3/4 ton suspension for a 72 LWB K1500

[zed71]

I am placing my order for parts from a local classic truck distributor.

He's telling me that I should strictly stick to 1/2 ton suspension kits.

However, I will be loading my truck up (1000lbs) and towing a 5000lbs trailer.


- I want to put on a 3/4 ton 2" suspension lift. I may even box the frame.

- He also told me that I can't use the 3/4 ton cab mounts on a 1/2 ton


Is it an easy mod? I don't necessarily want to re-invent the wheel if there's a recipe for a beefed up 1/2 ton that anyone knows of.


Thanks guys!

[onlyifihadachevy]

I would assume the cab mounts (as in bushings) are the same.

The most beefed up halfton axles would be the 6lug dana 44 or 10 bolt with the 3/4 shafts. A common use to save weight low budget offroaders. And a newer semi float 14 bolt. The heavy halfs I think they are called.


I see no reason not to get the 3/4 leafs, except they maybe stiffer. But should be the same length. And will better support the weight that you will be seeing.

[Stocker]

When I got my 2.5" front Softrides, there was just one set made, for either 1/2T or 3/4T trucks. Rear springs can be made just about as soft or as stout as you want them. Since you're planning on carry a load plus pulling a trailer, I would choose something heavier than typical 1/2T rear springs.

[Infanti]

Suspension should be easy to upgrade with 3/4 ton springs.You may want to go with 3/4 ton axles whith bigger brakes.The rear cab mount hieghts are different between 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton frames but the cabs them selves are all the same between 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton.This shouldn't affect what you are trying to do.

[72 CustomCamper]

3/4 ton 2wd and all 4x4 cab mounts are the same...


Chuck

[special-K]

Sounds like you truck shop guy doesn`t know his stuff.That`s all inaccurate info he gave you.He must have been blowin`smoke.Because all he`d have to do is look it up and he`d know.I`ve never seen a lift kit with a tonnage rating.They are either the right length and width or not.That`s all they go by.1/2-1t are the same part#,just need to specify rear leaf length.Only 1/2t 2wd cab mounts are different from the rest.If he doesn`t want to listen to you,let him order them,you return them,and he can get you the correct ones.Might feel good to teach him what he doesn`t know.

[Big-Blue]

Special K is right. I had to custom order my rear 3/4 ton springs from "Suspension King" in PA. Cost more but if you tell them your load criteria, they can design exactly what you want in terms of capacity and lift. Mine are 5" lift and between a 3/4 ton and one ton capacity for less than $600. That included $100 for shipping as I recall! Ubolts and bushings were also included.

There is a place in Colorado a lot of off roaders use. He seems to have a wait list always of a couple of weeks. Google...

[4x4Poet]

I think you have a custom spring need since you know the specific weights your truck will work with. If Canada custom spring makers can't help, check out Alcan Spring for more options and spring making capability than off the shelf spring makers offer.

Alcan routinely asks for vehicle weight front and rear, expected bed load, and tongue weight before they build their springs.

[Big-Blue]

Alcan...that's who I was thinking about...

[zed71]

Thanks guys.

Special K. Good call.

I got a reasonable quote for a 2" lift HD spring kit from Tuff Country

I'm probably going to go with a set of Poly cab mounts from LMC.

I should have this beast on blocks in a couple weeks

[bignbad]

I just got a quote form stanley spring for 6 inch hd 3/4 + but -1ton for a set of four is going to be $600. Thats for a '72 k20 with 52 inch rear springs.You might want to check them out.They 'll make what ever you need