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4" Suspension Lift Questions

3

398HBX

1/2 ton status
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Jul 17, 2010
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Location
Oak Ridge, TN
I am doing a frame off restoration of my 73 Blazer. I will soon be painting my frame and installing my new leaf springs. I plan on a 4" lift. For the rear springs I have Rancho RS86209 (2.5" springs) and block kit Rancho RS70054 for a total of 4" of lift. For the front I have Rancho RS86206 2.5" to 4" lift springs. I would like to install a shackle flip kit on the rear to eliminate the need for the lift blocks but I cannot find one that will provide 1.5" of additional lift (to eliminate the need for the 1.5" rear blocks). Another thing that I am wondering about are the new front springs. Rancho states that the springs I bought are for 2.5-4" lift. Does anyone know how this works? There are no adjustments, alternte mounting etc. Does the shock make up the differnce between 2.5" and 4"? I already have bought my RS9000 shocks for 4" of lift. Do you have any suggestions?
 
I don't know anything about Rancho, but the springs should be either 2.5" or 4"of lift, they can't be both. If you've already bought them, you need to figure out which it is.

2.5" rear springs with a 2.5" shackle flip from ORD will put you at 5" lift on rear, which would level level your truck if you have 4" front springs. General consensus is that you want 1" more or so of lift in the rear to eliminate the chronic GM saggy ass.

I'd think you'd either want to go for a full 4" spring, or 4" shackle flip. But, if you've already got the 2.5" rear springs it is what it is.

If you do have 2.5" front springs and not 4", you can put an ORD zero rate up front which would give you 3.5" front, and would look good with your current 4.5" rear block/spring combo.
 
Great news!. I'm glad that I don't have to figure out everything alone. Why re-invent the wheel. How about the rear shock? The part number is RS999112, by Rancho which states that it is for a 4" lift. With the ORD Shackle Flip (5" lift total) do you think the extra inch will make a difference on the rear shock?
 
Most of the kits use a fresh spring pack for the front and the cast blocks with an add a leaf for the rear end.

I am not a real fan of the shackle flip.

IMHO the block on a 4" or 6" lift is the best way to go.

Snowy
 
OK... So now I have two differing opinions. On one hand, the shackle flip is supposed to give more articulation, but I am not sure my new rear shock will work. On the other hand, I have the new shock, spring, and block kit. I have also read that you can take the front shackle from a mid 80's 3/4 ton and use it for a shackle flip. I happen to have an 86 3/4T burb that is my parts vehicle. The more opinions I get the better informed I will be. Question, Should I:

A. Use the ORD Kit?
B. Stick with the rear 2.5" lift springs and 1.5" Block kit
C. Use the front shackle hangers from the 86 burb?

Thanks in advance.
 
Snowy Rivers said:
Most of the kits use a fresh spring pack for the front and the cast blocks with an add a leaf for the rear end.

I am not a real fan of the shackle flip.

IMHO the block on a 4" or 6" lift is the best way to go.

Snowy
Click to expand...


hmmmm, soft articulating setup vs axlewrap waiting to happen....... I know which I would choose... not even mentioning blocks spitting out...
 
If you plan on serious wheeling, I'd go 4" shackle flip and some zero rates. Use your old springs and get some new bushings.

If its a driver, occasional offroad truck I'd either stick with what you have or get the 2.5" shackle flip if you're deadset against the blocks.

My rig has 4" springs and 2.5" blocks. Hadn't used it much yet, but don't forsee any problems as it will be 90% highway and moderate offroad use.
 
The only time I have ever seen issues with the blocks is when the blocks get "Stupid" tall.

Pick whatever makes you feel warm and fuzzy.

If you are going to pound the little critter then the least amount of stuff that can flex and move around is the best way to go..

Solid, stable, easy to keep together. :laugh:

My 89 K5 Has a set of short blocks with its 4 Inch kit.

I dont take the truck out and thrash it so it makes little difference.

Best

Snowy
 
curious to see what you went with. imo i would go with with what you have and replace the blocks with the shackle flip. you will be happy. an extra inch of lift shouldnt bother the travel on the rancho shocks. good luck.
 
Are 4" blocks in the rear too much for a street truck? Will they create axle wrap or will it be O.K? I want a 4" lift but not sure about all block lift in the back.
I know there are very high tech lifts out there. I don't do much of road and if I do, it's nothing ruff or rocky.
Too many neighbor hoods going up around my way.
 
Last edited:
Yes 4 inches may create axel wrap and or hopping. You also may destroy a rear u-joint while doing so. The money you think you saved will go to drive-line repairs. Unless it is a mall crawler, then it will be fine. Go with a shackle flip or rear lift springs.
 
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