64" springs in a 72 Blazer - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-17-2011, 10:09 PM

I want to put 64" rear springs from a 88-98 Chevy 2500, on the rear of my 72 Blazer. Anybody have any experience doing this? I also want to do the shackle flip.
I got the springs and the front hanger off the 95ish chevy. They are 4/1 and I am gonna remove the 1 (over load). I have them all apart and am wire brushing them and painting. Have new bushings, stock shackle, center bolts (they were metric) and am trying to get the correct wear pads. The spring shop sent me 3 different kinds and all of them were incorrect. Mine are square with a 9/16 nub.

Anyway, how many leaves should I run? Should I find a 5/1 pack?
How far foreward, or backward do I have to move the hangers? It looks like a body mount is gonna be in the way of the front hanger. I want a 20-30 degree angle back for the rear shackle. The rear cross member might need to be relocated.

The 95 spring hanger will have to be spaced out to match the stock front hanger. I dont have a exact measurement yet, but looks like about a 1/2 inch.

I want to keep the axle in the exact same location and have the same 2.5" lift.

Soooo, does anybody have any tech to post up?? Some pictures would be even better.

**special-K** · 08-20-2011, 08:31 AM

I don't know. I hope this helps.

^^^TTT^^^

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-20-2011, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

I don't know. I hope this helps.

^^^TTT^^^

It does help Tim. All I was hearing was......crickets. Are you gonna make the race?

Looks like I will forge ahead and put the info here.
I'm gonna go do my favorite thing. Cut rivets!

snj8198 · 08-20-2011, 11:35 AM

I have read about it on other sites but never experienced it myself. Looks like your paving the way for others who would like to do the same. If you can would you mind snapping some conversion pics and a before and after? I have considered the 63" spring swap on my '71 long box along with 52"s on the front for ride quality with an eye towards load ability.

**special-K** · 08-20-2011, 05:11 PM

I just spent $500 on new 52"ers on my '85 Jimmy where the plan was to simply swap the lift and axles from my dead '91 Suburban. I laid under there and pondered dropping the tank,pulling the bumper and hitch,then those pesky rivets started laughing at me. As I crawled out from under there I even heard "And,don't forget about drilling those 12 holes" followed by more laughter. My money's tight,but I can only take so much. So I went inside and called Suspension Connection with tears of humility still in my eyes.
Yes,I plan on being there for sure!

snj8198 · 08-20-2011, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

I just spent $500 on new 52"ers on my '85 Jimmy where the plan was to simply swap the lift and axles from my dead '91 Suburban. I laid under there and pondered dropping the tank,pulling the bumper and hitch,then those pesky rivets started laughing at me. As I crawled out from under there I even heard "And,don't forget about drilling those 12 holes" followed by more laughter. My money's tight,but I can only take so much. So I went inside and called Suspension Connection with tears of humility still in my eyes.
Yes,I plan on being there for sure!

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-20-2011, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snj8198

I have read about it on other sites but never experienced it myself. Looks like your paving the way for others who would like to do the same. If you can would you mind snapping some conversion pics and a before and after? I have considered the 63" spring swap on my '71 long box along with 52"s on the front for ride quality with an eye towards load ability.

I will post some pictures.
I did 52's on the front last year.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-20-2011, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

then those pesky rivets started laughing at me. As I crawled out from under there I even heard "And,don't forget about drilling those 12 holes" followed by more laughter. My money's tight,but I can only take so much. So I went inside and called Suspension Connection with tears of humility still in my eyes.
Yes,I plan on being there for sure!

I have drilled out several hundred rivets in my time. And I hated every single one. I have it down to a science, but its still not fun. I had this project on the back burner for months, but the hot weather delayed me from starting.

Your coming to the race! Excellent! You guys should throw something together, I will drag you out if it dosent make it.

6 Door King · 08-20-2011, 10:49 PM

Haven't run 64 inch springs on aything, but getting rid of rivets has become a recent favorite passtime. I cut two wedges out of the large side with a cutoff wheel and push the body of the rivet through with my air hammer and pointed tip.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-21-2011, 09:58 PM

I got the hangers off with the help of my buddy Jeff. I did the pass side, he did the driver side.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-21-2011, 10:00 PM

I hate rivets.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-21-2011, 10:04 PM

I might have to relocate the body mount. Or modify the stock hanger. Or make a new hanger. Or.....

snj8198 · 08-21-2011, 10:09 PM

Congrats on your riveting battle!

Where's the center pin sit on the 64's? Who did you go with for the shackle flip?

