New technology suspension

[timcos]

This might have to be moved to the Suspension end of things but I think it will get more visibility here.

As you can see in my sig I have a K10.

Stock shocks, leafs and whatever other stuff is stock.

If the front and rear end (not differentials) were rebuilt using new technology, what would that new technology be. I still desire stock ride height and a nice roadability ride for a 4x4. Nothing radical just updated in time.

Thanks,

Tim

[GREASEMONKEY72]

shocks, springs, geomitry possibley, better steering, better ride and better wheeling ability

[timcos]

Thanks,

I know those are the parts...but what is new technology over stock parts. How do I make those things better?

[GREASEMONKEY72]

new tech steering would be rack and pinion, new brakes to, if you want the new tech on the truck just buy brand new parts and put them on the truck and youll have the new tech fairly easy

[timcos]

ttt

[1969k10stepside]

You could add hydraulic assist power steering.

[timcos]

I do have Power steering now (stock) is there something different or better?

Tim

[1969k10stepside]

Hydraulic assist steering systems often deliver between 100-150% more hydraulic turning force (depending on the application) over a stock setup. Something that I should mention is that hydraulic assist steering is just that, it assists the mechanical steering system, it does not replace it like a full hydraulic system would, thus hydraulic assist steering is street legal.
This is done using your original steering box that is sent off,and modified,and shipped back along with the rest of the parts.It's really not needed unless its a off-roader but you could add this if you feel like its needed.
Here is some pics of what the set-up looks like.

[timcos]

That looks cool. I am all on the street...unless the situation calls for it...and hey you never know.

Tim

[Zoomad75]

I think what he's going after is what is the new technology to make his 4x4 ride better. In my mind you can do it a couple of ways. One, stay with the leaf spring suspension, but upgrade to new soft-riding springs. Belive it or not, leaf spring tech has advanced over the 60's. Now you see a more rounded cut to the leafs with anti-friction pads between each. this allows the springs to move easier and therefor a smoother ride. Add to that a tight new steering gear and the right parts for the steering correction and you should have a nice riding/driving 4x4. IMHO, you don't need to upgrade to hydro assist on the steering if you are staying low on the lift (2-4") or have 35" tall tires or smaller, or don't wheel the snot out of it.

For the back, to keep the leafs, use a shackle flip kit from ORD, SKY or DIY4X. You'll get a much better ride out back with the stock springs.

The other way to go is to ditch the leaf springs all together and use coil-over shocks with a 4 link control arm setup. This requires a bunch of modifications including a mandatory change to cross over steering beside the science of setting up a 4 link. Nobody really makes a bolt on kit to convert a solid axle chevy from leafs to the 4 link so you are on your own for the fabrication if you don't farm it out to a shop. expect to spend some serious coin in the process. Lots have done this, but most are dedicated wheelers that made the switch for ease of tuning and better off road articulation. doing it for a street/light trail rig in my mind would be overkill.

If you go look in the suspension area, one member here has coverted a stock 4x4 truck to 4 links front and rear. Instead of coil-over shocks he used air-bags front and rear. His goal was comfort first, not off-road ability, but he did all the work himself and looks to be a good fabricator.