Is my K10 lifted?

[ohboy321]

I am starting to look at replacing the leaf springs on my 67 K10. The chassis is from a 1970 K10, and when I compare what I have to the parts catalogs, it looks like someone added blocks to lift it. The front blocks measure 1.5", and the rear 2".

Are those blocks something that would come from the factory? I like the current height, and will want to maintain it with the new springs.

Thanks,

[TwoFiftyShifter]

Looks like someone added a 2" lift kit about 40 years ago. Why new springs? If you buy new springs, you may as well shop for lift springs to do away with the blocks.

[Stocker]

Those blocks are not factory.... they appear to be home-brewed. Front blocks are pretty much frowned on. You can buy 2.5" all-spring kits which may be the best way to go. If your rear springs are OK, another option is 2.5" front springs with rear lift blocks.

[ohboy321]

Originally Posted by TwoFiftyShifter

Why new springs?

I was looking at replacing the bushings and then started considering maybe just replacing the springs while I am at it. I have also read several threads here that suggest doing so based on the age.

I don't know how old they actually are, but now that I have confirmation that those blocks don't belong there, I will definitely be looking at installing front springs that provide the lift.

Thanks for the replies.

[72_K10_Vegas]

I went with Off Road Designs in Colorado. Steve or Chris will answer any questions.

I went with the 2.5" lift and I am very happy with the design of the spring.

[GASoline71]

As far as I know, no lift blocks should ever be used in a front end application. Get new lift springs for the front. Blocks out back are just fine.

Gary

[52napco]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Skyjacker-C225...7285459021ront blocks are a major NO NO. A lot of stress on them when turning at speed and the will roll out..Even though they're on 2" it's not good.
here's the best deal on a softride lift...it's the best money you can spend.IMOrides and drives
sooooo much better.

[Stocker]

That is the exact kit I bought, many years ago. Decent ride, excellent quality stuff.

[52napco]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Skyjacker-C225...7285459021ront blocks are a major NO NO. A lot of stress on them when turning at speed and the will roll out..Even though they're on 2" it's not good.
here's the best deal on a softride lift...it's the best money you can spend.IMOrides and drives
sooooo much better.

[Foureye71]

Originally Posted by 72_K10_Vegas

I went with Off Road Designs in Colorado. Steve or Chris will answer any questions.

I went with the 2.5" lift and I am very happy with the design of the spring.

Dont mean to hijack, but what did you use on the rear axle of your truck for the 2.5"lift?

[RedRoad]

I got the 2.5" TC EZ rides and could not be happier.

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index....oducts_id=2349

I added a 1" zero rate block in the rear to level it out. Tires are 255/85/16s which measure 32.5" tall when mounted.

[RedRoad]

Here is the link to the zero rates I used

http://diy4x.com/product.php?productid=17722&page=1

I would not hesitate to use these on the front as they are not like regular blocks that are held in by the u bolts. These are part of the spring pack and are held in place with the center bolt and will not squeeze out on hard cornering like regular blocks.

If you need a bit more you can also use the HD front shackles

http://diy4x.com/product.php?productid=17709&page=1

[ohboy321]

As I said, I like the current height with 1.5" blocks in the front and 2" in the rear, so I probably wouldn't want to go over 2". I think a new 2.5" set would pick the front up more than I want. This front spring project just got moved up in my queue. The rears can wait.

Here is how it sits now with 31" tires.

[RedRoad]

Use a factory 3 leaf HD spring and 1.5" block

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index....oducts_id=7725

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index....oducts_id=7868

[52napco]

My truck sits about the same as yours but I have a 32" tire

[CUSTOM/10]

Steve;

Next time your in my area you can take a look at mine and see what you think. It has a Skyjacker 2.5" soft ride in it with 33" tires.

Gary

[ohboy321]

I am replacing my drag link, and I have the pitman arm and drag link sitting on the workbench.

Since I have the 1.5 inch blocks, and will be installing no less than 2" lift springs, I am wondering if I should get a new pitman arm for a short lift? I just read a few threads discussing the importance of the drag link angle, especially on a 70 type steering setup. I am all for making the truck handle better, and I am leaning towards ordering one.

The bonus would be not having to beat the tie rod out of the arm, which is why it is on the bench. The removal tool collapsed the bolt, and it isn't doing an better with the BFH in the vice.

[Stocker]

When I installed my 2.5" Softrides, the only thing I needed to change was front shocks. They were too short, and it turned out the right length was OEM-spec rear shocks. It's been quite a few years and no problems.

[jerry moss]

in california front lift blocks are illegal. i recommend the 2.5 inch kit everyone is talking about-i wish i had done 2.5 instead of 4 on my trucks. ditch the rear blocks too, i've rolled rear blocks on two different trucks over the years so i only use all spring lifts now. just my 2 cents worth.

[CUSTOM/10]

I put a drop pitman arm on with my 2.5 in kit, it was recommended, I think it was about $100 extra.

Gary

[ohboy321]

Thanks again for the replies. I do understand that I need to get the blocks out ASAP, and will probably do that next month.

I did go ahead and order a dropped arm which will arrive tomorrow. The more I read about the benefits of having one, the more I was convinced to order it. I do have the darting issues that the wrong one can cause, although a lot of that can be attributed to my toe in measuring at 1/2" instead of the 1/16-1/8 that is usually recommend. That will get corrected when the tie rod ends go in on Saturday.

I keep telling the wife that there is "just one more" major project to correct the handling issues....so it is best that she doesn't help the UPS guy unload new springs just yet.

[suburban99]

Here's my '72 with a 4" kit apparently..tires are 33x9.5 15"