Lowering the lift - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CG · 02-23-2016, 12:36 AM

So my new K20 is a four inch lift. I want to go down to 2.5 inch. Ive had the Skyjacker softride set up before in 2.5 inch and I liked it. All springs, no blocks.

So I looked em up .. sticker shock! LOL, they are way more expensive then they were "back in the day" Plus I only saw the rear leafs with blocks.

So now Im thinking if I have to spend that much money maybe there is something I can do to put longer springs in. I had a 73 K20 and that thing road so much nicer than the 72 and older.

I have no idea if its possible to put later springs in and keep the lift at 2.5 inches. Honestly Im no suspension expert, if its bolt in I can do it. But I don't know all the ins and outs of spring lengths or even where to look to figure this conversion out.

Can some one point me?

**special-K** · 02-23-2016, 08:04 AM

To mount the '73-up front springs the rear mount gets moves back. This is where the frame drops down to where it runs straight back. So, the point where the mount will be located is about 2" lower. I guess that nets a 1" lift? I see people say you get 2" but not sure who's thinking is right. In my mind the back of the spring drops 2" while the front stays in the same place, so wouldn't the whole assembly "pivot" with the axle in the middle netting about 1/2 the distance? If those who have done this say they got 2" lift, then there is the front taken care of. If it's 1", that's not enough and not sure how to get another 1-1.5". Let's see what others say. People also use even longer 52" rear springs. That will ride softer yet, but not sure about about lift numbers.

On the rear, changing to Suburban springs (56" vs 52") gives a better ride, but has no effect on height. 2" blocks are acceptable in my book.

ryanroo · 02-23-2016, 08:42 AM

I have never tried that swap, but i agree with special-k. if only one mounting point is moved down, net lift is half the move. there may be some additional lift just from the spring.

swamp rat · 02-24-2016, 01:13 AM

Wes at Classic Heartbeat did this to a customers truck about a year ago, not sure of the brand springs but if i recall correctly there were no block involved.

Or maybe call these guys, least there local and they make them.

http://gittspring.com/contact-us/
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02-23-2016, 12:36 AM	#1
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 20,034	Lowering the lift So my new K20 is a four inch lift. I want to go down to 2.5 inch. Ive had the Skyjacker softride set up before in 2.5 inch and I liked it. All springs, no blocks. So I looked em up .. sticker shock! LOL, they are way more expensive then they were "back in the day" Plus I only saw the rear leafs with blocks. So now Im thinking if I have to spend that much money maybe there is something I can do to put longer springs in. I had a 73 K20 and that thing road so much nicer than the 72 and older. I have no idea if its possible to put later springs in and keep the lift at 2.5 inches. Honestly Im no suspension expert, if its bolt in I can do it. But I don't know all the ins and outs of spring lengths or even where to look to figure this conversion out. Can some one point me? __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

02-23-2016, 08:04 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Lowering the lift To mount the '73-up front springs the rear mount gets moves back. This is where the frame drops down to where it runs straight back. So, the point where the mount will be located is about 2" lower. I guess that nets a 1" lift? I see people say you get 2" but not sure who's thinking is right. In my mind the back of the spring drops 2" while the front stays in the same place, so wouldn't the whole assembly "pivot" with the axle in the middle netting about 1/2 the distance? If those who have done this say they got 2" lift, then there is the front taken care of. If it's 1", that's not enough and not sure how to get another 1-1.5". Let's see what others say. People also use even longer 52" rear springs. That will ride softer yet, but not sure about about lift numbers. On the rear, changing to Suburban springs (56" vs 52") gives a better ride, but has no effect on height. 2" blocks are acceptable in my book. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-23-2016, 08:42 AM	#3
ryanroo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: sw colorado Posts: 2,720	Re: Lowering the lift I have never tried that swap, but i agree with special-k. if only one mounting point is moved down, net lift is half the move. there may be some additional lift just from the spring. __________________ 72 K20 12v build 72 K20 "parts truck" A place for your diesel swap questions

02-24-2016, 01:13 AM	#4
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	Re: Lowering the lift Wes at Classic Heartbeat did this to a customers truck about a year ago, not sure of the brand springs but if i recall correctly there were no block involved. Or maybe call these guys, least there local and they make them. http://gittspring.com/contact-us/ . . . __________________ Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's



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