Leveling out a 2wd jimmy?

[Jim Mac]

I'm new to this site and a new owner of a 77 jimmy 2wd, my problem is the front end sits about 2 inches higher than the rear. I would like it to sit level and was wondering is it easier to lower the front end or raise the back end? Also cost is definetly a factor. tires are 31-10.50x 15 on 8 inch rally's. which ever way I go I would like to do it properly. and not a hack job. and I would like it to be able to be aligned again. Or is it better to leave it well enough alone? Jim

[71swb4x4]

You can get 2" drop springs from Summit for less than $200. I have heard a lot of great feedback about them.
You could do drop spindles instead. Then you would be keep your stock springs, etc.
Both are fairly inexpensive.

[hotrodhomi]

take the top off and it will be level.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Jim Mac

..... the front end sits about 2 inches higher than the rear. I would like it to sit level and was wondering is it easier to lower the front end or raise the back end? Also cost is definetly a factor. tires are 31-10.50x 15 on 8 inch rally's.......

Jim, first off let me welcome you to this site. We are always glad to have new people here. Lets take a look at what you have to deal with here.

Normally I would say lower the front 2" with some dropped spindles since they won't effect your ride or ability to align. Dropped coils are cheaper but they will change your ride since they are going to be shorter and a bit firmer than what you have now. The cheapest route would be to cut one coil off of your stock spring. If done properly this is the most economical route.

The problem with that approach is the tires you have. I think your going to have clearence issues if you lower the front and try to run 31" tires.


You need to take a look at your rear springs and see if they are sagging or any leafs are broken. You may have to consider raising the rear if you want to have a level truck "and" keep the tall tires....

[Tx Firefighter]

New rear coil springs should help considerably. Blazer rear springs tend to sag pretty heavily over the years compared to trucks.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

New rear coil springs should help considerably.

Tx I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that does this. Look at his post again. I'm new to this site and a new owner of a 77 jimmy 2wd Which means it would have rear leaf springs, but you already know that since you built one for your wife...

[smokekiki]

Originally Posted by 71swb4x4

You can get 2" drop springs from Summit for less than $200. I have heard a lot of great feedback about them.
You could do drop spindles instead. Then you would be keep your stock springs, etc.
Both are fairly inexpensive.

$87.39 for 2" springs from summit! #SUM-G727

[Peregrine]

Could it have big block springs in it? My dads 82 does (accidently) and it sits a lot higher than it should in the front cause it's a small block.

[71swb4x4]

Jim
Do you have any pictures of the Jimmy?

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Tx I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that does this. Look at his post again. I'm new to this site and a new owner of a 77 jimmy 2wd Which means it would have rear leaf springs, but you already know that since you built one for your wife...

I have no good excuse. I look at her Blazer in the driveway every day, plus I have had the rear leafs out of that truck about 3 times in the past. You'd think I wouldn't have brain fade.

By the way, our Blazer sat several inches lower in the back than the front when we first got it. The springs take a beating from all the weight of a Blazer as compared to a truck.

[Jim Mac]

Thanks for the input, I don't have any pictures yet, I just bought a digital camera and still trying to figure it out. Since the rear shocks on this thing is bad and needs to be replaced could I just install a pair of air shocks? I've got them in my 71 camaro and 72 el camino, or is the jimmy too heavy in the rear? Thanks for any info and I'll post some pics soon. Jim

[Tx Firefighter]

You can get springs re-arched for 100 to 125 per pair at a local spring shop. Just take the springs to them and tell them how much you want it raised. Make sure and measure both sides of the truck to see how much it needs raised. My wife's 77 Blazer had sagged an extra inch on one side compared to the other. The guys at the spring shop can re-arch them to level them out again.

The air shocks are a crutch. You'll be much happier with fixing the springs correctly.

[Fat Tom]

Rearching springs never lasts for too long, they will find they're way back to the old sagged out spot that they started in, and it won't take too long either.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by Fat Tom

Rearching springs never lasts for too long, they will find they're way back to the old sagged out spot that they started in, and it won't take too long either.

I haven't ever experienced that. Mine have stayed where I want them to be.