smoothest riding lift kit??

[Jason71k10]

opinions wanted: who makes the nicest riding lift?

I'm thinking on a 4" lift, but I still want to enjoy driving my truck, not crash through every pot hole on the street. btw, it will see mostly streets too.....might get off road a bit before the frame-up resto, but after that, NO way also, It'll be on my 71 half ton.

let's here it!

Jason

[Jason71k10]

Because I like the look of a lifted truck, that's why. And with all due respect, I asked who makes the smoothest ride, not whether or not I should get a lift

[Jason71k10]

Thanks, chevyguybc, I thought that too, but I don't think I want to go with blocks if I get a 4 inch lift......maybe blocks with a 2.5 though. I guess I should've been more specific too....I was more or less asking what company makes the smoothest riding kit(s).

[Stocker]

I installed Skyjacker Softride 2.5" front springs on my 72 K20 in 1997, because my OEM springs had sagged. The kit came with rear blocks but since I have add-a-leafs in back, I never installed the blocks. I'm quite pleased with them; the ride is great, very comfortable, and the only thing I might change is to remove the rear add-a-leafs and put the blocks in, since I rarely haul heavy loads any more. BTW the springs came with red poly bushings, and all hardware appears to be top-notch quality.

[Pont]

I'll second the Skyjacker SoftRide lift. I'm running an 8" on mine (with custom made rear springs to ride like the fronts) and it rides better now than it did stock. Mine also came with the red poly bushings. Very happy with mine.

[DaHateTank]

I wouldn't run blocks unless you have to. My POS has 4" blocks in the back, and 2-1/2" add-a-leafs, and it axle hops somethin' fierce. If you do have to use them, you might wanna think about some kinda traction bar setup...

If it were me, Id probably get a shackle flip for the back, and a new set of stock springs

ORD sells shackle lift kits...interesting info at the very least:
http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/shacklekit.htm

for the front a 4" lift spring would be necessary...

According to the guys at C/K5, and Off Road Design, Tuff Country sells the softest lift springs. BUT they're after flex, not smooth ride. However, one would think that softer springs should ride better, within reason. My friend has TC 6" springs on his truck, and its pretty flexy.

I too, have heard good things about the 'Softride' springs.

My truck has 6" superlifts on it, and it rides like a jackhammer!!

-M

[Scrub]

Pavement Princess? WTF

Go for the lift, It makes oil changes easier and the view is better!

I am thinking that a new set of stock springs might cost more than a 4 inch lift.... I would buy front springs and do a shackle flip.

I was told that Skyjacker was the softest, but they have different kits too. (I think) get the 1/2 ton softride kit.

Good Luck

[Jason71k10]

chevyguy, I said AFTER I do a restore!!!...why would I spend thousands of dollars making my truck look and perform like brand new, and then go beat it in the bush??? If that makes sense to you, then go for it, but don't judge me because I want my truck to look good after all the hard work I put into it!!

[CUSTOM/10]

I just finished putting a 2.5" Skyjacker soft ride in my 72 swb, and like the ride. It's softer than the stock springs but still is able to handle some decent weight. I had it loaded up with green firewood a couple of weeks ago, without any problems. My kit included front & rear springs.

Gary

[Coma]

Skyjacker, BDS, or Tuff Country all ride good.

[fast14]

How do you know when your leaf springs are wore out?? It seems like my truck rides pretty good just driving it but when i put a trailer on it with a car it really squats. Do you all think lift springs would help or should i go with a set of helper springs?? I'm also thinking of lifting my truck. After reading about that shackle flip kit i'm seriously thinking of going that route.

[smokekiki]

Try this for a shackle kit....http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/shacklekit.htm I have a 4" tuff country E-Zride lift,with rear springs,that rides better than stock.It is on my 72 restofied blazer "pavement princess".

[Bram]

I put the Skyjacker SoftRide 2.5 inch lift on my 72 3/4 ton 4x4 and I was very impressed with ride. It road as good if not better than my 2002 GMC on our dirt roads. My lift did not come with any blocks for the back it's all springs. Highly recommend it.

[bouncytruck]

Just don't go RANCHO. I have a 6" Rancho w/rear blocks and it is stiff. That's why my wife named my truck BouncyTruck!

I have heard good things about Skyjacker SoftRide lifts on this board and CK5.com. If I ever switch, that is what I'll do.

[DaHateTank]

Originally posted by ChevyGuyBC
he says it will never be offroad again so i say go blocks because they are cheap and keep the suspensiuon soft which is what your pavement princess needs

heh heh heh...yeah, that's what I mean. My truck axle-hops, on pavement. Its NOT good!

-Marty

[Stocker]

Originally posted by fast14
How do you know when your leaf springs are wore out?? It seems like my truck rides pretty good just driving it but when i put a trailer on it with a car it really squats. Do you all think lift springs would help or should i go with a set of helper springs??

My front were shot - sagging and I only had 7/8" to the bumpstops - bottoming out all the time. Lot of folks said to re-arch the springs, but lot of folks also said they wouldn't last long. My new Softride 2.5" put me at 3.75" from the bumpstops, and ride is much better.

It sounds like you may need new rear spring packs, but if they seem okay when not towing, I'd leave 'em and get overloads like those from Hellwig. They'll help you carry heavy loads much better than add-a-leafs, and won't affect the ride when empty or not towing.

Lift springs or shackle flip won't give you any more load carrying capability.