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-21-2011, 10:10 PM

The one on the left is the front hanger from the 95ish pickup. The one on the right is the 72 Blazer rear hanger. I need to space the 95 out 1/4 to match the 72.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-21-2011, 10:17 PM

Here are the springs from the 95. They came from a 2wd 2500 and were 4/1. I eliminated the over load. No firewood hauling here.
I still need the correct wear pads, and its proving to be difficult.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-21-2011, 10:26 PM

Here are the wear pads. The ones with the sides are no longer available. They go where the band is on the bottom spring. So i cut some UHMW at work and glued them onto the paper thin old ones. The glue to bond UHMW is $70 for a little bottle. My boss said "take a bottle home." We will see if it works.
The spring shop sent me wear pads 3 different times. None of them are correct. I will have to comprise on what ever fits snug in the spring hole, the round ones with the 9/16 pin I think will have to work.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-21-2011, 10:31 PM

Here are the old 2.5" lift springs. When I converted to 52" front springs I had to add the small lift block to help level it out. This will be eliminated now.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-21-2011, 10:35 PM

It looks kind of empty.
I took height measurements and marked the frame and the top of the axle with a plumb bob. So that I can get the axle in the exact same spot, at the same angle.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-21-2011, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snj8198

Congrats on your riveting battle!

Where's the center pin sit on the 64's? Who did you go with for the shackle flip?

The center pin is in the center of the springs, 32".
For the shackle flip I hope to use the 95 hanger in the rear and a stock 4.5" shackle.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-22-2011, 10:14 PM

I put a spring in to eye things up and right away the plan has changed.
I think I will have to fab a front hanger and reuse the rear hanger, only invert it.

**special-K** · 08-23-2011, 08:02 AM

Dang,that's about right under the body mount,huh? Will you plate the inside of the frame to run your spring mount support up the inside? Or,make one to straddle the body mount? Or...? I know you have a plan. Just a minor set-back,right?

We'd get a rig together but you'd lose you whole Maryland fan club. And,we wouldn't have any fans. Just a bunch of Pennsylvanians hollering,"Get that broke down junk outta da way. These ain't no DC potholes here and we ain't got no AAA!"

duallyjams · 08-23-2011, 08:15 AM

Have you looked at a square body hanger ? Tim has some on his burb that he's parting. Whats the date for the race ?

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-23-2011, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Dang,that's about right under the body mount,huh? Will you plate the inside of the frame to run your spring mount support up the inside? Or,make one to straddle the body mount? Or...? I know you have a plan. Just a minor set-back,right?

We'd get a rig together but you'd lose you whole Maryland fan club. And,we wouldn't have any fans. Just a bunch of Pennsylvanians hollering,"Get that broke down junk outta da way. These ain't no DC potholes here and we ain't got no AAA!"

I'm still scratchin my head on the front mount. I think I can squeeze a "Davidson Machine" hanger in there and leave the body mount.

Tim, I'm conifident that your junk would be much better than some of the other junk there. And when your broke down on the track, now your just another obstacle, yelling profanity woulnt do any good. Just smile and wave.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 08-23-2011, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duallyjams

Have you looked at a square body hanger ? Tim has some on his burb that he's parting. Whats the date for the race ?

Hey James! Whats this square body mount look like??
The race is Sept 17th, I will probley leave Thursday morning.

drunkbus · 08-23-2011, 12:18 PM

When I took my springs apart to clean and paint them I researched for days trying to find new wear pads. The only place I could find that had them was Skyjacker and they were a nightmare to deal with. Since you can't order directly from Skyjacker, I placed my order through Summitt and instead of just drop shipping the items from Skyjacker, the idiots at Skyjacker send them to Summitt then Summitt has to process them and then send them back out to the customer which wouldn't be all that bad if the idiots at Skyjacker could get an order right the first time. After eventually receiving my full order of about a dozen wear pads in three different shipments over about a 1 month period I was able to put my springs back together.

08-17-2011, 10:09 PM	#1
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	64" springs in a 72 Blazer I want to put 64" rear springs from a 88-98 Chevy 2500, on the rear of my 72 Blazer. Anybody have any experience doing this? I also want to do the shackle flip. I got the springs and the front hanger off the 95ish chevy. They are 4/1 and I am gonna remove the 1 (over load). I have them all apart and am wire brushing them and painting. Have new bushings, stock shackle, center bolts (they were metric) and am trying to get the correct wear pads. The spring shop sent me 3 different kinds and all of them were incorrect. Mine are square with a 9/16 nub. Anyway, how many leaves should I run? Should I find a 5/1 pack? How far foreward, or backward do I have to move the hangers? It looks like a body mount is gonna be in the way of the front hanger. I want a 20-30 degree angle back for the rear shackle. The rear cross member might need to be relocated. The 95 spring hanger will have to be spaced out to match the stock front hanger. I dont have a exact measurement yet, but looks like about a 1/2 inch. I want to keep the axle in the exact same location and have the same 2.5" lift. Soooo, does anybody have any tech to post up?? Some pictures would be even better. __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania

08-20-2011, 08:31 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer I don't know. I hope this helps. ^^^TTT^^^ __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-20-2011, 11:35 AM	#4
snj8198 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Star Valley, WY Posts: 2,038	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer I have read about it on other sites but never experienced it myself. Looks like your paving the way for others who would like to do the same. If you can would you mind snapping some conversion pics and a before and after? I have considered the 63" spring swap on my '71 long box along with 52"s on the front for ride quality with an eye towards load ability. __________________ Steve 1971 GMC Longbox. Full Roller Stroker 489 w/ FiTech EFI, Chris Straub Cam/NV4500/205/D60/14B w. Grizzly Locker and 4.11's. 2" Lift on 33's

