Replacing leaf springs

[Charlie Kleman]

So I plan on ordering new leaf springs for my 78 K20 project here soon just looking for some input from anyone who’s done this already.

What I was thinking was do stock replacements in the rear and Tuff Country 2” EZ ride springs in the front to level the truck out. Wasn’t sure if anyone did anything similar or thinks that would make the truck way higher in the front than the rear which I don’t want.

Also anyone have any experience with Michigan Truck Spring? I just found their website a few days ago and their prices seem to be very reasonable.

 

[omillan99]

On my K20 I had the front springs re-arched and had a leaf added in and it made the front taller then the rear. It is no where near as bad to consider it like a "Tennessee tilt" you can hardly even notice it. Not sure if that's what you are looking for. Hope this picture helps.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Charlie Kleman]

On my K20 I had the front springs re-arched and had a leaf added in and it made the front taller then the rear. It is no where near as bad to consider it like a "Tennessee tilt" you can hardly even notice it. Not sure if that's what you are looking for. Hope this picture helps.

You must be registered for see images attach

That looks good! What size tire are you running? I was thinking about trying to fit 33s

 

[omillan99]

That looks good! What size tire are you running? I was thinking about trying to fit 33s

33x12.50x16.5 BFG's so exactly what you are looking for!

 

[Craig 85]

My last truck was a '79 K15 I axle swapped. I had 33x12.50x16.5's with 9.75" wide wheels. It had 4" EZ Rides with a 4" block. The body was level. You truck probably has a couple more leaves in the rear than mine did. With a 2" spring in front, you may need a 1" block or "Zero lift" from ORD in the rear. I had my rear springs on my K30 re-arched locally. They also replaced a couple of broken leaves.

With an almost 10" wide wheel my tires would have rubbed without trimming on the '79. 285/75/16 and 305/70/16 are 32.8" tall. With an 8" wide wheel they probably won't rub with a 2" lift.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[77 K20]

I don't have any experience with Michigan Truck Spring.

Out of curiosity why do you want to replace the rear springs? Cracked? Sagging?

A 2" lift spring in the front might actually lift it more than 2" depending on how much the old springs sagged.

For rear springs I had read from someone that worked in a suspension shop for most of his life he would only use Triangle or Dayton springs. They were supposed to be good quality. So when I went shopping for my rear springs I used RockAuto. You get a discount since they are a vendor here. And they carry these brands.

A new identical spring pack will raise up the rear a bit. No way to tell how much for sure. If it is not enough make sure you keep your U bolts a bit long- you can always add a zero rate to them to raise it 1".

 

[Red Rex]

Eaton Detroit spring is who I used. Very satisfied. Call them as they have a good tech dept

 

[Charlie Kleman]

Yeah there’s a few cracks in them, and the bushings are pretty much worthless haha I think I’m just gonna get the new rear ones and see how much it raises the rear and try to judge what to do with the front off that

 

[Charlie Kleman]

Yeah there’s a few cracks in them, and the bushings are pretty much worthless haha I think I’m just gonna get the new rear ones and see how much it raises the rear and try to judge what to do with the front off that

 

[Joe T]

I don't have any experience with Michigan Truck Spring.

Out of curiosity why do you want to replace the rear springs? Cracked? Sagging?

A 2" lift spring in the front might actually lift it more than 2" depending on how much the old springs sagged.

For rear springs I had read from someone that worked in a suspension shop for most of his life he would only use Triangle or Dayton springs. They were supposed to be good quality. So when I went shopping for my rear springs I used RockAuto. You get a discount since they are a vendor here. And they carry these brands.

A new identical spring pack will raise up the rear a bit. No way to tell how much for sure. If it is not enough make sure you keep your U bolts a bit long- you can always add a zero rate to them to raise it 1".

Zero rate in the front? 1 inch lift?

 

[77 K20]

Yes, a zero rate is a 1" lift (block/add a leaf) that bolts into your spring pack. It is legal to use even in the front because it is bolted in- instead of wedged in like a block.
With this zero rate you can keep your tire centered in the wheel well or you have the option of moving your axle forwards of backwards 1" or 1.5"

You must be registered for see images

https://offroaddesign.com/catalog/Zero Rates.htm