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#1 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Dunbarton, NH
Posts: 281
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Is my K10 lifted?
I am starting to look at replacing the leaf springs on my 67 K10. The chassis is from a 1970 K10, and when I compare what I have to the parts catalogs, it looks like someone added blocks to lift it. The front blocks measure 1.5", and the rear 2".
Are those blocks something that would come from the factory? I like the current height, and will want to maintain it with the new springs. Thanks, |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Gwinnett GA
Posts: 1,803
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
Looks like someone added a 2" lift kit about 40 years ago. Why new springs? If you buy new springs, you may as well shop for lift springs to do away with the blocks.
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1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh! |
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#3 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,628
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
Those blocks are not factory.... they appear to be home-brewed. Front blocks are pretty much frowned on. You can buy 2.5" all-spring kits which may be the best way to go. If your rear springs are OK, another option is 2.5" front springs with rear lift blocks.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#4 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Dunbarton, NH
Posts: 281
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
I was looking at replacing the bushings and then started considering maybe just replacing the springs while I am at it. I have also read several threads here that suggest doing so based on the age.
I don't know how old they actually are, but now that I have confirmation that those blocks don't belong there, I will definitely be looking at installing front springs that provide the lift. Thanks for the replies. |
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#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Las Vegas Nevada
Posts: 93
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
I went with Off Road Designs in Colorado. Steve or Chris will answer any questions.
I went with the 2.5" lift and I am very happy with the design of the spring.
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72 K10 |
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#6 | ||
"I ain't nobody, dork."
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Posts: 8,940
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
As far as I know, no lift blocks should ever be used in a front end application. Get new lift springs for the front. Blocks out back are just fine.
![]() Gary
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'cuz chicks dig scars... My 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom (Creeping Death) "long term" build thread. The Rebuild of Creeping Death after the wreck Quote:
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: upstate sc
Posts: 2,095
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Skyjacker-C225...7285459021ront blocks are a major NO NO. A lot of stress on them when turning at speed and the will roll out..Even though they're on 2" it's not good.
here's the best deal on a softride lift...it's the best money you can spend.IMOrides and drives sooooo much better. |
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#8 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,628
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
That is the exact kit I bought, many years ago. Decent ride, excellent quality stuff.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: upstate sc
Posts: 2,095
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Skyjacker-C225...7285459021ront blocks are a major NO NO. A lot of stress on them when turning at speed and the will roll out..Even though they're on 2" it's not good.
here's the best deal on a softride lift...it's the best money you can spend.IMOrides and drives sooooo much better. |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Lakewood, CO
Posts: 147
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
Dont mean to hijack, but what did you use on the rear axle of your truck for the 2.5"lift?
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles California
Posts: 927
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
I got the 2.5" TC EZ rides and could not be happier.
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index....oducts_id=2349 I added a 1" zero rate block in the rear to level it out. Tires are 255/85/16s which measure 32.5" tall when mounted. |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles California
Posts: 927
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
Here is the link to the zero rates I used
http://diy4x.com/product.php?productid=17722&page=1 I would not hesitate to use these on the front as they are not like regular blocks that are held in by the u bolts. These are part of the spring pack and are held in place with the center bolt and will not squeeze out on hard cornering like regular blocks. If you need a bit more you can also use the HD front shackles http://diy4x.com/product.php?productid=17709&page=1 |
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#13 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Dunbarton, NH
Posts: 281
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
As I said, I like the current height with 1.5" blocks in the front and 2" in the rear, so I probably wouldn't want to go over 2". I think a new 2.5" set would pick the front up more than I want. This front spring project just got moved up in my queue. The rears can wait.
Here is how it sits now with 31" tires. |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles California
Posts: 927
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
Use a factory 3 leaf HD spring and 1.5" block
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index....oducts_id=7725 http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index....oducts_id=7868 |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: upstate sc
Posts: 2,095
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
My truck sits about the same as yours but I have a 32" tire
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#16 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Sandown, NH
Posts: 2,819
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
Steve;
Next time your in my area you can take a look at mine and see what you think. It has a Skyjacker 2.5" soft ride in it with 33" tires. Gary
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Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859 |
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#17 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Dunbarton, NH
Posts: 281
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
I am replacing my drag link, and I have the pitman arm and drag link sitting on the workbench.
Since I have the 1.5 inch blocks, and will be installing no less than 2" lift springs, I am wondering if I should get a new pitman arm for a short lift? I just read a few threads discussing the importance of the drag link angle, especially on a 70 type steering setup. I am all for making the truck handle better, and I am leaning towards ordering one. The bonus would be not having to beat the tie rod out of the arm, which is why it is on the bench. ![]() |
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#18 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,628
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
When I installed my 2.5" Softrides, the only thing I needed to change was front shocks. They were too short, and it turned out the right length was OEM-spec rear shocks. It's been quite a few years and no problems.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#19 |
Born Psycho
![]() Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: brentwood,cal,usa
Posts: 4,881
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in california front lift blocks are illegal. i recommend the 2.5 inch kit everyone is talking about-i wish i had done 2.5 instead of 4 on my trucks. ditch the rear blocks too, i've rolled rear blocks on two different trucks over the years so i only use all spring lifts now. just my 2 cents worth.
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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 |
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#20 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Sandown, NH
Posts: 2,819
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
I put a drop pitman arm on with my 2.5 in kit, it was recommended, I think it was about $100 extra.
Gary
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Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859 |
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#21 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Dunbarton, NH
Posts: 281
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
Thanks again for the replies. I do understand that I need to get the blocks out ASAP, and will probably do that next month.
I did go ahead and order a dropped arm which will arrive tomorrow. The more I read about the benefits of having one, the more I was convinced to order it. I do have the darting issues that the wrong one can cause, although a lot of that can be attributed to my toe in measuring at 1/2" instead of the 1/16-1/8 that is usually recommend. That will get corrected when the tie rod ends go in on Saturday. I keep telling the wife that there is "just one more" major project to correct the handling issues....so it is best that she doesn't help the UPS guy unload new springs just yet. ![]() |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Mission BC
Posts: 452
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Re: Is my K10 lifted?
Here's my '72 with a 4" kit apparently..tires are 33x9.5 15"
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1962 C10 Longbox LS 5.3 4L60E----Sold$$ 2014 Ram 4x4 3500 Laramie Diesel..Momma's truck 2015 Ram 4x4 1500 1997 Boxster. 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe LS 6.0 1950 GMC 3100 S10 & LS swapped |
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