K10 softer ride

[tom70]

I have a 1976 k10 with 4in suspension lift that I'm in process of restoring. Is there any kits for a softer ride? or a kit to make front and rear axles 4 link? Or would I be better off putting body on newer suburban frame? Only reason for asking is my wife has a medical condition that she can no longer handle such a rough ride as truck is now.

 

[Bextreme04]

ORD makes both front and rear 4-link kits... but its going to be about $6-10k in just parts and then you would need to do lots of fabrication or pay someone to install it all. There are definitely some softer riding leaf spring kits though. The skyjacker softride kit is pretty smooth, especially if you use the 56" rear springs

 

[Bextreme04]

https://www.offroaddesign.com/coilover-conversion-kit-chevy-squarebody-fox-front-1.html

 

[tom70]

ORD makes both front and rear 4-link kits... but its going to be about $6-10k in just parts and then you would need to do lots of fabrication or pay someone to install it all. There are definitely some softer riding leaf spring kits though. The skyjacker softride kit is pretty smooth, especially if you use the 56" rear springs

Will it ride as smooth as a newer suburban or Tahoe?

 

[Frankenchevy]

With the newer burb or Tahoe being IFS, it’ll always have the advantage at stock height for smoothness.

 

[Bextreme04]

A full 4-link kit front and rear with the fox shocks will probably be softer than a newer tahoe/suburban. The skyjacker softride with a ~2-4" lift and ORD swaybar disconnect will be pretty soft, but not new car IFS soft.

 

[dvdswan]

Will it ride as smooth as a newer suburban or Tahoe?

I have a 3-link suspension front and rear on my Nissan. It rides and drives like a dream. It's a solid axle not an IFS so it's not a Cadillac smooth ride. It is leaps and bounds better than a leaf spring suspension though. And its a blast to wheel.

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[bft305]

A friend of mine has a sky jacker soft ride and it has a decent ride for an older lifted truck. Will it be newer truck ride? Nope never! Don’t have experience with 4 links but I am sure they would be better.

 

[peats]

My k10 rides as smooth or smoother than my c10. Tires will make all of the difference. Get something not so heavy duty with a lot of sidewall.

 

[T-roy K10]

I bought the 4” skyjacker soft ride and it’s the hardest ride I’ve ever experienced. I’ve had several leaf spring trucks back in the day, one with 44s and 11” that rode smoother. The only difference is that they were long beds and this is a short, but damn, I need a kidney belt to drive this thing.

 

[Rusty Nail]

Did you lift it or buy it that way? Suspension lifts have come looooong way.
New shocks are your friend.

Tuff country is super cheap for a reason.
Tuff country? Ruff country? Whatever. One of those is/are the entry level.

Shock absorbers dont last 40 years bro.

I put KYB brand shock on my Blazer and think they are fantastic.

 

[scenic760]

I used a Tuff Country 2" lift with 5100 Bilstein shocks on a 1981 K1500 Suburban...night and day difference from stock but (1) the leafs were pretty flat and (2) I don't have a lot of experience so I'm not really sure what it SHOULD ride like stock...

That being said I have a 2003 Suburban (2wd) that I put Bilstein coils and 5100s on and it does ride smoother...if I had to quantify it I would say it's 30% better ride...

Hope this helps

 

[tom70]

thanks everyone for answers. I'm probable going to put my body on a 2008 or newer suburban. unfortunately my wife has a disease call stiff man syndrome and she can't ride in truck anymore. it's to much of a shock on her body from rough ride. we've owned the truck for almost 30 years. I tried to sell it once and she started to cry, she said too many memories, she learned how to drive in it.

 

[Ricko1966]

Tom for the money time etc. and just keeping it for sentimental reasons,why not just set it on a c10 chassis keep your engine,put a posi in it,some soft springs good shocks,street tires done,cheap,fast and easy. Your wife can still ride in it.

 

[Camar068]

Shock absorbers dont last 40 years bro.

They don't, but Monroe/Gabriel have models that are lifetime warranty. No harm meant, have upgraded my shocks due to this warranty....for nothing or less than $50 for the front. I'd assume the same on the rear.