1972 Chevy Super 20 4x4 Suspension Kit Suggestions

[fastracer17]

Hi everyone. Very new to this forum and could use some help. My son and I are fixing up an original 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super 20 4x4. The truck rides very rough with the stock suspension with the small block engine. We want to replace the entire suspension with a package that gives it a little bit of lift (2" or 3") for bigger tires, but will give the truck a comfortable ride. Preferably a 1/2 ton type ride. The kit should be complete with shocks, springs, and everything needed to add this upgrade. Any suggestions from the experts out there would be much appreciated! Thanks!

[57taskforce]

The 2” ez ride kits from skyjacker or tuff country would probably fit the bill for you.

This link is an example, there’s plenty more vendors who sell the same kits.
https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index...BoCXNoQAvD_BwE

[tinman_local2]

I just installed a 4" Tuff country ez-ride. All suspension lift. Can't comment on ride, since the body is still separated from the frame. Seems like good stuff, but also somewhat stiff. I'm hoping it will soften up once the body is set back on it. These old k20s never rode too good. Tuff country had the best price and the lead time was shorter than skyjacker. I bought mine through Suspension Connection. Very good people to deal with.

[DeadheadNM]

If you want to head to Eau Claire you can try the ride in my 72 k20 Super. Alcan zero lift springs, Delco Pleasurizer shocks, rubber body/suspension mounts, and 33” BFG ATs. Ride is at least as good as that in my 08 4Runner and I think the height is perfect for someone 6’ tall.

[davischevy]

Pete where did you get the Alcan springs?

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by davischevy

Pete where did you get the Alcan springs?

Larry, as far as I know you’ve got to buy them from Alcan. Order up a set and you can pick them up when you come this way. They are in CO. I got a quote for a set of them a month or so back they are pretty reasonable I thought considering you are getting built to order handmade springs to your exact requirements.

https://alcanspring.com/

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

Larry, as far as o know you’ve got to buy them from Alcan. Order up a set and you can pick them up when you come this way. They are in CO. I got a quote for a set of them a month or so back they are pretty reasonable I thought considering you are getting built to order handmade springs to your exact requirements.

https://alcanspring.com/

Wow, I'll be driving right by the place.

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by davischevy

Wow, I'll be driving right by the place.

Uhh huh, thought you might like that

[DeadheadNM]

I’ve been pleased with them and have a set on the Blazer too. USA made, USA steel.

[davischevy]

I sent a request for a quote.

[fastracer17]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

The 2” ez ride kits from skyjacker or tuff country would probably fit the bill for you.

This link is an example, there’s plenty more vendors who sell the same kits.
https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index...BoCXNoQAvD_BwE

Thank you for the advice. I've looked at both of these kit's. which seem to fit the bill, but I'm afraid the ride will be still way too rough.

[fastracer17]

Originally Posted by tinman_local2

I just installed a 4" Tuff country ez-ride. All suspension lift. Can't comment on ride, since the body is still separated from the frame. Seems like good stuff, but also somewhat stiff. I'm hoping it will soften up once the body is set back on it. These old k20s never rode too good. Tuff country had the best price and the lead time was shorter than skyjacker. I bought mine through Suspension Connection. Very good people to deal with.

Thank you for this advice. Still trying to determine what's best. Maybe air bags with a softer spring set-up?

[fastracer17]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

If you want to head to Eau Claire you can try the ride in my 72 k20 Super. Alcan zero lift springs, Delco Pleasurizer shocks, rubber body/suspension mounts, and 33” BFG ATs. Ride is at least as good as that in my 08 4Runner and I think the height is perfect for someone 6’ tall.

DeadheadNM, I might take you up on that offer. I originally grew up in Phillips, WI. I'm through Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls all the time. Sounds like Alcan springs is the way to go for a softer ride. Did you add a lift too? When you order the springs, do you order stock replacements or 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton? Just wondering how you go about ordering what's best for the softest ride, but put the lift in that I need for the bigger tires? Would love to hook up sometime.

[57taskforce]

I fear you may be looking for something that is going to very difficult to obtain, especially if you feel the stock ride is rough. 1/2 ton springs may or may not help depending on which spring option your truck has. (Are you positive you’ve got stock springs?) The big problem with lift springs and ride is in the front, you go from a negative arch to a positive arch. It’s quite difficult to maintain spring capacity and ride at the same time when you change the arch direction. I’m confident Alcan will be the best overall springs, however realize that A: they aren’t a full kit, just springs and if you buy them, U bolts. so you have to round up shocks, steering corrections (depending on how high you go) brake lines etc. And B: even with the Alcan springs I wouldn’t except a 100% stock ride if going with lift springs. Although the Alcans I expect will be your best bet for getting close. One day I think I’ll eventually end up at 4” and when I do I’m going to try Alcan. You might reach out to 52napco, I believe he’s got a set or two of Alcans lift springs and he’s used the EZ rides as well, he’d be a good one to judge between the two in comparison to stock height.

If you're into fab work, longer front springs will help ride quality but it does take some work to get them in.

[DeadheadNM]

Got your PM. You are certainly welcome to visit. Text sent.

My springs are stock height (zero lift) made for 3/4t application and the 33 x 12.5” tires clear easy with the steering wheel locked at either side. I’m not off-roading it.

Last I went to Alcan’s site there was a form to complete for an estimate and on that form you give the vehicle specifics and desired lift. What size tire do you expect to run? Just a thought, if you were to go stock height or close you can go with OEM (or equivalent) brake lines, steering arm, drive shaft, etc. keeping the build more straightforward.

[52napco]

I just switch from TUFF country EZ Ride springs to Al cans on my 72 Blazer and worth every bit of the money I would strongly recommend the alcan springs

[k29349]

I have tuff country EZ rides on my K-5. I can tell you that they don't ride easy. Maybe if I put in a big block and hung a 12000 lb. winch on the front.