Where to buy new leaf springs and larger tire size

[cheyenne10]

I want to buy a set of new leaf springs for K20 suburban. My old ones look fairly saggy. Want stock height or a very small increase. Does anyone have a dimension off of the floor of garage up to middle of fender lip on stock truck? This is the best dimension I can think of to compare to what I've got.

Would like move up from LT235/85/16" tires too. I would like a little more diameter and slight width increase. Any recommendations?

[cheyenne10]

Still need good source for stock leaf springs and suggested 16" tire sizes.

thanks.

[cleszkie]

Cheyenne10-

I am selling a 2-year old set of stock rear springs for a 72 Blazer (bought new from LMC). I don't know what the spring length/rate is for your application (probably longer than the blazer springs), but I thought I'd throw that out there.

[cheyenne10]

I saw your post and it looked like good prices on low use parts. Unfortunately I need 3/4 ton stuff for this truck. Thanks anyway.

[GloryHound]

You can try LMC or look in your area phone book under Springs-Automotive-sales & service! Found a whole bunch here! The only thing is make sure you get as many estimates as you can! The price at one shop was $181.00 each while at another they where $64.00 each big differance and both where going to custom make them for me! I let you guess with who I went with?

[cheyenne10]

I haven't made the plunge yet. Sun is starting to shine more, time to get spring upgrades going. I need a source for good quality fair priced 3/4 ton leaf springs for 72 burb and tire size upgrade recomendations from LT235/85/16 to ?

[Phillip Johnson]

Cheyenne,
I just bought a set of 235-85-R-16's at Les Schwab in Grants Pass. I know you are looking fotr a wider tire. I looked at all the lines of tires "Wallmart" offered along with Costco and most of the tires were about 7" of tread width. When I went to look at Schwab, They had a set that was about 9 1/2" wide and snow rated with a really nice tread design. Nothing radical, basically a highway design not to mention when mounted on stock wheels, they stand about 33 inches tall. i have them on a 72 3/4 4x4 with a 4" lift and I think they look great. They also had a 50,000 mile warranty! Im trying to post a picture of them on the truck so you can see for yourself. They ride well also. The tires that were on this truck when I bought it a month ago were 12-50-33/R/16.5 on some of the rusty ugliest chrome spoke wheels that I had ever seen. Im working to restore this truck to orig as possible but I like the lifted look of it. I first thought that 4" would look like a roller skate but, as you can see, these fill in the wheel wells rather well. Im very happy with them

[Phillip Johnson]

Also, there was a guy out on Highway 199 towards Selma that had a set of stock springs that he wanted to trade for the lift that I have on my 72. I declined as I really liked the ride and look of the lift. Its about where I feel the truck should have been from the factory. The Fords of that era, were all taller than the Chevys until about 75 I think. Then they lowered their trucks. Im not sure where you are located in Oregon but if you are in the area, the place with the springs looks like a wrecking yard just past the Applegate river on the right. Good luck.

[cheyenne10]

Phil;

I have a set of stock springs but with age I think they sag too much. I want brand new ones of at least sotck height. On the tires you show and mention, are the ones on white truck the 235/85/16's? Are they the ones at about 33" tall? I was also looking at 265/75/16's but they are actually .1" shorter but wider and seem to fill the whell wells more (optical illusion). I want to keep the stock rims (I think they are 7" rims) but want to sit up tall. My solution is to get the right tires with new springs to look right. I do not want the lifted look rather the highboy look on a suburban with stock tires/wheels. Has anyone mail ordered stock leaf springs with good success and prices?

[Blue_71]

this is a pic of my truck (71 K20) with stock rear springs, and with stock front springs with 3 leaves added to each one ( leaves are from the rear of a 76 2wd, 2 had to be cut off)
it's abotu a 2.5" lift, and the tires are 265/75/16 Mud Kings

[Blue_71]

this kinda shows the width (look under the door, hard to see)

[Phillip Johnson]

The ones on my white 72 are Les Schwab 235-85R16 and are sitting at 33" tall and 9 1/2" wide on stock rims. I have found that sizes between brands will vary quite a bit. Mine are even snow rated! They tried to sell me on the 265's but they were shorter. Then I thought 285's and the guy pulled the 235's I bought and they were the best choice for my truck. They had another brand of 235's that we set along side each other and there was quite a diff. Like I said, diff brands at the same size isnt always the same spec. As for the stock springs, I never was much for the negitive arch on the front spring. You might want to try a 2" lift. Just a slight arch , good ride and new front springs! Ive seen the set available for about $250 a set. I think they were Soft rides.. I know Schwab sells a 2" lift but they would want to install it. Where in Oregon are you located?

[cheyenne10]

Phillip;

what brand and model are the tires your bought from Les? Wild Country, Avon, Toyo or ? I'm up north in Eugene/Springfield area.

thanks for replies. Has anyone ever powder coated their leaf springs before install? (I hate new parts that look rusty after short time of install)!!

[Brad]

Bob, if you'd like I could call the 2 spring shops in PDX and get quotes for you, or I could just get the numbers for you. Also, talk to Mike (70Jimmy) he's doing powder coating and he does a really nice job. He's a good guy to deal with too! He's in Corvallis.

[JIMs70GMC]

I just in stalled 2" of lift (tuff country springs) and 33" Super swampers (almost 34" tall). Check out what pics I have in my link in signature.

[cheyenne10]

Good thoughts. I think my dad had a mechanic that bought some springs out of Portland area I think it was froma a business by the name of Fenz? If you could get me names and phone numbers of companies, I can get ahold of them. I also had thought about Mike (jimmy70) had an older post where he mentioned powder coating setup. I also want to be sure if I go to the expense to coat them that would be the best way.

Brad; I know, I know, I need to get that trip to Portland taken care of and your trying to find me another excuse to come up!!! Good Idea

[Brad]

LOL! Actually, I have been thinking about it again lately.

I'll get those numbers on Thursday when I go up. One of the places is Bentz spring co. and I forget the other. I'll look 'em up.

[Phillip Johnson]

Tires on the white 72 are Les Schwab "Wild Country Radial XTX" 235-85R16