Front suspension question for Cummins swap

[1972K20]

Hey guys, what kind of leaf springs are you guys putting up front when you do a Cummins swap?

[ryanroo]

Originally Posted by 1972K20

Hey guys, what kind of leaf springs are you guys putting up front when you do a Cummins swap?

usually a swap will require a lift of some measure. depending on the amount of extra work and involvement, i think you could operate well with a 2.5" lift. i had my engine placed with 4" springs and it was fine. i also have a ford front axle so my fitment is a little different. you can do a lot of things the hard way and make about anything work...

now the other side of that question is what brand. i do not believe rancho makes a spring for this truck, but if so i would start there. after that, i have personal experience with skyjacker and tough country. skyjacker was 8" spring and that is rough no matter what, but not terribly so with these. the tough countries are on the truck i drive every day. a 72 k20 that is basically stock other than the lift and 33"s. not the greatest ride. not so bad i hate it, but a little choppy at times. holding another 600+lbs of powertrain above them, they may do real well. as always, having a custom spring tailored to your needs will be the best. never had the time or cash to go that route myself.

[1972K20]

Thanks for your input.

I was discussing a Cummins swap with someone who has done these and he said a stock Chevy spring would not hold the extra weight.

What I have in mind is a Cummins with a stock height, but I want it to be stout. I was told you need the extra lift to make it work.

[Dieselwrencher]

If you use a D60 and stock height, you will need oil pan mods and things will be tight. Like Ryan said, a 2.5" lift you can get by with. I have rough country 4" lift springs on the longhorn, and these springs were previously on my brother's 88 V30 which had a cummins. They handled fine. I wouldn't hesitate buying any from skyjacler, rough country, or even using a heavy duty 4 spring stock replacement, but the ride will suffer greatly with those.

[C20scott]

I used the Tuff Country HD 4" lift springs on the front of mine. They barely even deflected under the fully dressed weight of the 6BT and were so rigid that when i jumped on the bumper with all my weight, i could get about 1/2" of movement(if that). I ended up taking the shortest leaf out and effectively made them the "EZ Ride" version. I am satisfied with them now.

My unvalued opinion would be to NOT go with the "HD" springs if you choose to go with Tuff Country. Having a stiff front suspension is the worst... You can always re-evaluate your ride height after the engine is sitting where you want it, not the end of the world.