How do '86 k30 front springs differ from the '88 V30's?

[Chevy3+3]

I am thinking about putting an add a leaf into my current front spring packs on my '88 V30 and I see alot listed for up to '86 & '87 being one part number and the add a leaf kits for the '88-91 V series are a different part number. I just wondered if anyone might know what the difference would be. The reason I ask is because there are fewer manufacturers for my '88 and Summit sells a Skyjacker add a leaf kit but lists it for useon vehicles up to '86.

Thanks

[chengny]

The parts dwgs for the 85/86 K30 and the 87-91 V30 appear to be identical:

[wildwilly4x4]

Im not 100% positive, but from what I remember the leaf spring mount bolts are a different size. For an add-a-leaf I don't think there would be any differences.

[Chevy3+3]

I might just need to call the company and see why the difference in part #'s then. I installed a set of Skyjacker 2.5" softride front lift springs over a year ago. Skyjacker guaranteed them to lift a big block truck 2" and a small block 2.5". They did lift my BB exactly 2" on day 1 but a year later I think they have settled about a 1/2" more. I thought an add-a-leaf may work to help the spring pack that's already there.

[redneckwheelman2]

from what i found on ORD is that 88 and up they used metric bolts so the bushings are different, the springs are the same.

[MTCK]

Have you thought about an ORD zero rate? It would keep from stiffening up your front springs, which you may or may not be going for.

[Chevy3+3]

Originally Posted by MTCK

Have you thought about an ORD zero rate? It would keep from stiffening up your front springs, which you may or may not be going for.

Yes I was considering that also. I was just concerned if the leaf spring pack kept getting weaker maybe it would be better to install a leaf spring instead. I do however love the way the my trucks front end rides at the moment and wouldn't want it much stiffer. I see that the front add-a-leaf kits will lift me up to 2". I really don't want that much more lift. I want to keep my height practical since this is more of a driver/tow rig rather than a offroad truck.

I did however install an NV4500 trans using the factory passenger side external slave cylinder so the additional height would give me more front driveline clearance. If I used an ORD zero rate kit I think I would have ample driveline clearance. If I still questioned it I could always just lower my axle bump stops a couple of inches as a safety precaution