Quote:
Originally Posted by Zoomad75
Looks like a squarbody K chassis under it. Stock front springs have a negative arch which is normal. Problem is the negative arch puts the axle closer to the bump stop, which in your case gives you what looks like maybe an inch or two of up-travel before it hits. That's going to give you a harsh ride hitting the bump stops on the street.
A mild lift is going to give you more up travel and if you go with ones with a soft spring rate the ride quality will improve. Tough Country EZ-rides are soft, Skyjacker softride springs have a low spring rate and ORD sells custom springs to your specs that will ride better than most because of the springs use more leafs that are much thinner.
But to go along with what springs you use, a quality shock is a must. I'm sold on my Bilstiens I got for mine. Night and day difference.
On the rear it's looking like a K20 frame by the longer and thicker leafs and the 14b full floater axle. Best solution to help there is a shackle flip from ORD. That will match the lift without blocks and retain stock spring rate but flex a lot better.
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Good advice on the shackle flip, thank you. Also, I'll be sure to do nice shocks as well. And regarding the bump stop, should I try to remove them and see if it rides better without contacting them? Is it possible to move the bracket up to raise them or does that result in any other issues?
Quote:
Originally Posted by mike16
grease between the leaves in each spring
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Noted, thanks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by special-K
The original leafs on my '72 were so negative I had less than an inch of travel to the bump stops and I swear they never hit. Shocks were shot, too. That thing rode like a moosh bucket, tipped and dipped all around. Could be wrong travel on shocks. Could be he isn't used to how a solid beam/leaf front axle rides. But I guess you've driven it. Try taking the shocks off and driving it, or unbolt one end to measure/observe travel. I see there are two full length leafs under the main leaf. Kinda foggy on this, is that factory or is it normally just one? I think the rear of my '72 K2500 had 5 leafs.
Yes there is a way to gain a softer ride. Swap to 52" (rear) springs
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I agree there definitely is a way the straight axle trucks ride, but for this application we're looking to make it streetable and sacrifice lots of off road capability. I'll give driving without the shocks a try. Thanks.