Leaf springs
 

I was wondering how much travel a 1971 K-10 should have? I was planning on installing a 4’’ lift with new front and rear springs in the future, but seeing how little room there is in between the front bump stop and the leaf is making me wonder if the truck is even comfortably drivable until the springs are replaced. Here is a link to the truck.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=233565



As far as lifts go, I was looking into the Skyjacker lift # C240AKS. The only bad thing I have read so far, is that with the softride rear springs the weight capacity for the bed is lower. I am planning on hauling my atv which weighs 850 pounds, would this be an issue? Here are some pics of how close it is.

Thanks a lot.

Re: Leaf springs
 

I had alot more room from the bumpstops on mine before the lift....And now I have a 6" rear/4" front lift so if/when I haul my 4x4 atv it doesnt sit to low in the back

Re: Leaf springs
 

The lift springs arch up so the clearance will increase with the lift. I am not sure on the actual spacing between bump stop and spring but my lift came with spacers to put between the bump stop and the frame to drop the bumpstop down.

Re: Leaf springs
 

The reason your springs have a lower clearance is most likely due to saggy springs

Re: Leaf springs
 

The front springs are de-arched when stock...GM's way of giving a nicer ride.

I replaced my front leafs...they are no longer saggy and of course all new hardware was replaced as well.

Re: Leaf springs
 

Thanks for the replies guys! Does anybody know how much travel I would gain by replacing the leafs, without going to a lift spring? Or how much travel these trucks would have had when they were new? This is my first truck and it just seems that there should be more than 2'' of travel up front.

Thanks.

Re: Leaf springs
 

I think that just the re-arch part of my spring work gave me 2-3 inches of more height. Those 37 year old springs were tired!