R20 Stock Ride Height?

[r67northern]

Hi All,

I'm trying to decide how "saggy" my rear springs are in the '88 suburban (probably a bad joke in there somewhere ...). Anyone have a good idea of what the frame heights should be front/back? It's a 2x4 3/4 ton. I can't seem to find the right specs.

Thanks

 

[yevgenievich]

Here is from a manual. Disregard the highlighted part.

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[r67northern]

Thanks, I know already now it has sagged some. No way it is higher than my old 1/2 ton v1500.

 

[yevgenievich]

Are you sure the 1/2 was not lifted? My 3/4 4x4 is about same height as my old 1/2 4x4 with 2" lift. But those numbers should be correct. You might need to make adjustment if using non factory size tire

 

[r67northern]

You're right - forgot about that. Had larger tires on the old 1/2 ton that weren't the old factory P235s. Good point.

 

[shanegtr]

Bit of a thread mine, but I'll blame google for unearthing it Anyway I've been thinking about doing something to make my 3/4 burb ride a little nicer. But first I wanted to see what sort of drop its had. Is there anymore specific measurements available to the above chart - anything that takes out the tyre size from the measurements would be nice as I'm sure my current 245/45/20 tyres are not standard diameter either. Rough measurements from the above chart buts my burb around 3-4" drop.

I currently like the stance on my burb but a smoother ride would be nice as its a little harsh at the moment

 

[Craig 85]

One issue I had with my '88 C20 Suburban (454) was the R/R spring had sagged causing it to crab walk. I know the PO had used it to tow his race boat before I got it. My spring on the right was 1/2" longer than the left.

 

[yevgenievich]

Bit of a thread mine, but I'll blame google for unearthing it Anyway I've been thinking about doing something to make my 3/4 burb ride a little nicer. But first I wanted to see what sort of drop its had. Is there anymore specific measurements available to the above chart - anything that takes out the tyre size from the measurements would be nice as I'm sure my current 245/45/20 tyres are not standard diameter either. Rough measurements from the above chart buts my burb around 3-4" drop.

I currently like the stance on my burb but a smoother ride would be nice as its a little harsh at the moment

Good set of soft springs and airbags work well together for a better ride

 

[shanegtr]

I thinking front could do with some drop spindles and then change the springs to something with a softer rate and maintain the current height. Or change to full airbag on the front as well could be an option I'll likely get the rears reset locally and I'll look at getting some leaves removed to soften it up

 

[Raider L]

Or air bags all around. Leave it at the height it is and replace the leafs with air bags. That way if you wanted to change it again take the bags out and put the leafs back in. Or what I've seen done is take all but one leaf out and then put the bag in. That way you still have some control of hop.

 

[SirRobyn0]

Bit of a thread mine, but I'll blame google for unearthing it Anyway I've been thinking about doing something to make my 3/4 burb ride a little nicer. But first I wanted to see what sort of drop its had. Is there anymore specific measurements available to the above chart - anything that takes out the tyre size from the measurements would be nice as I'm sure my current 245/45/20 tyres are not standard diameter either. Rough measurements from the above chart buts my burb around 3-4" drop.

I currently like the stance on my burb but a smoother ride would be nice as its a little harsh at the moment

You should be able to calculate out tire size difference. When I worked in tire stores, some vehicles have adjustable ride height, most commonly found on torsion bar suspension systems, but we'd have to set the ride height on those vehicles before alignments. For example if the stock tire height is 31" and your running a tire that is 32.5" tall you'd add 3/4" to the spec. because only half that increased height is under the wheel. easy.

 

[shanegtr]

Or air bags all around. Leave it at the height it is and replace the leafs with air bags. That way if you wanted to change it again take the bags out and put the leafs back in. Or what I've seen done is take all but one leaf out and then put the bag in. That way you still have some control of hop.

Full airbag to the rear would be ideal, but where I am it would likely be too much $$$ for registration engineering certification for me to bother with.

 

[Bextreme04]

Full airbag to the rear would be ideal, but where I am it would likely be too much $$$ for registration engineering certification for me to bother with.

You can also drill out the front spring mounts and move them forward 4". That will let you run the 63" springs from a 3/4 ton GMT-400. They are noticeably softer.