Probably a dumb question, but new to lifting a leaf spring rig. I have a 1980 K30 4x4, and it rides like crap (obviously), that I want to lift enough to clear at least a 35" tire. Question is can I put 3/4 ton springs on it instead and help the ride? Or are they they same springs as on a 1 ton, just heavier diffs? It will see little off road as I have a lifted Cherokee for that, but will primarily be used to tow and drive. Thanks in advance for any answers!
CK5
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3/4 or 1 ton?
- Thread starter Elkwagn
- Start date
shovelbill80
1/2 ton status
why do you want to tow "with at least" a 35" tire? what do you plan on towing? would you cut your fenders to fit these tires? do you have the gearing to run larger tires and tow effectively?
spend the $25 on a membership too.......it's well worth it.
spend the $25 on a membership too.......it's well worth it.
I think the difference is how many springs are in the pack, as well as the obvious axle difference between 3/4 and 1 ton. I'm not sure if they are different lengths or not. Don't use blocks if you already don't like the stiff ride. I technically have 1 1/4 ton rear springs with shackle flip and 2" blocks and it beats the crap out of me over bumpy terrain 
Plans are to eventually get rid of the blocks and run regular lift springs with the shackle flip so its not so harsh.
Plans are to eventually get rid of the blocks and run regular lift springs with the shackle flip so its not so harsh.Not really aware of any "1-ton, 3/4-ton, 1/2-ton" specific aftermarket lift front springs. Most companies only offer 1 or 2 variations of, such as Tuff Country with their EZ ride and HD versions.
The factory rear springs are usually the big difference. You should factory 56" rear springs which are a direct swap for most 3/4 ton trucks, but there are several variations of "stock" rear springs. You can generally pull several leafs out of the stock 1-ton pack unless hauling max load in the bed all of the time, or bolt in a lighter pair of 3/4 ton packs.
Keep in mind tires can make a big difference also. If you have some smaller E-rated tires running 80 psi that is about the same as running concrete tires.
The factory rear springs are usually the big difference. You should factory 56" rear springs which are a direct swap for most 3/4 ton trucks, but there are several variations of "stock" rear springs. You can generally pull several leafs out of the stock 1-ton pack unless hauling max load in the bed all of the time, or bolt in a lighter pair of 3/4 ton packs.
Keep in mind tires can make a big difference also. If you have some smaller E-rated tires running 80 psi that is about the same as running concrete tires.
I want at least 35 inch tires BECAUSE of the gearing(4.56) and the 454 that I dont want to turn four grand to run highway speed. I plan on towing my 31 foot camper and my 25 foot car trailer with the race car or cherokee on it. Are you saying you cant tow with 35 inch tires?
Real question is if there is really a difference between a 3/4 and 1 ton suspension spring wise, and if so can I use 3/4 ton springs instead. I definately will not be cutting fenders on this truck, and I know some will freak out about a lift and towing, but it isnt like I want 10 inches, just enough to safely clear the 35's and still have a decent ride. I probably will upgrade my membership soon, but for pete's sake its my third post and already harassed? I am a member of two Cherokee forums, the Bowsite, and a Chevelle forum and have never been asked, it always comes willingly with time.
Real question is if there is really a difference between a 3/4 and 1 ton suspension spring wise, and if so can I use 3/4 ton springs instead. I definately will not be cutting fenders on this truck, and I know some will freak out about a lift and towing, but it isnt like I want 10 inches, just enough to safely clear the 35's and still have a decent ride. I probably will upgrade my membership soon, but for pete's sake its my third post and already harassed? I am a member of two Cherokee forums, the Bowsite, and a Chevelle forum and have never been asked, it always comes willingly with time.
You can Tow On 35" tires as long as there the proper load rating , All my trucks runs 35" or bigger tires and I tow HEAVY
Polski-Chevy
1/2 ton status
I believe what shovelbill80 was saying was 35" is a decent sized tire and that's the smallest tire you want for a "tow rig", add in the 454, and that ain't harassment that's a buddy looking out for your wallet.
Honestly, that sounds similar to something I've been kicking around in my head for awhile for a project truck, but the way fuel keeps rising, I don't wanna leave a kidney at the pump.
Honestly, that sounds similar to something I've been kicking around in my head for awhile for a project truck, but the way fuel keeps rising, I don't wanna leave a kidney at the pump.
I have a dual fuel propane conversion that has been sitting around now for years that I will probably put on this truck. It came off of my old 78 chevy shortbox with a q-jet and worked good. I will put newer Vortec heads on for better compression, a little more cam, and bump the timing up (propane is 110 octane) to keep power levels up. Propane is at about $2.40 right now including road tax.... if you fill up that way! As far as the tires go, I also have 35's on nearly everything I own including the other tow rigs, and I know the sting of tire prices..just sold the 20's and went to 17's for the wifes lifted 01 Yukon XL! Couldn't afford $1700 for tires anymore, not that $1200 is much better.
As mentioned the aftermarket treat all the trucks the same whether 1/2, 3/4 or 1 ton (other than most 3/4 and all 1 ton trucks using a slightly longer rear spring). What motor? Will there be a winch and/or aftermarket/fabricated bumper on the truck?
The number of leaves isn't directly related to spring rate. We build custom springs all the time that have 9-10 leaves that are softer than any off the shelf front spring that uses 3. Thickness and length of the spring are also big factors in spring rate, just assuming that more leaves means stiffer isn't a good assumption.
I think the difference is how many springs are in the pack, as well as the obvious axle difference between 3/4 and 1 ton. I'm not sure if they are different lengths or not. Don't use blocks if you already don't like the stiff ride. I technically have 1 1/4 ton rear springs with shackle flip and 2" blocks and it beats the crap out of me over bumpy terrain
The number of leaves isn't directly related to spring rate. We build custom springs all the time that have 9-10 leaves that are softer than any off the shelf front spring that uses 3. Thickness and length of the spring are also big factors in spring rate, just assuming that more leaves means stiffer isn't a good assumption.
The engine is the original rebuilt 454, trans is th400, front Dana 60 and rear 14 bolt, 4.56 gearing with rear posi and hydro boost brakes. I will not have an aftermarket bumper, i will be putting a front receiver hitch that hides behind front license plate for the slide in winch mount already being used on my jeep. What I am after is a truck that looks nice with enough lift to nicely clear 35 or 36 inch tires, be moderately capable off road (like I said before I have jeeps for that, but I do live in Montana on dirt roads), and be pleasurable to drive. I realize a 1 ton is never going to ride great, but with new springs and shocks etc. front and rear it can only get better! Now to find front and rear lift springs that ride decent???
