can you D30 to K20 front leaf swap??

[TigerTodd]

so i have a 1982 K20 4x4 6.2L and i just put 285/75/16 MT tires on there. They are pretty stuffed and rarely/barely rub with the stepsides taken off. I need a 2 inch lift... so I also have 1986 D30 M1008 that im going to put a 4" lift on with 37's....

So my question is.. can i swap the D30 front leafs to the K20?

I looks like they are the same length at 47'' and about 24'' to the center of the axle measured from the front of the leaf to the axle. the bolt up is different but i dont think it will matter as i'll need new u-bolts anyways because the d30 is 3 leafs vs. 2 on the k20.

I was thinking of a flip shackle for the rear or 2'' blocks.. or whatever is level after the swap.

thanks in advance!

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[nvrenuf]

Yes, the front springs are interchangeable between all of the 73-87(91) square body trucks. The only difference in the springs is what you've already seen - 2 vs 3 springs - which is determined by the front suspension option(s) ordered.

 

[TigerTodd]

Yes, the front springs are interchangeable between all of the 73-87(91) square body trucks. The only difference in the springs is what you've already seen - 2 vs 3 springs - which is determined by the front suspension option(s) ordered.

right on.. thank you. hopefully the D30's will give me the 2'' i need.

 

[bucket]

right on.. thank you. hopefully the D30's will give me the 2'' i need.

Not likely. Height will be about the same unless the original springs are very worn, but the pictures show springs with similar arch.

 

[nvrenuf]

Agreed. Most likely, the only height you’ll gain is the thickness of the 3rd spring (3/4”?).

 

[Craig 85]

If you buy the grease able shackles front from ORD they are 1/2" longer. It will net you another 1/4"

 

[86454k30]

I did this 1x on a 87 V20 thinking a set of 3 leaf front springs would give me some lift.....got 1/2" not worth the headache. If you are wanting an inexpensive 2" lift put an add a leaf in the front springs.

https://www.suspensionconnection.com/81200.html

 

[Dooley]

I am curious why you are having clearance issues.
I have run 235/85-16's for years without any problems and 33/12.50-15's on the half ton with an 8.5 Western Pro Plow also.
What is the wheel width and spacing of the hub?
Likely the rub is with the running board on the passenger side, correct?
K, V, or D springs alone won't give you lift.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Blue Ox]

Likely the rub is with the running board on the passenger side, correct?

Now, this is an interesting observation. That's exactly the problem I'm having with slightly larger tires on my truck. They fit fine on the Suburban with running boards, but I had to take the right side running board off the pickup. I just @$$umed the cab was crooked from a previous accident. Is there some asymmetry in the pickups that I'm not aware of?

 

[Dooley]

Now, this is an interesting observation. That's exactly the problem I'm having with slightly larger tires on my truck. They fit fine on the Suburban with running boards, but I had to take the right side running board off the pickup. I just @$$umed the cab was crooked from a previous accident. Is there some asymmetry in the pickups that I'm not aware of?

I have always believed there was a slight steering symmetry to this observation.
Around here going back to the mid 70's it was usually told as,"they all do that".
I had new GM's as well as used ones encounter the same affliction with boards attached. Seen guys loosen cab mounts and try to"square up" the cab using their phrasing with no change in result. I beat the running board back with a BFH on one old truck once for a modicum of extra clearance on an old Suburban running 33's on 10" wide Jackman rims.

 

[QBuff02]

Now, this is an interesting observation. That's exactly the problem I'm having with slightly larger tires on my truck. They fit fine on the Suburban with running boards, but I had to take the right side running board off the pickup. I just @$$umed the cab was crooked from a previous accident. Is there some asymmetry in the pickups that I'm not aware of?

I've often wondered that myself! On my '82 K30 there is a noticeable difference in how the tire/wheel sits in the fender opening between driver and passenger side. The passenger side sits probably a good 3/4" farther back in the opening than the driver side but the truck drives straight down the road. But yet by all measurements on the frame and driveline everything is square.

 

[Blue Ox]

Interesting. I know mine was hit hard in it's youth, but it measures square on the diagonals from the ball joints to the rear spring bolts. And same thing, it drives straight AFAIK.

At some point I'm going to do a frame off and will measure the cr@p out of it. Even if it's just to assure myself that they actually got the frame straight after the accident. I'll report when and if that ever happens.

 

[TigerTodd]

I have run 235/85-16's for years without any problems and 33/12.50-15's on the half ton with an 8.5 Western Pro Plow also.
What is the wheel width and spacing of the hub?
Likely the rub is with the running board on the passenger side, correct?
K, V, or D springs alone won't give you lift.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

[/QUOTE]


I took off the running boards.. its just as tight of a fit as you can get on my truck, slight rubs over speed bumps ands what not.. if you went wheeling you definitely would rub more i think.

 

[TigerTodd]

I did this 1x on a 87 V20 thinking a set of 3 leaf front springs would give me some lift.....got 1/2" not worth the headache. If you are wanting an inexpensive 2" lift put an add a leaf in the front springs.

https://www.suspensionconnection.com/81200.html

This is perfect, thank you!!