Ride Height Question

[chevypete396]

Does any one know the difference in the ride height of a '68 ¾-ton 4x4 and a 68 ½- ton 4x4 with the same size tires?

I have a 3/4-ton and want to lift it 2.5 inches with blocks. I want to ditch the 3/4-ton springs for 1/2-ton springs for a better ride.

I am asking because I don't want to install the 1/2 springs w/ 2.5 inch blocks and end up with the same ride height I have now :p... Chevy Pete.

[JIMs70GMC]

Front and rear? In the rear there were several different spring rates available as well as HD springs that would have been listed on the glove box option sheet. For the front it was either 2 leaves or the 3 leaves HD option for either 1/2 or 3/4 ton. What are you using up front to lift? Does your 3/4 ton have a 1" block from the factory in the rear?

[toddol1971]

Ya know, I have been wandering this myself. I do know that whenever i have looked up lift kits for my 3/4 ton 4x4 that they always list 1/2 & 3/4 tons as the same part #. This tells me that there using a 1/2 ton, or less spring rate. If you go this route you'll not be able to haul as much weight as you could have with the stock springs. I am trying to figure this same dillema out for myself. Theres a place called Eaton Detroit Spring that makes orig springs for our trucks, & can make them any way you want them, up to 3" of lift. I think I will be going this route, only I want my spring rate just a little less than the 3/4 ton, cause I will be putting Firestone ride rites on to help with a load. I also think 33" tires look to small with a 4" lift. At least the BFG's do Parnelli Jones Dirt Grips look ok however. This is because PJDG's 33" tires are taller than the BFG's. I am still debating on a few things myself. As far as the stock height diff. I'd say it wouldnt be more than an 1" or so. I would think most of the diff would be that the 3/4 ton springs dont squat as much. I hope this helped ya out. Good luck

[chevypete396]

That’s my issue. I want to use 33-inch tires. From the pictures I have seen the 2-2.5 inch looks the best with 33-inch tires.

"Does your 3/4 ton have a 1" block from the factory in the rear?"

No I don't think so. I will be using the 1/2 ton 2.5 inch lift springs in the front and blocks in the rear. If they list the same part number for 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton then I guess that answers my question. The ride heights must be the same. I also want to keep from having to change my drive shaft lengths and steering linkage. Is it possible to do properly with a 2.5 inch lift?

I am not concerned with load ratings but with ride quality. I just like to have the axle strength of a ¾ ton truck… Chevy Pete.

[toddol1971]

Your driveshaft would be ok all the way up to a 6" lift. At 4" they recommend a drop steering arm & longer brake lines. At 3" and under you just need the lift springs, & tires. Just an FYI, orig springs that have been in service for 30 + yrs will be fatigued & should be replaced to restore ride/load characteristics. Also putting new rear springs from a lift company will ride better than stock, because they design them to be so.

[Dwaynes56&68]

Just my 2 bits, but I put skyjacker 2 1/2 springs on my 68, 1/2 ton shorty. The ride is way better than the original 3 spring stock HD stuff. It lifted my truck 3 1/2 inches but settled a touch after about 2 months. I think the added lift was from my front springs and bushings being clapped out. Anyways I put offroad design shackles on the front that are just like 1/2 inch longer and it to also helped with the ride quality. On the rear I just bought 3/4 ton replacment springs from a local spring maker and added a 2 inch block and I am sitting level.

[Yukon Jack]

Not for a 68, but in 1969 the top of the cab on a K10 was 72 1/2" from the ground with factory tires, while a K20 was 74".