ORD Custom Springs

[Frankenchevy]

I'm heavily leaning towards getting ORD custom springs in a 2" lift--the minimum lift they recommend for the softness of the springs. They claim that they're slightly softer than 1/2 ton springs, which should be a massive improvement in ride quality, but not great for load capacity. the other downside would be having to get 35" tires and getting rid of my new 33s and standard length shocks. I like the stance now, but the 1-1/4 ton springs are just unnecessary without an ambulance body sitting on the back.

1. Any recommendations on spring alternatives? These guys are the square body specialists which is why I looked to them first. However, I'd be happier achieving the same ride quality/wheel travel improvement without lifting the truck. They achieve the plusher feel by using 10 really thin leaves in the front and something similar for the rear.

2. Any recommendations on helper bags for the rear? I'm trying to track down some firestones built for k30s...

Thanks!

 

[Craig 85]

I'll let you drive mine this weekend if you're still going to Penn Valley. I have Tuff Country 3" HD's in my K30 due to the 454. I had the 4" EZ Rides in the '79 SBC. Those were pretty soft. You shouldn't need 35's with a 2" lift. Your 285's are the same height as my 305's since mine are 70 series. Your truck would be and 1" lower than mine.

Here's the 5000 LBS Air Lift part for a K30. Says it needs 8" between the frame and tire.
https://www.airliftcompany.com/shop/57237/

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[Frankenchevy]

awesome!

for some reason I thought you had 35s. still trying to nail down a timeframe for the camper shell guy in penn valley.

 

[colonel mustard]

ORD custom springs are the only way to go. they are everything they claim to be. I'm running the 6" springs and it rides smoother than ANY truck I have ever owned.

the end.

 

[77 K20]

What are your plans for the truck? Haul weight in the back? Tow trailers? What type of terrain/roads do you drive on?

What length are K30 rear springs? A 2.5" shackle flip for the rear with some new stock springs (might be able to put on longer rear springs) with a lower spring rate might be a good idea. Still have some weight carrying capability but rides nicer.

 

[Frankenchevy]

What are your plans for the truck? Haul weight in the back? Tow trailers? What type of terrain/roads do you drive on?

What length are K30 rear springs? A 2.5" shackle flip for the rear with some new stock springs (might be able to put on longer rear springs) with a lower spring rate might be a good idea. Still have some weight carrying capability but rides nicer.

The roads near my property are rough and I go down fire roads quite a bit.

Don’t plan on hauling much, but might get a “Four Wheel Camper” slide in truck camper. They’re really lightweight, but still...

That’s why I’m leaning towards the ORD springs with airbags—kind of best of both worlds.

I’m not sure on the shackle length off the top. I’d have to measure tomorrow.

 

[77 K20]

Oops. Deleted.
Double post somehow.

 

[77 K20]

According to Rock Auto it looks like your leaf springs are 56" ones already so there isn't really an option to get longer springs.
The setup your thinking of would be very nice for rough roads and the airbags would be the answer to if you are hauling some weight. That will be an expensive setup on the rear axle though.
The ORD springs do amaze me still. Quite often on trails I suddenly see some sort of rock/hole (bump) that would have previously mean bouncing my head off the cab roof and the springs just soak it up.
I did find that since the ORD springs are softer and they move up and down a lot more (like my stock rear springs) on very rough roads my front shocks got hot. Too hot to touch. Hot shocks don't work at all really until they cool down. My rear shocks were barely warm. I ended up changing out the Bilstein 5125s for some Bilstein 5165s. The remote reservoir keeps the shocks a lot cooler.

 

[Frankenchevy]

According to Rock Auto it looks like your leaf springs are 56" ones already so there isn't really an option to get longer springs.
The setup your thinking of would be very nice for rough roads and the airbags would be the answer to if you are hauling some weight. That will be an expensive setup on the rear axle though.
The ORD springs do amaze me still. Quite often on trails I suddenly see some sort of rock/hole (bump) that would have previously mean bouncing my head off the cab roof and the springs just soak it up.
I did find that since the ORD springs are softer and they move up and down a lot more (like my stock rear springs) on very rough roads my front shocks got hot. Too hot to touch. Hot shocks don't work at all really until they cool down. My rear shocks were barely warm. I ended up changing out the Bilstein 5125s for some Bilstein 5165s. The remote reservoir keeps the shocks a lot cooler.

That’s what I’m looking for ride-wise. I know it won’t be cheap. 1500ish for four springs, 500ish for airbags, etc. I already have a new a/c compressor that’s not being used for anything other than keeping my serpentine belt routing stock. I can use that for on board air.

Haven’t figured out shocks yet. I’d like to do it right..maybe some kings or something similar I can add remote reservoirs to if they overheat like you’ve explained.

Either way I figured on $3k and I’d like to stay close to that. Just not sure what that’ll get me shock wise at ~$250 a corner. Still researching that part.

 

[77 K20]

Eventually when I get extra money (HA!) I want to get some Fox or King bypass shocks. I think that would be quite the improvement. That way they would have the valving to soak up the little stuff but be stiff enough when I hit something big they can step in and handle it.