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1991 Suburban Rear Suspension

C

ClovisMan

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New Braunfels, TX
Hello, I tried the the Search Function first but typing in blocks, springs, and shackle-flip said No Results. Go figure. So here's the issue.
I have a 1991 Suburban with a 4 inch SuperLift kit. It has springs in the front and blocks in the rear. The blocks suck. I have a horse-drawn covered wagon with more suspension flex and rebound.
So my question is which one rides better, 4 inch rear lift springs or the shackle-flip brackets? I measured my springs and I have the offset 56 incher's if that makes a difference. Thank you.
wWEjFH4.jpg
 
Well normally the recommendation is to use the shackle flip because it lets you get a lift with factory springs and no block.
The main reason to get away from the block is spring wrap, and shorter U bolts.

But the block doesn't alter ride characteristics because you haven't changed springs. Your shocks have to change, which makes me question them.
Could they be seized , or way too stiff??
 
By far shackle flip over 4" springs. You reuse your 56" springs with the flip, ditch the blocks and enjoy the ride.

4" springs will naturally have a higher arch to give you the lift and because of that the ride suffers over a flatter spring.
 
While the flip is a better choice, since it and the block use the same springs I would think the difference in ride quality would be negligible.
 
I just went through the same thing with my Jimmy. It had a 4" Rough Country lift and the ride was horrible with stiff front springs and blocks. I opted for new tough country leafs all around and Bilstein shocks. I figured my stock springs were 30 years old and it couldn't hurt to replace them. The ride quality is night and day and worth the extra coin to do it right. A lot of people go for the shackle flip but I have no regrets. I wanted new bushings and did the greasable ones from ORD while I had everything apart.

The only thing I'm not happy about is that the rear is still a little lower than the front. I'm going to use it for a little while and see if the front settles. I've got the 1" add a leaf that will go on to raise the rear more if it doesn't.
 
What condition are your rear springs in? If they have sagged to the point you are on the overloads all the time, then it may be time to replace the springs... which leans towards a lift spring.

The question about your shocks is super relevant to how the suspension feels too. Generally speaking, the shocks that come with a lift block kit are regarded as "rough" to "terrible" in ride quality. Are they in good condition? Are they good quality shocks?

Technically speaking, installing new lift springs is a lot less work than a shackle flip (remove gas tank, cutting off rivets). So that is worth some consideration as well.
 
mechted said:
What condition are your rear springs in? If they have sagged to the point you are on the overloads all the time, then it may be time to replace the springs... which leans towards a lift spring.

The question about your shocks is super relevant to how the suspension feels too. Generally speaking, the shocks that come with a lift block kit are regarded as "rough" to "terrible" in ride quality. Are they in good condition? Are they good quality shocks?

Technically speaking, installing new lift springs is a lot less work than a shackle flip (remove gas tank, cutting off rivets). So that is worth some consideration as well.
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The shocks are the ones that came with the SuperLift kit so I cannot comment on their effectiveness. They are relatively new. Maybe 9 months old. I need to look at the springs and see if they are infact sitting on the overloads. Thanks for the tips. So it appears the shackle-flip is way cheaper if I dont have to buy new springs, but more work. Rear lift springs are easier to swap, but can be spendy. Anyone know where I can get 4 inch lift 56'ers on a budget? :)
 
May I suggest that you disconnect the rear shocks and see if there is big difference when you jump on the rear bumper?
New may not mean much if they were wrong spec to begin with, or if they have a problem already....

Along with looking further at the rear springs....
 
Okay, my rear springs are definitely bottomed out on the overloads. I guess I need 4 inch replacement lift springs. Should I buy SuperLift brand to match the front or do better rear springs exist?
lyW7H46.jpg
 
Tuff Country springs are very popular here. They're on my list...
 
I have a guys truck frame in my shop now with the correct listed shocks for a 4" lift on the rear . when I pick it up on my lift the shocks are extended 100% with only 25-35% suspension droop out .

the super lift shocks I had years ago were super stiff . swapped to monro off the shelf shocks and way better ride .

and if you need new rear springs and want super soft ride I would look in to www.offroaddesign.com for a custom built set . get you the best of both worlds lift / ride / capacity .

if not new springs its time to like said before unhook shocks and test ride not to crazy driving tho with no shocks . also flex the suspension out and measure the shock points to get the right length shocks and not limit the system like you might be having now .
 
I went with the shackle flip and stock 56s on a 70HD, and then B52's up front on a 60. The 52's are new and the 56's used so hopefully the front will settle a bit now with the engine and all in. I had previously installed a rancho helper leaf on the rear to fix the 'burb sag and it helped so I left it in when did the flip.

IMG_5942.JPG
 
I got procomp rear springs for my blazer. Decent price but a little stiff. Good shocks make a huge difference as was already said. Looks like your springs have seen better days. Ord will be the best you can get but more money than a off the shelf spring. You tell them exact specs and they build them for your rig. Tuff country ez rides are one of the best off the shelf ones and usually have a decent ride. I'd watch putting in anything too soft with a burn though. It's easy to get carried away with overloading them and springs will sag bad if too soft.
 
chulisohombre said:
I got procomp rear springs for my blazer. Decent price but a little stiff. Good shocks make a huge difference as was already said. Looks like your springs have seen better days. Ord will be the best you can get but more money than a off the shelf spring. You tell them exact specs and they build them for your rig. Tuff country ez rides are one of the best off the shelf ones and usually have a decent ride. I'd watch putting in anything too soft with a burn though. It's easy to get carried away with overloading them and springs will sag bad if too soft.
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Ive seen the Pro-Comp springs. Im actually considering them. They have to ride better than 4 inch blocks and worn out springs that sit on the overload. I actually carry a lot of crap in my Burb. It has a BedSlide in it to load all my gear. Its more of an Overland Rig. It may have to pull a trailer here pretty soon as well.
 
ClovisMan said:
Ive seen the Pro-Comp springs. Im actually considering them. They have to ride better than 4 inch blocks and worn out springs that sit on the overload. I actually carry a lot of crap in my Burb. It has a BedSlide in it to load all my gear. Its more of an Overland Rig. It may have to pull a trailer here pretty soon as well.
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That being the case the procomp I got have five springs with overload and are military wrapped. I have to be fully loaded a few thousand pounds to hit the overload I'm sure. Lol
 
new 4" springs that are built for you
I have the flip but recommend springs for you. I don't think the flip works as well on rigs used for actual hauling. The stock style shackle, IMO, is better with loads and doesn't flatten the spring out.
 
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