67-68 lift kits (rear leaf compatability?) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hifiguy · 09-11-2002, 04:55 PM

I've got a 68 suburban that I want to put a 4" lift kit on. I don't want to use rear blocks as my springs are a bit tired, so I'd like to replace the rear springs. The problem is that supposedly the rear springs from a 67-68 are different than 69-72. I was wondering what kind of lifts everyone is using in their 67-68's, or what kind of modifications are necessary to fit a different spring in. Mine is a 1/2 ton, and I would like to use a softride type spring not heavy duty. Any recommendations would be helpful. Also what kind of front springs are decent? And finally does anyone have a front driver side leaf spring mount for the front axle of a '68 for sale? Mine has been replaced with one that is not correct and I'd like to fix it.

**JIMs70GMC** · 09-11-2002, 08:10 PM

Your best bet would be a shackle flip from off-road design. That will give you a good 4". if it's still a little saggy you could then add ORD's 1" block, which can also be used to move the rear-end back 1" because the shackle flip moves it forward. If that makes sense. Try www.offroaddesign.com and www.coloradok5.com for more info. Colorado K5 is a site for all solid front axle GM trucks, blazers, and subs.
Welcome to the board!

Pont · 09-12-2002, 03:34 AM

hifiguy, welcome to the board.

Best info I have after doing all my research, is that no lift manufacturer makes a rear spring for 67-68 vehicles. 69 up are 52" from eye to eye and the axle centering pin is offset from center. 67-68's are 56" eye to eye and the axle centering pin is centered. You could buy the 69 up springs and relocate your spring hangers or you could buy the shackle flip but that doesn't get you new springs. The problem I struggled with on a 69 up spring is that they are shorter, and I figured shorter would mean a harsher ride. So, I had my rear springs made by National Spring in California. They charge $100/inch for the pair. 4" would mean $400 for a pair of new rear leafs, and they make them to your specs. Heavy hauling, soft ride, etc. As far as my front springs go, I went with Skyjacker Softrides and I like them. After adding Rancho RS9000 shocks, mine now rides better with an 8" lift than it did stock.

I could have gone the less expensive route and ran the later model shorter springs, but I'm glad I didn't.

09-11-2002, 04:55 PM	#1
hifiguy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 8	67-68 lift kits (rear leaf compatability?) I've got a 68 suburban that I want to put a 4" lift kit on. I don't want to use rear blocks as my springs are a bit tired, so I'd like to replace the rear springs. The problem is that supposedly the rear springs from a 67-68 are different than 69-72. I was wondering what kind of lifts everyone is using in their 67-68's, or what kind of modifications are necessary to fit a different spring in. Mine is a 1/2 ton, and I would like to use a softride type spring not heavy duty. Any recommendations would be helpful. Also what kind of front springs are decent? And finally does anyone have a front driver side leaf spring mount for the front axle of a '68 for sale? Mine has been replaced with one that is not correct and I'd like to fix it.

09-11-2002, 08:10 PM	#2
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Your best bet would be a shackle flip from off-road design. That will give you a good 4". if it's still a little saggy you could then add ORD's 1" block, which can also be used to move the rear-end back 1" because the shackle flip moves it forward. If that makes sense. Try www.offroaddesign.com and www.coloradok5.com for more info. Colorado K5 is a site for all solid front axle GM trucks, blazers, and subs. Welcome to the board! __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

09-12-2002, 03:34 AM	#3
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	hifiguy, welcome to the board. Best info I have after doing all my research, is that no lift manufacturer makes a rear spring for 67-68 vehicles. 69 up are 52" from eye to eye and the axle centering pin is offset from center. 67-68's are 56" eye to eye and the axle centering pin is centered. You could buy the 69 up springs and relocate your spring hangers or you could buy the shackle flip but that doesn't get you new springs. The problem I struggled with on a 69 up spring is that they are shorter, and I figured shorter would mean a harsher ride. So, I had my rear springs made by National Spring in California. They charge $100/inch for the pair. 4" would mean $400 for a pair of new rear leafs, and they make them to your specs. Heavy hauling, soft ride, etc. As far as my front springs go, I went with Skyjacker Softrides and I like them. After adding Rancho RS9000 shocks, mine now rides better with an 8" lift than it did stock. I could have gone the less expensive route and ran the later model shorter springs, but I'm glad I didn't. Attached Images __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"



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