Big Block coil springs in small block 2wd truck for winch?

[RamAirZ]

Hey guys, I have an 85' Suburban 1500 2wd that I am swapping over 3/4ton running gear onto. Anyone have any advice on the coil springs? My truck has a small block in it and I will be retaining it in the future (well 6.0L LSX but still similar in weight), but I will be adding a winch to it soon and wondering if I should swap the springs over from the big block during the rest of my swap. I just picked up a winch bumper for it that's pretty heavy but the winch won't be on for a little while and just concerned with how the ride will be up front. Do any of you think it will be too rough? (I know on my hot rods, big block springs in a small block car make them sit higher and ride a bit rougher, the higher part is fine by me on the truck, the rougher thing is what I'm thinking about). In theory this should be a good swap for my 2wd to make up for the added weight of the winch and I'm also going to throw a 1in coil spacer up front to gain a little more height. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[N2TRUX]

It sounds like you might need the heavier springs with the additional weight of the bumper and winch. Springs are easy enough to change if its not the right choice.

[RamAirZ]

That's what I was thinking. I'm gonna put them in with the spacers when I swap everything over. I'm thinking I may end up throwing some Fabtech coils under there down the line too, and would go with there HD spring (meant for the 454 and diesel). Like you said, not hard to change if I don't like em'. Just thought I'd see if anyone else had any experience on these trucks. Kinda funny, but this is only the 2nd 2wd truck I've ever owned, the only other one was an 88' F350 crew cab dually, it just hauled crap for us. All of my trucks have been 4x4.

[flamingbig10]

the big block coils, hd coils, and one ton coils usually raise the front end about 2" with a small block

[54Caddy]

does your ride handle better with the heavier duty springs? was thinking of cutting some 3/4 ton springs down for my truck.

[Prerunner1982]

I had HD front coils on my 82 2wd for 10 years and I never thought it road rough... maybe I was just use to it. I was however also running larger tires. As mentioned the HD coils will raise the front about 2". I would put the bumper and winch on it first (with HD coils) before adding any coil spacers. The coil spacers won't do anything but make the ride worse, especially with already stiffer HD coils.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 54Caddy

does your ride handle better with the heavier duty springs? was thinking of cutting some 3/4 ton springs down for my truck.

No, it won't if you cut them down. I would cut 1/2t springs and run them instead.

[Tony@AirRideTech]

I wouldnt be concerned with it lifting it up... if you look at the math your doing the right thing. The weight difference between the big block / diesel vs a small blaock will average 2-300lbs.... by the time you throw a wich bumper and a winch, plus its mounted further forward over the wheels.... I bet you will be right back on the money.

[RamAirZ]

That's what I was figuring. I figured it would lift it a little at first but in the end it would put me right back where I am.