4" Lift Springs... Alcan, National, anyone else?

[Zeus33rd]

This is my interpretation of what that all means.

Alcan makes springs for ORD, but to ORD's specific and unique specification. More geared towards wheeling/flex/off-road/crawling performance. Softer and flexier I'd imagine.

Springs made by Alcan, ("mid-travel") to Alcans specs, without ORD in the mix, are more for the weekend wheeling, street driven rigs that don't need the super flex, just a nice ride.

 

[rjfguitar]

This is my interpretation of what that all means.

Alcan makes springs for ORD, but to ORD's specific and unique specification. More geared towards wheeling/flex/off-road/crawling performance. Softer and flexier I'd imagine.

Springs made by Alcan, ("mid-travel") to Alcans specs, without ORD in the mix, are more for the weekend wheeling, street driven rigs that don't need the super flex, just a nice ride.

I fall in that nice ride group. I'm really considering a front pair from them for my K5. The pro comp 6" springs I have now are buck boards.

 

[6872xtc]

But just know that Stephen asked me what my intention was with my truck as one of the first questions. Yes it does flex better, but my main goal was a better ride. I have it!!! So I wouldn't say that ORD is mainly about getting flex. But I do know that the ORD guys have used the spring rates that they sell to customers with the product that is built for them by Alcan. So I believe that ORD has more seat time with their designs. But this is my opinion.
I do not know if one design or the other is going to last longer. My truck has 9 thin leaves per side for a 4 inch lift. It does have some body roll with them, but it is so much better riding that I don't care. I don't know what Alcan would have specified for it.
I really believe that if ride quality is the bigger concern, call Stephen. A good ride with various loads, maybe call Alcan. I don't believe that there is a 'set in stone' answer. But I know that there are differences in the two companies specifications and BOTH are better than a "kit".

 

[Deuling]

My blazer springs have 10 springs IIRC and they are fantastic. I need to just pony up and order a set for the rear. I cheaped out and did the ford 57s but they just dont have the same amount of travel that the ORD springs do. And Deuling needs mo travel

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

My blazer springs have 10 springs IIRC and they are fantastic. I need to just pony up and order a set for the rear. I cheaped out and did the ford 57s but they just dont have the same amount of travel that the ORD springs do. And Deuling needs mo travel

Deuling needs to save up for mo' bypasses

 

[Richcz28]

My blazer springs have 10 springs IIRC and they are fantastic. I need to just pony up and order a set for the rear. I cheaped out and did the ford 57s but they just dont have the same amount of travel that the ORD springs do. And Deuling needs mo travel

Deuling needs to design rear links and make an extra set for Rich

 

[blazinzuk]

Deuling needs to save up for mo' bypasses

Deuling needs to design rear links and make an extra set for Rich

2 words Trailing Arms.

On the custom spring thing I have gotten springs from Alcan twice both stellar springs. Unfortunately they weren't mine but after riding in a couple rigs with ORD springs I really don't think you can go wrong with either

 

[Blue85]

ORD... More geared towards wheeling/flex/off-road/crawling performance. Softer and flexier I'd imagine.

Alcan... more for the weekend wheeling, street driven rigs that don't need the super flex, just a nice ride.

Flexy and soft ride are basically the same thing, i.e. spring rate. (stock length spring)

(From the previous page)

 

[Deuling]

Deuling needs to save up for mo' bypasses

Deuling needs to design rear links and make an extra set for Rich

2 words Trailing Arms.

I agree with all of these statements...




Who's in the market for some raptor shocks

 

[miniwally]

I agree with all of these statements...




Who's in the market for some raptor shocks

Deulling have hot new girl, he should spend time focused on doing long travel "work" with her not on truck right now.

 

[Philly87]

Thank Zim and thanks to all for the advice. The purpose of this Blazer will strictly be to look pretty and ride great. I want to be able to load the lady, kids and dogs in it and take a COMFORTABLE two hour drive up into the mountains and hit our favorite camping spots. It will see trail duty to get to those spots but I don't need this one to be flexy per say.

I'll be swapping my one tons under another Blazer that I don't care about so much that will be flexy and get heavy trail use.

I'm thinking 4 inches of Alcan Spring and Bilstein shocks for the win. Anyone disagree?

 

[muddysub]

Thank Zim and thanks to all for the advice. The purpose of this Blazer will strictly be to look pretty and ride great. I want to be able to load the lady, kids and dogs in it and take a COMFORTABLE two hour drive up into the mountains and hit our favorite camping spots. It will see trail duty to get to those spots but I don't need this one to be flexy per say.

I'll be swapping my one tons under another Blazer that I don't care about so much that will be flexy and get heavy trail use.

I'm thinking 4 inches of Alcan Spring and Bilstein shocks for the win. Anyone disagree?

thats the primary use of my suburban, highway road tripper, camping rig, plus a little more wheeling than you've described. i'm running 3.5" Alcan (ORD) springs and bilsteins, my truck drives awesome!

 

[6872xtc]

Since you asked, I don't disagree, but my personal feeling is that you will be missing out on some increased ride quality by not using Stephen's experience. I do not by any way think that you will be disappointed with the Alcan spring. I do not have any affiliation with ORD, but I am very pleased with the ride of the front of my truck. I have bilstien shocks on it. When I bought my springs, I didn't find the small price difference any large concern for buying someone's experience.

But in the end, it's your decision, but don't buy a "kit".

 

[blazinzuk]

thats the primary use of my suburban, highway road tripper, camping rig, plus a little more wheeling than you've described. i'm running 3.5" Alcan (ORD) springs and bilsteins, my truck drives awesome!

I have ridden in Scott's burb. Oh my. I have ridden in these trucks on and off for many years all sorts of lifts stock half ton one ton etc. etc. etc.

Scott's rides as nice as a 2wd in my mind.

 

[82355]

If I was going to spend that kind of money, I would buy the ORD springs.

Martin