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52in spring swap checklist, forgive me.

K5dreamer

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Ok, so ive read through probably 10 pages of posts by using the search function trying to nail down all the info on swapping 52in springs into the front of my M1009. Quick rundown.

The truck is no longer a daily driver, as such being toy status, its getting the mods it so deserves and needs. Those being the ones listed in my signature. Having learned about the 52in spring swap, and loving being able to do things on the cheap, and with parts from the junkyard (everyone likes recycling) i just need to get my brain strait. However, the truck will need to be safe on the road, as its my parts hauler, and will be used for driving to and from my playgrounds. that includes highway driving up to several hours away on public roads. and ill have people in the truck, usually going to a concert (tailgating), the beach, the trail, etc. etc. I understand i wont be able to drive like a ferarri, i dont do that anyway.

52in rear springs - from blazers? or pickups as well? these alone, with moving the front mounts and rear mounts will keep the axle in the same location, and provide 4in of lift, correct?

Ford shock towers - are these necessary? or do they just optimize the system? Ive read both ways on here. I wont need alot of crazy flex, the swap is mostly for a cheap 4in lift.

Shock selection - 14in sound about right? if so, what suggestions do yall have for brands, or applications.

X-over steering - Understandably necessary for actual offroading, but for DD the stock steering should work just fine. remember im trying to do this in stages on the cheap. Also, is it always necessary to build a custom crossmember to clear the crossover steering?

Overloads - any pro's and con's to be aware of? ive been reading that most people remove them, im guessing to increase flex. If im putting off the x-over, should i leave them in to help limit flex?

Long slip driveshaft - im guessing its suggested, but is it necessary? Also, where can i find one? ORD? DIY4x ??? ebay?

Rear shackle mouts - ive read that with the 52's you may or may not have to relocate the rear shackle mounts, only the fronts.... how do you tell? moving the rear shackle mounts seems to be for a better shackle angle, again, im assuming to optimize flex, but if flex isnt a huge thing for me, can i leave it in place where it is now and just relocate the front mounts?

Brake lines - with the 4in lift, i thought they'd be fine, but with the articulation of the 52's ive heard i need to lengthen them.

Basically, im looking for the simplest, cheapest, safest way to put the 52's in my truck, to get the 4in lift to fit the 1 ton axles/H1's/37x12.50 tires.

Forgive that this is probably the 1,000,000th post about this topic. im just trying to condence it all into one thread.
 
Honestly its way cheaper to buy 4in lift springs and a drop pitman arm for stock steering....

Yes you need to relocate shocks, yes you need a long slip shaft, no on the crossmember, yes the springs came in pickup and blazers, yes remove the over load, no the overload doesnt reduce flex its like an incorporated bumpstop. When that thing stops you your done flexing those springs, anything past it will ruin the springs.
 
For what you are doing, i would just buy a set of 4" lift springs.

Martin
 
If you're looking for cheap and easy then you need to get a kit. the 52" springs are fun but not going to be cost effective compared to a kit once you get done with everything. If you still want to then the 2nd poster is pretty much correct.
 
fair enough, far be it from me to argue with the experts. maybe ill swap over to the 52's someday. but ill go with the sage advice, and stick with 4in springs and shackle flip for the time being. money is going into axles and tires right now.
 
with just the 4" springs for now you can get crossover at a later date, when the cash presents itself. Get your 52s all cleaned up and ready to go. Buy something like the B-52 from Diy4x and make it a super easy swap with high quality parts. Then when you have all the parts swap em on and sell the front springs.
 
52's are kind of a PITA, get the 4" lift for now
 
52 in spring swap

Any advice would be great! I'm doing the 52in swap to the front and installing 8in lift springs in the rear. Do the 52's equal out to about a 4in lift in the front? Im wondering if what I think is true what is the best way to get the other 4in?
 
Any advice would be great! I'm doing the 52in swap to the front and installing 8in lift springs in the rear. Do the 52's equal out to about a 4in lift in the front? Im wondering if what I think is true what is the best way to get the other 4in?


4" rear springs...
 
52in rear springs - from blazers...

Ford shock towers - Not necessary...

Shock selection - Cheap 14"... You'll figure out later what you really want later...

X-over steering - No reason to do crossover... If you get to a point that you want to change the steering, go full hydro...

Overloads - Overloads are for hauling a load...

Long slip driveshaft - You need to address the other things first... No point in thinking about d-lines until you know what you need...

Rear shackle mouts - If you're talking shackle flip... You need to read a bit more... If you're talking front shackles, we just confirmed that you aren't going with 52s... No need to do anything...

Brake lines - There's cheap ways around this, but your brakes are what's going to stop you from driving off a cliff and dying... Kinda like playing Russian Roulette...


There is no easy way... There is no cheap way...

You either pay big money for what you want...

Or, you have the skills and experience to build what you want...

We're all here if you want to learn, but there is no "easy or cheap way"...

You've taken the first step by asking... Now listen and learn...



Sorry if I come off like a jerk, but I think you need to slow down and breath before you get balls deep into trying to build your rig...

If you have questions, ask... Feel free to pm me... I don't know everything, but I can find a link for ya...


Good luck with your rig...
 

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