08-20-2011, 05:11 PM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer I just spent $500 on new 52"ers on my '85 Jimmy where the plan was to simply swap the lift and axles from my dead '91 Suburban. I laid under there and pondered dropping the tank,pulling the bumper and hitch,then those pesky rivets started laughing at me. As I crawled out from under there I even heard "And,don't forget about drilling those 12 holes" followed by more laughter. My money's tight,but I can only take so much. So I went inside and called Suspension Connection with tears of humility still in my eyes. Yes,I plan on being there for sure! __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-20-2011, 10:49 PM	#9
6 Door King Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Franklin Virginia Posts: 204	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer Haven't run 64 inch springs on aything, but getting rid of rivets has become a recent favorite passtime. I cut two wedges out of the large side with a cutoff wheel and push the body of the rivet through with my air hammer and pointed tip. __________________ 1954 3100 Nova Subframe, Pontiac Posi, roller for now1967 C-10 SWB 350/350/Posi. Soon to be Crew Cab! 1978 Crew Cab Dually roller 1982 C-30 Rollback, 454, 4 speed 2004 K1500 Suburban Z71 5.3 Kid Mover

08-21-2011, 09:58 PM	#10
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer I got the hangers off with the help of my buddy Jeff. I did the pass side, he did the driver side. Attached Images __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania

08-21-2011, 10:00 PM	#11
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer I hate rivets. Attached Images __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania

08-21-2011, 10:04 PM	#12
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer I might have to relocate the body mount. Or modify the stock hanger. Or make a new hanger. Or..... Attached Images __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania

08-21-2011, 10:09 PM	#13
snj8198 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Star Valley, WY Posts: 2,038	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer Congrats on your riveting battle! Where's the center pin sit on the 64's? Who did you go with for the shackle flip? __________________ Steve 1971 GMC Longbox. Full Roller Stroker 489 w/ FiTech EFI, Chris Straub Cam/NV4500/205/D60/14B w. Grizzly Locker and 4.11's. 2" Lift on 33's

08-21-2011, 10:10 PM	#14
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer The one on the left is the front hanger from the 95ish pickup. The one on the right is the 72 Blazer rear hanger. I need to space the 95 out 1/4 to match the 72. Attached Images __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania

08-21-2011, 10:17 PM	#15
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer Here are the springs from the 95. They came from a 2wd 2500 and were 4/1. I eliminated the over load. No firewood hauling here. I still need the correct wear pads, and its proving to be difficult. Attached Images __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania

08-21-2011, 10:26 PM	#16
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer Here are the wear pads. The ones with the sides are no longer available. They go where the band is on the bottom spring. So i cut some UHMW at work and glued them onto the paper thin old ones. The glue to bond UHMW is $70 for a little bottle. My boss said "take a bottle home." We will see if it works. The spring shop sent me wear pads 3 different times. None of them are correct. I will have to comprise on what ever fits snug in the spring hole, the round ones with the 9/16 pin I think will have to work. Attached Images __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania

08-21-2011, 10:31 PM	#17
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer Here are the old 2.5" lift springs. When I converted to 52" front springs I had to add the small lift block to help level it out. This will be eliminated now. Attached Images __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania

08-21-2011, 10:35 PM	#18
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer It looks kind of empty. I took height measurements and marked the frame and the top of the axle with a plumb bob. So that I can get the axle in the exact same spot, at the same angle. Attached Images __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania

08-22-2011, 10:14 PM	#20
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer I put a spring in to eye things up and right away the plan has changed. I think I will have to fab a front hanger and reuse the rear hanger, only invert it. Attached Images __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania



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08-23-2011, 08:02 AM	#21
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer Dang,that's about right under the body mount,huh? Will you plate the inside of the frame to run your spring mount support up the inside? Or,make one to straddle the body mount? Or...? I know you have a plan. Just a minor set-back,right? We'd get a rig together but you'd lose you whole Maryland fan club. And,we wouldn't have any fans. Just a bunch of Pennsylvanians hollering,"Get that broke down junk outta da way. These ain't no DC potholes here and we ain't got no AAA!" __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-23-2011, 08:15 AM	#22
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer Have you looked at a square body hanger ? Tim has some on his burb that he's parting. Whats the date for the race ? __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change!

08-23-2011, 12:18 PM	#25
drunkbus New Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Coos Bay, OR Posts: 1,077	Re: 64" springs in a 72 Blazer When I took my springs apart to clean and paint them I researched for days trying to find new wear pads. The only place I could find that had them was Skyjacker and they were a nightmare to deal with. Since you can't order directly from Skyjacker, I placed my order through Summitt and instead of just drop shipping the items from Skyjacker, the idiots at Skyjacker send them to Summitt then Summitt has to process them and then send them back out to the customer which wouldn't be all that bad if the idiots at Skyjacker could get an order right the first time. After eventually receiving my full order of about a dozen wear pads in three different shipments over about a 1 month period I was able to put my springs back together.

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