V1500 suspension question

[stvaughn]

That's a one, big lift block you have in the rear.
My rear springs look slightly different, I don't have that plastic around the bracket keeping the leafs together.

I can't tell from the picture, but to you have a tiny lift block also in the front axle?

No lift block in front. Spring sits on top of the axle. The rear spring must be sagging because when I measure the height of the wheel arch opening the rear is 1/2” higher than the front but it has been noted that the rear wheel arch is actually lower than the front by a couple of inches. Removing the block will probably make the rear sit to low. I just have to decide if it’s worth the expense to remove the block and replace the spring or just leave it alone.

 

[Grit dog]

Actually just trying to make it easier for my ancient body to get in and out. I have ordered a set of nerf bar style running boards but in the meantime I am trying to figure out just what suspension setup I have. Based on all the comments I have concluded that the rear springs have saged and the PO put blocks in there instead of replacing springs. Now my decision is whether to leave it as is or replace the springs and lose the blocks. Will the springs continue to sag even more? Will the ride improve if I put in new springs? Any help or input would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

You are fighting conflicting wants or needs.
Front is about as low as it will go with stock looking springs. Rear isn’t necessarily pooched out. Just a little block to make it look better.
Those rear leafs look pretty fresh and springy.
Even if you lost the blocks in back it would only lower the entry height by like an inch.
Your only other plausible option is to run the smallest tires possible.
But I’d slap on the nerf bars and call it a day.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Actually just trying to make it easier for my ancient body to get in and out. I have ordered a set of nerf bar style running boards but in the meantime I am trying to figure out just what suspension setup I have. Based on all the comments I have concluded that the rear springs have saged and the PO put blocks in there instead of replacing springs. Now my decision is whether to leave it as is or replace the springs and lose the blocks. Will the springs continue to sag even more? Will the ride improve if I put in new springs? Any help or input would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

Usually, worn out springs are very soft. Yes, the springs will continue to sag over time, the more worn they get, the quicker they will degrade and eventually you'll end up with a broken leaf in the pack. Especially once they start to sag lower than the center where the block is, yours are not there yet thankfully.

So a new set of springs will ride "firmer". Whether it's an improvement or not is completely subjective. But it will not soften or smooth the ride, that is guaranteed. I like a firmer ride, some of my friends want their truck to ride like a couch on wheels (like a Cadillac). You might be able to talk to a spring company that can put you together a spring pack that is softer than stock but will be arched correctly to be able to get rid of that block, though I'm not sure what that would entail on your end for measurements.

 

[stvaughn]

Usually, worn out springs are very soft. Yes, the springs will continue to sag over time, the more worn they get, the quicker they will degrade and eventually you'll end up with a broken leaf in the pack. Especially once they start to sag lower than the center where the block is, yours are not there yet thankfully.

So a new set of springs will ride "firmer". Whether it's an improvement or not is completely subjective. But it will not soften or smooth the ride, that is guaranteed. I like a firmer ride, some of my friends want their truck to ride like a couch on wheels (like a Cadillac). You might be able to talk to a spring company that can put you together a spring pack that is softer than stock but will be arched correctly to be able to get rid of that block, though I'm not sure what that would entail on your end for measurements.

Zach,
That’s the kind of information I need. I’m not interested in a soft ride but definitely am concerned about spring failure. I’m prepping this ride for the Hot Rod Power Tour and definitely don’t want to deal with preventable issues on the road. Next question is 5 leaf (what’s on it now) or 7 leaf? Recommendations?

Steve

 

[TotalyHucked]

Zach,
That’s the kind of information I need. I’m not interested in a soft ride but definitely am concerned about spring failure. I’m prepping this ride for the Hot Rod Power Tour and definitely don’t want to deal with preventable issues on the road. Next question is 5 leaf (what’s on it now) or 7 leaf? Recommendations?

