78 k-5 axle swap

[Boyer343]

I am about to swap in some 3/4 ton axles on my 78 k-5. What springs would you recommend? I am planing on using this truck for running trails so i am looking to get a pretty good amount of flex out of it, but i also want to keep it safe for short drives on the road. I was thinking about 52's up front and 56's in the rear but what do you think? Thank you.

 

[4x4orbust]

they would be better than what's on there now!! i have done a little searching here and found a lot of info on this.
it would give you good flex, but you might have to do crossover steering at the same time.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

How much do you drive this truck on the street? How much lift are you looking for?

Plans for steering?

 

[super k]

The longer springs are a good idea for flex that won't steel away from street use. Yeah,I think we need to start with knowing what size tires and how much lift you're looking for. A shackle-flip would also be a good way to gain both lift and flex in the rear.

 

[Boyer343]

Sorry for the lack of info. I currently have a new set of 35's, but i hope to get a set of 38's. The truck will rarely see the road but possibly every once and a while for trips less than 15 miles. I am going to do a shackle flip in the rear. I want to have around 4-5 inches of lift. Trying to stay pretty low to the ground, shouldn't be too hard since i am dovetailing the rear and bobbing the front end to meet up with the grill. I also have been researching about doing hydro-assist steering. This will be a budget build since i am also going to college full time. Thanks for the help. Any ideas and links will be very helpful.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

You'll really need crossover steering to work with the 52's, lots of articulation with the stock steering doesn't work so well.

 

[82355]

I drove mine home to Nebraska from California on 52" front springs and 56" rear springs. I drive it almost daily, and have no problems with it.

Martin

 

[Boyer343]

You'll really need crossover steering to work with the 52's, lots of articulation with the stock steering doesn't work so well.

I noticed you are a vendor, do you sell a crossover steering kit? or what would be the easiest way to go about doing one? Thank you.

 

[82355]

Yes, he is a vendor, for ORD, Off Road Design. They sell a very nice crossover steering set up. I installed one on my 1982 K30.

Martin