What to do, what to do? Rear lift question

[Critter]

Here's the background, I just got the 78 in my signature and plan to have a little fun with it but do it on a pretty low budget. As my sig says, its a 78 K20, 454 4-speed. I will need to pull a bumper-pull trailer from time to time and possibly even a gooseneck here and there (it already has a hitch in the bed). My plan is a 4 inch lift with 33 inch all terrain tires. In the front, obviously will be new lift spring, but what do I do with the back? I can't get a straight answer from anyone as to whether or not aftermarket rear lift springs can be bought in a 3/4 ton capacity or if they are all basically 1/2 tons. So vote and let me know, keeping in mind frugalness, the fact that I want to keep my 3/4 ton capacity, and some trailer pulling from time to time...lets say no more than 6000 lbs.

[Jtrux]

I didn't see the option for lighting it on fire and pushing it off a cliff so I chose HD springs.

[USSkoval]

What length are your springs? 56? I think any rear lift spring is going to ride stiffer than stock. I don't think a replacement 56" is going to be built with a 1/2 ton in mind, no matter who makes it. Nearly all 1/2 tons used 52's.

[Critter]

Originally Posted by USSkoval

What length are your springs? 56? I think any rear lift spring is going to ride stiffer than stock. I don't think a replacement 56" is going to be built with a 1/2 ton in mind, no matter who makes it. Nearly all 1/2 tons used 52's.

I have a terrible memory, but aren't all 73-87 rear springs 56" regardless of tonnage? 67-72 rears are all 52.

That's why front lift spring kits with rear blocks are all the same for 67-87, but a full lift kit including rear springs is a different part number from 72-73.

[USSkoval]

Originally Posted by Critter

I have a terrible memory, but aren't all 73-87 rear springs 56" regardless of tonnage? 67-72 rears are all 52.

That's why front lift spring kits with rear blocks are all the same for 67-87, but a full lift kit including rear springs is a different part number from 72-73.

Nope, most 1/2 tons use 52" rears for '73-'87. Also, I could have swore '67-'72 front springs were a little shorter than '73 and up. I could be wrong though.

[Bo Duke]

Originally Posted by Critter

keeping in mind frugalness, the fact that I want to keep my 3/4 ton capacity, and some trailer pulling from time to time

If the stock springs aren't sagged out, then there's no reason to get rid of them. I vote shackle flip. You keep your weight capacity and save money.
Buying front lift springs is the easiest option, but look into the B52 swap.You can run used stock rear 52" half ton springs up front and gain 4" of lift. It takes a little fab work, but you'll have more flex and a better ride than any lift spring will give you.

[martindc1]

My old 01 Cummins Dodge had some huge lift blocks in the rear stock, and it was ok.

But my vote was for keep it at stock height, but thats just the way I am. On my truck I'm going to do an add-a-leaf in the rear to bring it up a bit and keep the stock height in the front.

[Eturnit3]

shackle flip ftw

[Oilbrnr]

Get 4" springs and add the bottom leaf off of the originals. I would not do shackle flips for towing. Not to mention, the springs are probably tired anyway.

[martindc1]

In practice, can these springs really get tired? I know some tend to say over time, but on the other hand the springs on my 67 seem to be going strong.

One thing with the shackle flip is that it will shift your rear axle forward some.

[Critter]

Originally Posted by Oilbrnr

I would not do shackle flips for towing.

Why is that???

Originally Posted by martindc1

One thing with the shackle flip is that it will shift your rear axle forward some.

That's what zero rates are for.