Steve

I wouldn't worry about it happening soon per se, your springs appear ok right now. But when you get ready for it, I'd go 5 leaf for comfort. Then if it's still a little low, you can add a block back to it but at least it'll be fresh and nothing to worry about for a long time

 

[stvaughn]

I wouldn't worry about it happening soon per se, your springs appear ok right now. But when you get ready for it, I'd go 5 leaf for comfort. Then if it's still a little low, you can add a block back to it but at least it'll be fresh and nothing to worry about for a long time

Thanks Zach

 

[TotalyHucked]

Thanks Zach

Just to add a little more info, my buddy had a big block '77 'burb with the 7-leaf pack cuz it was a trailering special, it rode too stiff even for me.

 

[stvaughn]

I’ll stick with 5 leaf springs and see how it sits.

 

[bucket]

Measure the ride height at the front and rear of the rocker panel and let us know what your findings are.

Leaf springs sag over decades. Even if they are sacked, they will last a while longer. Are you happy enough with the current ride quality?

 

[Zelph]

I’ll stick with 5 leaf springs and see how it sits.

Keep in mind that both Deaver and Alcan make the softest leaf springs and use many more than 7 springs per pack. Each springer is much thinner though. You can call either company and tell them what you want and they will set you up with a leaf spring ride that’s darn near coilover comfort.

 

[stvaughn]

Measure the ride height at the front and rear of the rocker panel and let us know what your findings are.

Leaf springs sag over decades. Even if they are sacked, they will last a while longer. Are you happy enough with the current ride quality?

Since this is a new to me vehicle I have taken it to be serviced top to bottom, front to back, however on the way to the shop it was bouncing all over the road. They are installing Bilsteins and when I get it back I’m having the 20” wheels and tires replaced with 31x10.5-15 on OE wheels so I won’t know the answer to those questions until I get it back.

Thanks for all your help, at least now I have a better understanding of what I’m dealing with and what I need to do if change is needed. I’ll post up after I get it back and change out the tires.

Steve

 

[stvaughn]

Keep in mind that both Deaver and Alcan make the softest leaf springs and use many more than 7 springs per pack. Each springer is much thinner though. You can call either company and tell them what you want and they will set you up with a leaf spring ride that’s darn near coilover comfort.

Zelph, thanks for that information. I’ll keep that information in mind in case I decide to change springs.

 

[Blazerbiker]

For checking level, measure the body crease, not the fender openings. That said, you may not like it level because of the visual effects others mentioned here but at least you'll know a baseline if you measure the crease. In your case, if the rear fender opening is 1/2" higher than the front, I'm betting you'll find the crease shows the rear is about 2" over level which is fine if that's how you want it. That would put it very close to level if you take the block out. In general we (ORD) have found most people like a burb to sit a little high measured at the crease.

Keep in mind that both Deaver and Alcan make the softest leaf springs and use many more than 7 springs per pack. Each springer is much thinner though. You can call either company and tell them what you want and they will set you up with a leaf spring ride that’s darn near coilover comfort.

Actually, we've found Alcan to be roughly between what we (ORD) and Deaver do and a more conventional lift spring. In this case though, it's going to be hard to get a softer spring in it and increase ride quality since they run so close to the bumpstops and we don't want to raise the truck at all. With a couple inches of lift we can make some major gains but you gotta get in it sitting that high still.

 

[stvaughn]

For checking level, measure the body crease, not the fender openings. That said, you may not like it level because of the visual effects others mentioned here but at least you'll know a baseline if you measure the crease. In your case, if the rear fender opening is 1/2" higher than the front, I'm betting you'll find the crease shows the rear is about 2" over level which is fine if that's how you want it. That would put it very close to level if you take the block out. In general we (ORD) have found most people like a burb to sit a little high measured at the crease.


Actually, we've found Alcan to be roughly between what we (ORD) and Deaver do and a more conventional lift spring. In this case though, it's going to be hard to get a softer spring in it and increase ride quality since they run so close to the bumpstops and we don't want to raise the truck at all. With a couple inches of lift we can make some major gains but you gotta get in it sitting that high still.

BlazerBiker, I’d be interested in talking to you about your spring recommendations. Send me a PM.

Steve