Stock Height suspension suggestions

[68ls1]

So I'm building a 71 4WD Blazer, probably my retirement project. So to put in context this is a fun vehicle, that I can go visit friends, or have a road trip. Most of these will involve miles of highway driving. Then have the ability to sneak off road to light trails or the beach. I am located in Australia so planning is essential as shipping is a killer

So plan is to stay around stock height, with 17" rims and 285/70 tires.
Upgraded steering box. I went with Blue-Top, customer service was first class

I am looking for shock recommendations, I think I found a KYB solution that is about improved highway manners, Gas-A-Just
Front: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...1029226&jsn=55
Rear: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...1029226&jsn=51

Any others you can suggest?

Swaybars to suit?

Other suggestions

thanks

[notsolo]

Need photo's. All original equipment? ..just my 2 cents...mostly on road driving right, check all spring shackle bushings, ball joints, tight steering is a good start... Make it safe, then figure out the rest.

[68ls1]

Originally Posted by notsolo

Need photo's. All original equipment? ..just my 2 cents...mostly on road driving right, check all spring shackle bushings, ball joints, tight steering is a good start... Make it safe, then figure out the rest.

As far as I know is original style suspension. Once it arrives we will make a full assessment, but I would think it will be pretty much a full suspension rebuild. Our laws are pretty strict when it comes to roadworthiness for registration.

[notsolo]

Nice score....Looks about stock to me, not the expert, mine had 2 leafs in front, don't remember how many in the rear. Ride quality will depend on what you add. Tighten up what you have see how you like. Original stock height was decent...IMO.

[hemi43]

A front sway bar will make a huge difference.

[DeadheadNM]

Quality new springs will help the ride a lot. If you don’t have a good local option for springs, Alcan Spring here in the US does good work and can provide stock height (zero lift) examples. Use Teflon anti-squeak pads on each face of the spring pack. I too think stock height is just right.

Take a look at the Blazer OEM-style steps that Mike Cofield has for sale here on the board. Not suspension related but makes getting in/out a lot easier for those under 6’ in height, err 1.83 meters

[68ls1]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Quality new springs will help the ride a lot. If you don’t have a good local option for springs, Alcan Spring here in the US does good work and can provide stock height (zero lift) examples. Use Teflon anti-squeak pads on each face of the spring pack. I too think stock height is just right.

Take a look at the Blazer OEM-style steps that Mike Cofield has for sale here on the board. Not suspension related but makes getting in/out a lot easier for those under 6’ in height, err 1.83 meters

Thanks for recommendation on springs

How did you know? I am definitely under 183 centimetres, err 72"

[DeadheadNM]

After several years of having my wife and others clambering for the glovebox door or other “handles” to get inside I try to share the suggestion. It’s insurance against vehicle damage

Was really bad with the 4” lifted Blazer I used to own.

[SeventyOne]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

After several years of having my wife and others clambering for the glovebox door or other “handles” to get inside I try to share the suggestion. It’s insurance against vehicle damage

Was really bad with the 4” lifted Blazer I used to own.

I'll second Alcan spring. They hooked me up with some 6" lift springs with a nice custom spring rate. They ride nice for a jacked up 71 K5. And my wife also has some issues getting into the truck but a little butt-boost can be fun ;-)

[68ls1]

Originally Posted by SeventyOne

I'll second Alcan spring. They hooked me up with some 6" lift springs with a nice custom spring rate. They ride nice for a jacked up 71 K5. And my wife also has some issues getting into the truck but a little butt-boost can be fun ;-)

thanks. I'll definitely get in touch with Alcan after Blazer arrives

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

After several years of having my wife and others clambering for the glovebox door or other “handles” to get inside I try to share the suggestion. It’s insurance against vehicle damage

Was really bad with the 4” lifted Blazer I used to own.

Difficult to see, but I made grab handles for that exact reason. They get used everytime getting in the truck.

[SeventyOne]

Originally Posted by hemi43

Difficult to see, but I made grab handles for that exact reason. They get used everytime getting in the truck.

Screwed into the windshield frame?

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by SeventyOne

Screwed into the windshield frame?

there's a 1/4" thick threaded reinforcement plate mounted inside the header for the handles to bolt to. Probably strong enough to lift the truck. lol