the measurements,that lift looks appropriate for the tire/wheels. It gives healthy/ample clearance w/o looking any higher than necessary...just right. I prefer the nose up a bit myself. The rear up higher than the front is for 2wds,IMO. This is how 4wds have always sat from back when lifts first came out. They look stout and proud. The front requires more clearance than the rear. You'll find a 4wd that sits slightly higher in the front will ride and handle far better. Just look at off road racers. It tosses the weight to the rear and the rear just follows the front. On crowned 2-lanes your truck won't feel like it's being tossed to the side of the road,like with the rear is raised. It will brake better,too,with more weight transferred to the rear (fronts are way heavier) and nose diving/rear lifting will be compensated more. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-31-2012, 09:53 AM	#14
ryanmctee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Gardnerville Nevada Posts: 270	Re: Front leaf springs too high I drove the truck last night and the ride is incredible. Far better than I had expected. Anybody looking for a lift, in my opinion the Tuff Country is the way to go - VERY plush ride for a 40 year old 4x4 truck. Maybe I'm just being anal about the stance. I think I will just drive it for awhile and see what happens. FYI, my 13 year old son now really wants one of these after last night's test drive. That kid had a perma-smile for about five miles....... __________________ Check out my build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=512620

07-31-2012, 09:44 PM	#15
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Front leaf springs too high That's awesome! Makes it worth every penny,huh? I really like the Tuff Country suspension,too. My '72 GMC is still original with seriously negative arched front springs and beat shocks. One tire is also worn from being on a truck with bad ball joints. I have the Tuff Country stuff,wheels,and tires for it,just need a chance to do it. I love the feel of all that fresh stuff done. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-01-2012, 11:54 AM	#16
Murphy IRE Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: South Denver Metro, CO Posts: 385	Re: Front leaf springs too high Looks good to me and I agree with Special-K and Stocker. I love the two tone. I'm debating that green or staying with the light olive.

08-01-2012, 11:41 PM	#17
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: Front leaf springs too high I agree with driving it for a while. The springs may settle in and drop a bit. I have had several of their lifts and I have had good luck with all of them. Truck looks really good.

08-02-2012, 02:31 AM	#18
MikeS. Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: FarEastern WVa Posts: 1,691	Re: Front leaf springs too high That is a great lookin truck. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Past Master Triluminar Lodge #117 GL of WVa My 1963 4x4 Suburban build; http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=531274 My Gallery, now with pics of my 1966 C30 motorhome. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...&ppuser=103447

08-16-2012, 10:20 AM	#19
ryanmctee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Gardnerville Nevada Posts: 270	Re: Front leaf springs too high Well, after a full week of driving, I think I'm just going to leave things alone. I don't know if it's me or what, but the front springs have seemed to settle just a bit. Check the picture, the truck almost looks level. Once again, the ride is awesome. Super smoothe for an old 4x4. Thanks for all's opinions! Attached Images __________________ Check out my build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=512620



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08-31-2012, 10:55 AM	#22
72longbed Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: PA Posts: 1,411	Re: Front leaf springs too high Ryan, first off ... Great Truck!! As far as your difference in height front to back ... did I read that you used a new spring pack in front and old springs with blocks in the rear? If that is what you did, I can almost guarantee you I know what the problem is. I have been installing Tuff Country products on 67-72 trucks and Blazers for many years now. Each time a "block / spring combo" is used by customers there is a disparity in finished height. If I were you, I'd replace the stock rear spring packs with the #19470 52" Springs with NO blocks, and it will give you a matching ride height to the front. That is ... if you installed the 2" lift front springs (#18260) NEW from Tuff Country. If you installed the #18261 up front, then you are running a Heavy Duty front spring pack. Let me know if this helps. Great truck ... keep up the great work! 72longbed

08-31-2012, 11:13 AM	#23
ryanmctee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Gardnerville Nevada Posts: 270	Re: Front leaf springs too high [QUOTE=72longbed;5567554]Ryan, first off ... Great Truck!! As far as your difference in height front to back ... did I read that you used a new spring pack in front and old springs with blocks in the rear? Yes, that's exactly what I did. Believe it or not, the truck seems to be "settling" down a little in the front after putting a couple of hundred miles on it. Thanks very much for your information though.... __________________ Check out my build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=512620

08-16-2012, 04:23 PM	#24
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Front leaf springs too high The wheel openings on these trucks raises more in the front than the rear...maybe to allow for steering clearance. Look at the distance from TDC if the openings and the upper trim. Notice the front is closer. That may be what makes folks think the front is up more than it really is. I think it looks great...still. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 08-18-2012 at 01:17 PM.

08-18-2012, 12:43 PM	#25
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Front leaf springs too high Looks nice... you could always add a 1" zero rate spring in the back... those will also allow you to move the axles forward or backwards to center it in the wheel arch.. ORD and DIY4x.com have them.. __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

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