1985 K30 spring choice
 

I'm replacing front and rear springs on my "85 reg cab 454 K30 pickup. My plan is to go with a 4 leaf 1900 up front and either 9/1 3955 or 8/1 3500 at the rear. Right now my truck measures 37" at the front and 39" at the rear fender wells. Compared to the 3500 spring, Is the the 3955 spring going to raise the pickup any higher or just a harsher ride? My goal is to level it out some. I'm looking at General Springs.

Re: 1985 K30 spring choice
 

Belated :welcome2:

Re: 1985 K30 spring choice
 

Thanks, good to be here!!!

Re: 1985 K30 spring choice
 

I like these fellas

https://www.eatondetroitspring.com

Re: 1985 K30 spring choice
 

more leafs and weight capacity = harder ride .

my k30 build i am doing 2600lbs rear springs from a light duty suburban and then a set of firestone air bags to get me more when i need it so my ride is NICE .

and the bags will get me more in the end than just the HD springs in the rear would . but it will ride so much nicer .

Re: 1985 K30 spring choice
 

I have bought several sets of springs from General spring. I put the 3 leaf ones on my K/30 (it's in storage so I don't have the part number) but it did bring the front up just a bit. Here's a picture right after they were installed.

Re: 1985 K30 spring choice
 

I've only bought two sets of springs from General, but I'm pleased with both so far. I put 3,900 pounders under the rear of my C3500 - I can't say how much it increases ride height over the 3,500's because my old springs were shot, but it came up at least 3" and takes exactly 3,000 lbs. in the bed to level the truck out. Empty weight is exactly 5,300 lb. (Though once again I've not changed the front springs yet so it's likely sitting a little lower than original in the front.) I wouldn't say the ride got a lot harsher, but definitely more stable and sure-footed.

I don't have any straight-on side shots of it unloaded but here it is with a ton and a half of gravel in the back. The springs are about 3 years old with 15,000 mi.? on them but I don't believe they've sagged any mentionable amount. If you want me to pull some measurements off it PM me.

Re: 1985 K30 spring choice
 

nice truck man :smoke:

Re: 1985 K30 spring choice
 

Thanks for the replies, a lot of good help on this site!

Re: 1985 K30 spring choice
 

Finally getting to work on my truck and decided to add a 2 1/2 lift with 33's, going to use Skyjacker C125 CK B with new 8/1 leaves in rear with 2" blocks. My truck is a 454 with AC, so I'm guessing it'll raise 2"? Anyone know if I'll have to use a drop pitman arm or lengthen the front driveshaft?

Re: 1985 K30 spring choice
 

New springs and shackles from General Springs and U bolts and saddles from ATSspring both companies were GREAT to deal with, no problems. Had time to do 1 side today, raised truck about a half inch. Going to order the front springs this week, having 2nd thoughts on a lift kit.

Re: 1985 K30 spring choice
 

Man! You did need new springs.
My spring story starts at the end of page 1.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=643974

Re: 1985 K30 spring choice
 

Yeah, I bought an old farm truck, gravel roads and pulling stock trailers it's whole life. Good idea on drilling the saddles, I'll do that to mine when I install the GOV LOK rear this Summer, it's still under a parts suburban. You do impressive work and seek out the good deals!