Gathering parts for drop and front suspension rebuild...

[r8rs4lf]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

This is going to be goofy. -- but please bear with me.

300 pound guy, jumps and bounces off a 12' diving board. Boing, splash .. into the pool.

How much did the board flex? Now cut off 2". Same guy, boing .. Does it flex the same? It would be stiffer, correct? I understand there are different spring rates available, but just conceptually, stock vs stock. It's still just torsional rigidity. Over time, this will get weaker, for sure. It really all depends on how hard your truck was used / not used during it's life ( so far ). But in my experience, I usually would assume if the truck is sitting on the stock suspension parts now, Id assume 2" lower than it was when it was new.

2.5" Spindles, + 2" springs up front. Then I usually do a 4" rear spring, and adjust with drop blocks to my liking. Why? Remember the fella on the diving board. If you can keep that spring a little longer, the truck will ride better ( less stiff in the back ) If you buy a 5" spring, and it's too low, youre stuck. Blocks are cheaper than springs too..

But, I wouldnt go over a 2" block. Just me. For example if you want 6" total, do a 4" spring, and 2" block. Or, if you want 5" total, do 3" spring, 2" block. Or 3" spring, 1.5" block. But keeping the spring longer will improve the ride quality overall and doesnt lock you in. You can dial it in perfectly that way.

Id highly recommend McGaughys, or Hotchkis springs. I use them a lot, and have had great luck with their parts. Just my .02.

I have a leaf spring suspension in the rear so as I understand it, for me to use lowering blocks I would need to do an axle flip correct?

I get what you're saying though. I could go with a 4" drop in the rear and if I need a bit more, I could go with a 1" lowering shackle.