Coil Springs for my '69 LWB GMC

[bud45]

A few years ago, I inquired about this...please forgive me, but I've since moved into a new home (and losing paperwork), crashed three computers and lost many, many links and I can't find it here, if I asked about it, so here goes again...

My '69 GMC 1500 LWB p/u (built in Canada) has coil springs on all four corners...they're tired and I want to replace them, BUT, with better units, to get a slight lift, maybe an inch or so. A few years ago, I had a 283 transplanted, which can't be much heavier than the 292 I had in it, nor the 250 before it.

Someone mentioned replacing them with NAPA springs for the same-year Suburban and that's the info I lost. The person who posted the info gave the diameters, etc. I went to NAPA's site online and tried to figure this out, but it looks like the p/u and Suburban both share the same coils...?

I've checked out the variable-rate and standard coils and got even more confused than before. What are the advantages or disadvantages to each? If I go with 3/4-ton coils w/variable rate on the rear and 3/4-ton on the front, could I possibly expect a slight lift? Or should I go with 3/4-ton standard coils on all corners? Or just stay with the 1/2-ton versions for the Suburban?

I know the ride will be a little stiffer, but this is a work truck; sometimes, I take the 60's off in lieu of grippier tires for hunting season. I'm also considering getting 16" wheels & tires for the future and possibly need to prepare for the added diameter and needed clearance.

Any help, opinions and experiences will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Bud.