Levelling a '72? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

homer77 · 10-10-2009, 12:41 PM

I bought a '72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 a couple weeks ago. The rear has what looks to about 2 1/2 lift blocks in it. The front springs are flattened out and causing the front of the truck to be 1 1/2 inches lower than the rear. It has a bigger bumper with a winch on the front. I am looking to level the truck. Any ideas to do this?

Thanks,
Jesse

cobinder · 10-10-2009, 06:14 PM

Are you wanting to raise the front? You need new springs. You can re-arch your springs, but they may not hold it for very long. DON'T DO LIFT BLOCKS IN THE FRONT!!!

You can get longer shackles but you'll need 3" longer to get 1-1/2" of lift. The problem is by adding that much shackle lift your tilting the the differential the wrong direction and your front driveline might not be able to take it.
You might consider adding a leaf to the front. But everyone I've ever rode in rode so stiff it sucked baddd.

homer77 · 10-10-2009, 06:21 PM

Thanks. I am definitely wanting to buy new springs for the front. Just lost on what to get and where to get them. Should I save up and get new springs all the way around?

msgross · 10-10-2009, 06:43 PM

One cheap way is to add zero rate springs in the front (if you have enough U-bolt thread left). ORD sell them and they are basically an add-a-leaf that are only 4" long so they don't stiffen the ride.

Saving up for all new springs is a good idea but don't forget about shocks, steering adjustments, brake lines etc...

a nice 4" lift would work though.. Tough Country, Skyjacker etc.. all have lifts for you.

from time to time you can find springs on the parts board, i'd start there.

**special-K** · 10-11-2009, 05:59 AM

For about $200 you can have a pair of springs re-arched with a leaf added.I`ve have nothing but great results from that.We need to know more about what you want to end up with to give best advise.

homer77 · 10-11-2009, 11:51 AM

I am really just looking to level it back out to where it once was. I really don't like the look as it sits now. It would be nice to buy a whole new lift, but not sure if I would want to spend that money right now. I might have to look into getting then re-arched for now.

BLAZERMAN · 10-11-2009, 07:23 PM

A complete 2-1/2" Skyjacker Softride kit runs 400.00 shipped from 4 wheel online. I think you can find Tuff Country even cheaper..try calling some of the online retailers and see if you can buy just a set of front lift springs, should be cheaper without the rear blocks and u bolts.

10-10-2009, 12:41 PM	#1
homer77 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kelseyville, CA Posts: 12	Levelling a '72? I bought a '72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 a couple weeks ago. The rear has what looks to about 2 1/2 lift blocks in it. The front springs are flattened out and causing the front of the truck to be 1 1/2 inches lower than the rear. It has a bigger bumper with a winch on the front. I am looking to level the truck. Any ideas to do this? Thanks, Jesse

10-10-2009, 06:14 PM	#2
cobinder Everything is work in progress Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 326	Re: Levelling a '72? Are you wanting to raise the front? You need new springs. You can re-arch your springs, but they may not hold it for very long. DON'T DO LIFT BLOCKS IN THE FRONT!!! You can get longer shackles but you'll need 3" longer to get 1-1/2" of lift. The problem is by adding that much shackle lift your tilting the the differential the wrong direction and your front driveline might not be able to take it. You might consider adding a leaf to the front. But everyone I've ever rode in rode so stiff it sucked baddd. __________________ Good luck with your truck! How much?! It's just an old truck part!! 49 International on a 80 GMC 3/4ton 4x4 chassis 48 International KB-5 2 ton dump bed 04 Honda CRF "500" 09 Honda CRF450 fuel injected rocket 03 Suzuki hayabusa carbonfiber wheeled monster. 02 Ford diesel stretch van (toy hauler) 01 38' Monaco diesel pusher motorhome Last edited by cobinder; 10-10-2009 at 06:15 PM.

10-10-2009, 06:21 PM	#3
homer77 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kelseyville, CA Posts: 12	Re: Levelling a '72? Thanks. I am definitely wanting to buy new springs for the front. Just lost on what to get and where to get them. Should I save up and get new springs all the way around?

10-10-2009, 06:43 PM	#4
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Levelling a '72? One cheap way is to add zero rate springs in the front (if you have enough U-bolt thread left). ORD sell them and they are basically an add-a-leaf that are only 4" long so they don't stiffen the ride. Saving up for all new springs is a good idea but don't forget about shocks, steering adjustments, brake lines etc... a nice 4" lift would work though.. Tough Country, Skyjacker etc.. all have lifts for you. from time to time you can find springs on the parts board, i'd start there. __________________ 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" Last edited by msgross; 10-10-2009 at 06:44 PM.

10-11-2009, 05:59 AM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Levelling a '72? For about $200 you can have a pair of springs re-arched with a leaf added.I`ve have nothing but great results from that.We need to know more about what you want to end up with to give best advise. __________________ "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 ~

10-11-2009, 11:51 AM	#6
homer77 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kelseyville, CA Posts: 12	Re: Levelling a '72? I am really just looking to level it back out to where it once was. I really don't like the look as it sits now. It would be nice to buy a whole new lift, but not sure if I would want to spend that money right now. I might have to look into getting then re-arched for now.

10-11-2009, 07:23 PM	#7
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,828	Re: Levelling a '72? A complete 2-1/2" Skyjacker Softride kit runs 400.00 shipped from 4 wheel online. I think you can find Tuff Country even cheaper..try calling some of the online retailers and see if you can buy just a set of front lift springs, should be cheaper without the rear blocks and u bolts. __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

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