77 k20 front bump stop distance from leaf springs?

[cdub2010]

My '77 k20 rides like a dump truck. Absolutly terrible ride quality. I believe it has a stock front leaf pack with 3 springs. There is currently less than 2 inches from the axle top plate to bump stop, similar distance to the one on the spring.

Have my springs sagged that much? They are basically flat or an upward arch "^"

I swapped in a 5.3 vortec, should weight less than the 400 sbc it replaced?

[b454rat]

Shocks good? Be surprised just by changing those. Sounds like original springs, they do t have much travel to em. Are the bushings seized in the springs? Try greasing them n see if it changes. It enough weight difference to notice ride...

[cadillac_al]

Sounds perfectly normal. Stock springs have the upward arch to prevent axle wrap. In all these years I have never heard of a decent replacement shock. People say Ranchos ride rough. I have Ranchos and they ride rough. I figure they all do. I put a 2" lift on my K20. It has a more normal looking arch and should have a little more wheel travel. I can't really say it rides any better.

[cdub2010]

The shocks are new Monroe sensatrac's. Im swapping in new bushings with ord shackles and a zero rate to get the truck level. Its just gonna be a restored hunting and fishing vehicle so no biggie. Guess my super soft riding 2016 GMC truck has giving me a soft backside.

[cadillac_al]

I think you're right. Drivers of modern trucks have no idea what a real truck rides like. These trucks beat the pot holes, not the other way around.

I have been satisfied with Sensatracs on my cars. I should try them on my truck someday.

[jeffahart]

Get a stock bench seat. Nice and springy. And I'm not being flip. If you've ever driven a deuce, you'd know that you would need spine surgery after a road march if the seats didn't have dampening. The seat matters.


j

[Richard]

For the older stock leaf sprung trucks I would recommend to stay away from gas charged shocks. They will just make the ride rougher and you will feel every pebble. Stick with a twin tube hydraulic shock.

[Stocker]

FWIW, when I changed my '72 K20's front springs (in 1997) there was just a 7/8" gap to the bump stops and it bottomed out frequently. I got 2.5" Softrides and the gap went to 3 3/4".