'71 Blazer with inverted springs?

[Joe Blaze]

I just got my '71 Blazer this past weekend, and I have some questions for the experts around here. My front springs seem to be inverted. Is this normal? One issue is how the joint on the steering arm hits the spring when turned all the way. Can anyone advise what would cause this, and would a set of 2 inch lift replacement springs fix the issue?
thanks.

 

[AJs72K5]

They're not inverted. Factory springs had a negative arch to them.

 

[scottishdave]

Normal factory springs.

But....Please post pics of the new truck and details on it.

 

[chalet2506]

What he said. Need pics. Don't new springs will fix the steering bump, sounds like your draglink isn't adjusted right.

 

[ashman]

They're not inverted. Factory springs had a negative arch to them.

really? wow, whenever I've seen that in the past, I always assumed that they were just sagging really, REALLY bad.

learn something new every day.

 

[NorCal69]

But....Please post pics of the new truck and details on it.

x2

 

[Joe Blaze]

 

[Joe Blaze]

I want to get it up a bit higher to comfortably fit some Cooper Discoverer STT 32x11.5 tires that i currently have on my YJ Wrangler.

 

[Joe Blaze]

what is the difference in lift kits where some come with rear springs and some dont? Is it better to use blocks in the back, or new springs?

 

[63chevyll]

Heck with the springs, how do you guys in New York drive with no heads?

 

[63chevyll]

what is the difference in lift kits where some come with rear springs and some dont? Is it better to use blocks in the back, or new springs?

Most will way just say NO to blocks, but just different kits for different use.

Id say small blocks are ok if you want a cheap lift and won't do much wheeling, and you don't have any HP, bit that's my opinion

 

[y5mgisi]

Yea those are normal springs. The all spring lifts are better because they replace your 40 year old rear springs as well as the fronts, but a kit with just rear blocks will be fine for someone like yourself. I have never seen this problem tho,

One issue is how the joint on the steering arm hits the spring when turned all the way

The drag link actually hits the springs?

 

[Joe Blaze]

Heck with the springs, how do you guys in New York drive with no heads?

That is a photo from a couple of years ago, it was the most closeup one i had showing the tires.

 

[Joe Blaze]

The drag link actually hits the springs?

yeah, i couldnt get a clearer photo of it because i didnt have anyone to hold the steering wheel all the way turned while i snapped it.

 

[scottishdave]

My 72' k5 fits 32x11.50's stock with zero issues.

IF i were you, I would suggest some 2" front springs for the front.

These trucks are notorious for haveing a sagging rear end with a lift. you almost have to have 1-2" more lift in the rear for the thing to sit level.

For the rear you could use blocks if it wont see much wheeling or a ton of HP. You could use new lift springs in the rear or you could use an ORD or DIY4X.COM shackle flip in the rear.

Benifits to the blocks and shackle flip are that the ride should be nicer than stiffer arched springs. But new lift springs in the rear does have the plus of replacing those old worn rear springs. You could also get some new stock springs and throw in a shackle flip, that way your springs are new, you have lift and a comfy ride.


Lots of options man.

 

[chalet2506]

Nice Jimmy. 32's fit on my 72 without issue. If you want a little extra clearance and better ride I'd go ahead and get a 2" spring kit and new shocks. If all you want is a little more clearance then do ORD's 1" lift body lift and mounts.

Use the search function on here. Take's a little getting used to, but there is a metric ton of info already posted on lifts.

 

[scottishdave]

The 2" lift will fit 33x12.50's easily and be a sharp looking combo IMO

 

[Joe Blaze]

How can i tell if i have a "three bolt open knuckle"? the Rough Country site http://www.roughcountry.com/chevy_69-72_4.html has options for that. Also, what other things should i buy if i get a 2 inch lift with front and rear springs?
thanks

 

[scottishdave]

That link was for a 4" lift, using blocks in the rear.

Try this site also
http://www.tuffcountry.com/chevy-gm...k-blazer--suburban-1969-1987---lift-kits.html

Has 2" 4" and 6" with rear springs or with blocks.

 

[chalet2506]

The 2" lift will fit 33x12.50's easily and be a sharp looking combo IMO

Not to hijack, but that's what I'm looking to do with my 72. Have a 2" TC spring lift with Bilstein shocks from ORD sitting here. Plan on stuffing some 33's on 15x10's under there when I'm done.

Should be a good looking combo.


stock 72 Jimmy with 32's on 15x8 rally's