Suspension questions

[79blazer]

What makes the newer trucks ride so good? Can the leaf springs on the 88-98 trucks fit a 77-87 truck? I want a Cadillac ride. New shocks are better than worn shocks, but if I put on the 1 ton shocks, wouldn’t it eliminate the bounce or shake after a bump?

[rcbildr]

IFS and a longer wheelbase.

[79blazer]

mine is a 79 2wd blazer. with IFS.

[rcbildr]

Sorry, I should've read your signature. New shocks are almost always a good thing, but I'm not sure if the 1-ton shocks would be the way to go. My friend bought a set of the edlebrock shocks for his truck and his truck rode better afterwards.

[79blazer]

I think I am going to go to the salvage yard tomorrow and pull a set to see if it works. Would rear shocks off a van fit also?

[79blazer]

I just want it to be more "dampened" than new shocks can provide. I think the shocks from a heavier vehicle will do this. http://www.carbibles.com/suspension_bible.html

[tvblazer78]

On my 78 2wd Blazer I put 92-94 4x4 full size blazer leaf springs on, this made it ride better then it did. So you could think about trying that.

Trav

[kevinr1970]

Originally Posted by tvblazer78

On my 78 2wd Blazer I put 92-94 4x4 full size blazer leaf springs on, this made it ride better then it did. So you could think about trying that.

Trav

I thought you had said in a previous post that with these springs it also lowered it around 2"?
I have a chance to get a set of these for free but the guy that has them tells me that on the older K5's and Sub's ('73-91) the springs were either 52" or 56" (or something like that) and the newer full-size Blazer springs are 60" or 62" (or something like that).
Did you have to modify anything else to use these springs or was it a bolt in deal?
The guy that has them suggested that maybe with the longer length it would cause the shackles to lay flatter-out there-by lowering the ride height???

[tvblazer78]

That is right they are longer but only 2-3 inches, I just bolted them up no cutting. If you put your springs and the new springs next to each other, you will see a bigger arch and a little longer. But when you have a bigger arch it will not be as long. So just try it and see how it go's. If you need any pic's just let me know.

Trav

Originally Posted by kevinr1970

I thought you had said in a previous post that with these springs it also lowered it around 2"?
I have a chance to get a set of these for free but the guy that has them tells me that on the older K5's and Sub's ('73-91) the springs were either 52" or 56" (or something like that) and the newer full-size Blazer springs are 60" or 62" (or something like that).
Did you have to modify anything else to use these springs or was it a bolt in deal?
The guy that has them suggested that maybe with the longer length it would cause the shackles to lay flatter-out there-by lowering the ride height???

[kevinr1970]

Originally Posted by tvblazer78

But when you have a bigger arch it will not be as long.

Sorry but that confused me a little.
If they have a bigger arch wouldn't that make it sit higher?
Or did you do a flip kit on the rear? Bigger arch negates some of the flip kit so instead of 4"-6" you net only 2"?
To clarify you installed the new style springs and netted a 2" drop?

[tvblazer78]

That is right I did have to flip it. But I think is was about 2"-3" of drop.

Originally Posted by kevinr1970

Sorry but that confused me a little.
If they have a bigger arch wouldn't that make it sit higher?
Or did you do a flip kit on the rear? Bigger arch negates some of the flip kit so instead of 4"-6" you net only 2"?
To clarify you installed the new style springs and netted a 2" drop?

[79blazer]

Is there a difference between the 92-94 Blazer springs and half ton k1500truck springs? The blazer springs may be harder to find. I want the empty stance higher, so that when I put on a trailer, it doesn't squat at the back end. Right now if I put a trailer on it, the hitch is about a foot off the ground.

[kevinr1970]

Originally Posted by tvblazer78

That is right I did have to flip it. But I think is was about 2"-3" of drop.

All right, makes sence now.
I am going to lower my Blazer but don't want to slam it. 2" front and rear would be about perfect.
I prefer my trucks to sit level so the new style springs with flip kit and 2' spindles in the front shuold sit it down just enough.
Then big meats in the bck to get it level.
If you see any flaws in my theory please point them out!

[tvblazer78]

Sounds good to me... Should look good!!!

Originally Posted by kevinr1970

All right, makes sence now.
I am going to lower my Blazer but don't want to slam it. 2" front and rear would be about perfect.
I prefer my trucks to sit level so the new style springs with flip kit and 2' spindles in the front shuold sit it down just enough.
Then big meats in the bck to get it level.
If you see any flaws in my theory please point them out!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 79blazer

Is there a difference between the 92-94 Blazer springs and half ton k1500truck springs? The blazer springs may be harder to find. I want the empty stance higher, so that when I put on a trailer, it doesn't squat at the back end. Right now if I put a trailer on it, the hitch is about a foot off the ground.

I suggest you invest in a quality set of shocks that are intended for your truck. Mixing and matching springs and shocks are a big guessing game.

If you want to improve your towing capability and keep a decent ride when you aren't towing use a set of "helper" style air bags. You can raise the back as high as you want with the trailer on, and let it back down when not towing...