4x4 ride improvments - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Tuffold72 · 11-17-2002, 10:49 PM

Ok, in a attempt to make my truck ride better I have removed the stock 3/4 ton front springs and replaced them with Tuff Country 2 1/2 lift springs of the soft ride type. Now I have a truck that is lifted and rides worse. So, what would you do to make it ride better? I have even considered a coil conversion using a system simalar to the f@*d radius arm design. Its not that I am a wimp or anything, I just want my old truck to cruise down the road like a new one

What about a custom set of front springs? Also, I was reading in another post about it being possible to swap in the stock coil spring set-up in the rear. Anybody try this in a 4x4? Thanks

Mudder · 11-17-2002, 10:54 PM

What kind of shocks you running? A 4x4 will never drive like one of the new ones with the new front ends. A 3/4 ton is gonna be stiff. How much air ya running in your tires. Mine calls for 30 something but I like run under 25lbs. Makes a big difference. I run the rancho 9000's that are adjustable.

Tuffold72 · 11-17-2002, 10:58 PM

I am running 31 bfg all terrains at 32 psi. The front shocks are bilstein 5100's I think the main problem is the short leafs used up front. But I dont know what I could do about that. Was wondering if a multi leaf pack from like national would be better. The springs I have now only have 3 leafs. I have heard national sells packs with thinner but more leafs per pack. hmm

Mudder · 11-17-2002, 11:44 PM

I have a shortbed and I prefer a stiff ride. The ranchos really make your ride soft on the first setting. I run mine on about 4 with 5 being the stiffess. I dont think the springs are the total problem.

O'l Buck · 11-18-2002, 01:01 AM

I've only been around 2 K-20's in these years, and they both ride like lumber wagons, I too prefer a stiffer ride.

Blue_71 · 11-18-2002, 01:08 AM

you have any pics of your truck lifted like that? i think my home-made lift is about 2.5 but i would like to compare
Thanks!

(heres the pic of mine)

Brewski* · 11-18-2002, 10:54 AM

If you have a 2.5" lift and want a smooth ride. Install Edelbrock IAS series shocks for a 73 and up 4x4 3/4 ton. My truck is not lifted yet but I am going 2.5 when I do. I already have the shocks and had to compress them slightly so they would fit on the stock suspension, so a 2.5" lift should be perfect. My ride is supreme. Very smooth rides almost like my Cadillac Escallade. NO $HIT!

**jerry moss** · 11-18-2002, 10:57 AM

have you replaced your cab mount bushings ? if not, order a new set and you'll be pleasantly surprised. i would get rubber like the originals were, polyurethene mounts are much stiffer and need shims to fit properly, i've used both and i'll stick with the oem type. i was amazed at the difference it made on my 72 K/20 with 6 inch skyjacker all spring lift.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 11-18-2002, 11:27 AM

I think part of the problem is the new front leaf springs themselves. I have 2 trucks with 4" Skyjacker lifts in them and after checking looking them over after I installed them, I don't like the actual length of the new front springs. I don't know about your lift, but this is what I have found with mine. The actual spring length from the axle forward appears to be good, because the front tire looks to be centered in the wheel well opening good. However the length of the spring from the axle back to the rear shackles is too short for the shackle to work properly. I look at the shackle at the rear of the spring and it actually tilts or points forward. What this does is to cause the spring to push the shackle more into the frame instead of swinging it toward the rear of the truck. What that amounts to is a rougher ride no matter how soft your springs are. I have talked to a lot of off roaders and they seem to think the same thing. My answer is going to be to take the top leaf off the spring pac and have anouther one made to match it. That is with the exception of the length of the spring from the center pin to the rear of the spring. That will be made 2" longer. That will alow the rear shackle to lean toward the rear of the truck enabling it to swing like it is supposed to, rather than be driven in toward the chassis. The shackle has to lean toward the rear of the truck and not be in a vertical possition also for them to work properly and that is why I decided to go 2" longer. If this works like I think it will then maybe I will start selling my own lift kits...LOL WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

breeh · 11-18-2002, 12:27 PM

WES, I put in a 4" Skyjacker Softride in mine but I also upgraded the shackles at the same time. The issue that you raised is discussed on the Offroad Design website. I put their greasable shackle kit in and they do not angle toward the front of the truck. The softride springs along with the weight of the 427 makes for a pretty good ride. It is definitely better than when it was stock.

tuffold72, Tuff country springs are some of the stiffest springs on the market. The extreme rockcrawler crowd likes them.

