72 Chevy K10 Leaf springs/ Shocks

[89Chevy]

Hey got a random question that might be pretty dumb. Attempting to do some work on my K10 suspension. I have to replace my leaf springs/ shocks and not sure if i have to size them out before getting new ones? I know the truck currently has a lift but not exactly sure how or if I have to measure it. Also any recommendations on brands for Shocks and Springs. It’s my everyday driver, but I use the truck 4x4 for camping in mountains and crawling in sand.

[Matt Man]

Originally Posted by 89Chevy

Hey got a random question that might be pretty dumb. Attempting to do some work on my K10 suspension. I have to replace my leaf springs/ shocks and not sure if i have to size them out before getting new ones? I know the truck currently has a lift but not exactly sure how or if I have to measure it. Also any recommendations on brands for Shocks and Springs. It’s my everyday driver, but I use the truck 4x4 for camping in mountains and crawling in sand.

I would get the tuff country EZ ride springs with bilstein shocks one of the best off the shelf springs.

[Richard]

If you actually want a better ride I would not recommend any on the shelf spring. The leaf packs are short on these old trucks. Here is a thread in the Blazer section to take a look at https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=801644 Personally I would stay away from any gas charged shocks as well, unless you are doing some hard fast off roading. They will just make the ride firm. The Bilstein 5100's may be okay with a soft spring. A twin tube Hydraulic will be fine for everyday use and offer a much better ride. There is a reason I am putting 99+ type leafs on the back of my K10 as they are a foot longer. I am also using Deavers which use more thinner leafs than a traditional spring. Atlas leafs are made the same. If staying with the stock hangers and you truly want to improve the ride check out the thread I pointed out. Nice leaf packs will cost a bit but you will not be sorry. Addtionally, polly bushings will tighten up suspension/handling but will also transmit more into the vehicle. Looks like maybe a 4" lift on the truck. Look at the blocks in the back. If they are about 2.5'-3" it is a 4" lift.

[89Chevy]

Right on Guys really appreciate the info! Yeah I got Springs on front and back and didnt like the idea of mix and matching, but it sounds like that’s the way to go! I was looking at the bilstein 5100 and tough country springs. But after hearing Richard side I gotta do alil more research! Mahalo Nui for the info
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[west9378]

I just got off the phone with Tyron at Alcan Spring looking to do custom springs for my 71 K10 I feel very confident they will make a nice spring that will hold the load and yet ride much better. Good informative talk.

[52napco]

I just ordered ALCANS front and rear for my Blazer and have used them in the past
And love their springs..best money you can spend IMO.
I'm taking a 4" tiff country off my Blazer and will sell the kit if you want them.

[KyFarm]

My '69 K10 leans way forward so I am very interested in new springs,

Does Alcan sell the necessary parts to fix steering geometry change or just the springs?

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by KyFarm

My '69 K10 leans way forward so I am very interested in new springs,

Does Alcan sell the necessary parts to fix steering geometry change or just the springs?

Last week I got a quote from Alcan for (4) 4” OE weight capacity springs. There was no mention in there email about the steering arm or pitman. Only springs, ubolts, hardware and shipping. For what it’s worth they quoted me about 1400+ shipping. (I live close enough that if/when I pull the trigger I’ll pick them up)

[KyFarm]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

Last week I got a quote from Alcan for (4) 4” OE weight capacity springs. There was no mention in there email about the steering arm or pitman. Only springs, ubolts, hardware and shipping. For what it’s worth they quoted me about 1400+ shipping. (I live close enough that if/when I pull the trigger I’ll pick them up)

thanks, thats pretty proud but I like the idea of them customizing the springs to exactly what you want. I'm gonna need more info though on getting everything I need. Springs wont do you any good if it wrecks your steering geometry
.

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by KyFarm

thanks, thats pretty proud but I like the idea of them customizing the springs to exactly what you want. I'm gonna need more info though on getting everything I need. Springs wont do you any good if it wrecks your steering geometry
.

How high are you wanting to go with it?

[KyFarm]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

How high are you wanting to go with it?

I just want to get it level. It has a pronounced lean forward. 1" block under rear springs which I believe are stock.

[57taskforce]

If all your trying to do is bring the front end up 1” from factory height you won’t need any steering corrections. Neither of my K trucks have a factory rear block FYI.

[KyFarm]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

If all your trying to do is bring the front end up 1” from factory height you won’t need any steering corrections. Neither of my K trucks have a factory rear block FYI.

I have definitely hi-jacked this thread and I apologize for that.

So, I think its gonna take more than 1" to get close to level. with a 4' level on the bedside top rail, it takes 1 1/4" raise to get to level and that's in 4'.

So I'd think its gonna be a 2" lift.

you believe this rear block is NOT stock?