How much gap between bump stop and top of axle mount?

[hemi43]

I'm trying to find out how much of a gap there's supposed to be on a stock height Blazer. I kinda knew my springs were going to need replacing, but didn't realize how bad they were until I set my Blazer on the ground once the engine was in. You can also see how much my shock is compressed.
Are the springs supposed to be flat with the truck on the ground? Mine arch upwards.
I'd like to get new springs, but another concern is bump steer if I go up a couple inches.

[bouncytruck]

Stock springs arch upwards. You shouldn't really have bumpster with a small lift, but tires also play into that.

[hemi43]

I thought they were supposed to be straight. Right now, I would have less than 2 inches of compression.

[Chad22873]

I put a level on mine this evening and measured them. They arch upwards 2 1/2". That is on one that had everything on it but the front fenders and hood.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by Chad22873

I put a level on mine this evening and measured them. They arch upwards 2 1/2". That is on one that had everything on it but the front fenders and hood.

Thanks Chad!
Wow, 2 1/2 is even more than mine. How much suspension travel does that leave you until you hit the rubber bump stops?

[richard2717]

Here is a pic of my olive bone stock 72'. it is less than 2" and my red one is the same

[hemi43]

Thanks for that pic Richard. That's exactly what I have too, 1 3/4" !! That sure doesn't seem like lots of travel for a 4X4 truck. Maybe that's just the way these trucks are. I was afraid of bottoming out on the slightest bump. Even my street rod had 3" of compression travel before hitting the rubber stops. I think I will still look into raising the truck another 1 1/2" for an extra margin of safety.

[grillzy]

I will measure mine for you in the next couple days. Just home from being north.

[Chad22873]

I measured mine as you requested. The springs are about 2 yrs old and as I said when I put the level on they arch upwards 2 1/2 inches. The gap before they bottom out is 4 1/4 inches. Again that is without a front clip.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by Chad22873

I measured mine as you requested. The springs are about 2 yrs old and as I said when I put the level on they arch upwards 2 1/2 inches. The gap before they bottom out is 4 1/4 inches. Again that is without a front clip.

Hmmm.. Something doesn't add up ! Is that with the rubber bumper removed? I'd love to see a pic. Even if the spring was dead straight I don't think there would be 4 1/4" gap.
Regardless, I'm planning on taking my springs in tomorrow to have them re arched so that I have an extra 1 1/2 -2" of clearance.

[Chad22873]

Here is a pic. Don't mind the wires hanging. As I said the front clip is removed. The 4 1/4 is with the bumper stop on. The 2 1/2 is taking a level and measuring from the center of the spring eyelet and going across to the center of the spring and measuring down to the top of the spring. If that makes sense.

[hemi43]

Ah, OK !! That makes sense now. Your springs arch downwards which explains your high ground clearance. Those must be aftermarket lift springs. Thanks for that picture.
I'm hoping to take the springs in today. Hopefully they'll have time to do them.

[hemi43]

Got up bright and early and got the springs out this morning. Took them to the spring shop and replaced all the leaves except the main one with the hoops. I brought them back home, sandblasted them and powdercoated then re-installed. I now have a 3 1/2 gap, which IMO is perfect. Nice clearance between the engine and diff, and the shocks now look like they're not too compressed. I'll probably have to raise the rear now about an inch to get everything lined up, but I'll do that with a solid block.