11-17-2002, 10:49 PM	#1
Tuffold72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oregon Posts: 69	4x4 ride improvments Ok, in a attempt to make my truck ride better I have removed the stock 3/4 ton front springs and replaced them with Tuff Country 2 1/2 lift springs of the soft ride type. Now I have a truck that is lifted and rides worse. So, what would you do to make it ride better? I have even considered a coil conversion using a system simalar to the f@*d radius arm design. Its not that I am a wimp or anything, I just want my old truck to cruise down the road like a new one What about a custom set of front springs? Also, I was reading in another post about it being possible to swap in the stock coil spring set-up in the rear. Anybody try this in a 4x4? Thanks

11-17-2002, 10:54 PM	#2
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Shocks? What kind of shocks you running? A 4x4 will never drive like one of the new ones with the new front ends. A 3/4 ton is gonna be stiff. How much air ya running in your tires. Mine calls for 30 something but I like run under 25lbs. Makes a big difference. I run the rancho 9000's that are adjustable.

11-17-2002, 11:44 PM	#4
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	What kind of shock? I have a shortbed and I prefer a stiff ride. The ranchos really make your ride soft on the first setting. I run mine on about 4 with 5 being the stiffess. I dont think the springs are the total problem.

11-18-2002, 01:01 AM	#5
O'l Buck Recovering Truck Driver Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Orleans, NE USA Posts: 1,883	I've only been around 2 K-20's in these years, and they both ride like lumber wagons, I too prefer a stiffer ride. __________________ 67 K-20 350, SM465, Eaton rear, 4.56 no spin option 00 Dodge 2500 4x4, 24V cummins, 5 speed Chad South Central Nebraska

11-18-2002, 10:57 AM	#8
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,936	have you replaced your cab mount bushings ? if not, order a new set and you'll be pleasantly surprised. i would get rubber like the originals were, polyurethene mounts are much stiffer and need shims to fit properly, i've used both and i'll stick with the oem type. i was amazed at the difference it made on my 72 K/20 with 6 inch skyjacker all spring lift. __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

11-17-2002, 10:58 PM	#3
Tuffold72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oregon Posts: 69	I am running 31 bfg all terrains at 32 psi. The front shocks are bilstein 5100's I think the main problem is the short leafs used up front. But I dont know what I could do about that. Was wondering if a multi leaf pack from like national would be better. The springs I have now only have 3 leafs. I have heard national sells packs with thinner but more leafs per pack. hmm

11-18-2002, 10:54 AM	#7
Brewski* Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Rocky Mount, MO Posts: 1,293	If you have a 2.5" lift and want a smooth ride. Install Edelbrock IAS series shocks for a 73 and up 4x4 3/4 ton. My truck is not lifted yet but I am going 2.5 when I do. I already have the shocks and had to compress them slightly so they would fit on the stock suspension, so a 2.5" lift should be perfect. My ride is supreme. Very smooth rides almost like my Cadillac Escallade. NO $HIT!

11-18-2002, 11:27 AM	#9
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	I think part of the problem is the new front leaf springs themselves. I have 2 trucks with 4" Skyjacker lifts in them and after checking looking them over after I installed them, I don't like the actual length of the new front springs. I don't know about your lift, but this is what I have found with mine. The actual spring length from the axle forward appears to be good, because the front tire looks to be centered in the wheel well opening good. However the length of the spring from the axle back to the rear shackles is too short for the shackle to work properly. I look at the shackle at the rear of the spring and it actually tilts or points forward. What this does is to cause the spring to push the shackle more into the frame instead of swinging it toward the rear of the truck. What that amounts to is a rougher ride no matter how soft your springs are. I have talked to a lot of off roaders and they seem to think the same thing. My answer is going to be to take the top leaf off the spring pac and have anouther one made to match it. That is with the exception of the length of the spring from the center pin to the rear of the spring. That will be made 2" longer. That will alow the rear shackle to lean toward the rear of the truck enabling it to swing like it is supposed to, rather than be driven in toward the chassis. The shackle has to lean toward the rear of the truck and not be in a vertical possition also for them to work properly and that is why I decided to go 2" longer. If this works like I think it will then maybe I will start selling my own lift kits...LOL WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

11-18-2002, 12:27 PM	#10
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	WES, I put in a 4" Skyjacker Softride in mine but I also upgraded the shackles at the same time. The issue that you raised is discussed on the Offroad Design website. I put their greasable shackle kit in and they do not angle toward the front of the truck. The softride springs along with the weight of the 427 makes for a pretty good ride. It is definitely better than when it was stock. tuffold72, Tuff country springs are some of the stiffest springs on the market. The extreme rockcrawler crowd likes them. __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"

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