My 4" lift Recipe (suggestions?)

[xbanone]

So I'm looking for suggestions or recomendations on my lift recipe for my '76 GMC short/step.


My goal is to overhaul the stock very worn suspension (over 200k miles) with a more stable better riding system. I am looking for any suggestions as to what I'm putting together to make my truck more enjoyable to drive. Currently the truck is bone stock 1/2 ton with bilstien HD shocks. The truck rides like the rear suspension is welded solid and the front is worn and sagging. I would like to replace all the springs, bushings and of course shocks.

Here is what I have decided on so far:
4" Tuff Country EZ ride springs (front)
Steering arm
Bilstein shocks (5100)

I need some help on the rear. I could get 4" tuff counrty springs but I'm afraid the ride will be too harsh. A shackle flip is an option but I will still have to replace my rear springs. maybe with something from here:
http://www.generalspringkc.com/index...parent=45&pg=1

So what do you all think? Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks for looking,
Brady

[special-K]

I don`t think your springs are making the rear ride hard.I`d go with a shackle flip and see how that goes before replacing rear springs.You could replace rear springs with longer used springs.

[xbanone]

Originally Posted by special-K

I don`t think your springs are making the rear ride hard.I`d go with a shackle flip and see how that goes before replacing rear springs.You could replace rear springs with longer used springs.

The springs I have are 6 leaf (including the overload). I was thinking maybe the bushings are completely seized up inside the eyelets. Most of the trucks I know of only have 5 leaves in the rear. I thought maybe I had a heavier spring rate.

[special-K]

That is beefy.I see where you`re coming from,now.I like the EZ-Rides I`ve had on two trucks,a Suburban(4") and a K/20(6").I`d do springs before shakle-flip,personally.Just get new shackles and you don`t deal with galled up and rusty eye bolts.Stock shackles are real cheap and you get new bushings.I used anti-sieze on the eye bolts to help keep them free.You could get greaseable aftermarket shackles.

[Oilbrnr]

Having just done a 4" lift (and otherwise being a total virgin when it comes to lifting trucks) you really should know that you're going to have some bump-steer even with that raised steering arm.

I'm actively finding the parts to do a x-over setup, as it is that annoying. Obviously the SWB of our trucks magnify the issue.

My K5 has 180k on it and I reused the rear stock springs, and added a zero rate which in retrospect, I'm not sure I really need. She sits a little a$$ high right now, but by the time I get the rear bumper fabbed with a spare on there, it should even things out a bit.

Oh, one other thing, you may need to get lengthened parking brake cables. Since mine has a SM465, it is a necessity. (a line lock might be an alternative )

[special-K]

I never had to mess with the parking brake cables with 4" lift.

[Oilbrnr]

Originally Posted by special-K

I never had to mess with the parking brake cables with 4" lift.

They *might* be OK on mine if I took out the zero rate or the overload, but even then I'm sure they'd be damaged if/when I really get her crossed up.

I'll also mention, that while I was at it, I put in a new master cylinder, loaded calipers, Russell SpeedBleeders and new rear cylinders. Also the longer braided (Earl's) brake lines.

[xbanone]

What about the springs in the link I provided with a shackle flip? Price would be about the same as new EZ rides springs. Is the spring capacity the same as spring rate and is that directly proportional to ride quality? IE. less spring capicity/rate = smoother ride?

[duallyjams]

I have own and lifted a half a dozen 4x4. I have used e-z-ride and regular spring in the front, for the best ride longer spring and really good shocks.52 inch in the front and 63 in the back.