Opinions on tricky suspension situation, please...

[joeydurango]

Doing an LS 5.3/4L60e swap into my 1972 K10. Truck is currently stock height with original springs and bushings. Wanted to keep the truck stock height, but on the 4x4 we're running into problems with front diff clearance. Using the stock transfer case location (therefore engine fore-aft is set), using Pacific Fab's 4x4 LS crossmember (fits great in the truck, but doesn't have enough clearance from diff to crossmember if suspension is even partially compressed). So, we have to increase that xmember-diff distance somehow.

My question is: Judging from the info above and the photo below, what are your folks' opinions on how to best remedy the problem?

1. Spring blocks/spacers/whatever they're called - cheap, easy, but probably some downsides? No heavy-duty off road for this truck - will be a daily driver with light off-road use.

2. Small lift kit - 2" or so. Would like to avoid if at all possible... but if you have a photo of a 2" lift truck, post it up.

3. Curious about opinions on this train of thought: I figure that even though the truck sits pretty nicely right now, 42 years of fatigue on those leaf springs has to mean some sag. So I'm wondering what new stock-height springs and new bushings would do to increase the xmember-diff clearance. Any educated guesses on this, given how the truck sits in the photo? 31" tires in the photo. The current front leaf springs, when the engine is in the truck, are significantly negative arch. Not sure if new stock-height springs are negative arch or flat.

4. Finally, curious about having Alcan up in GJ fab some springs for the truck that are slightly "taller" than a stock spring would be. Pricey though.

Any opinions welcome, especially if you've got experience with this type of thing in particular...