89 Suburban Build Help

[wyattearp]

I am resurrecting a project started 7 years ago and put on hold 5 years ago. My 89 Burb started life as a 1/2T and now has 3/4T running gear. I swapped out the 700R4/NP241 for a SM465/NP205. It has a rear disc brake conversion. I also installed a 4" Rancho HD Suspension with springs front and blocks rear. The front rides...well like it has a HD suspension. I am having an internal debate over 35" vs 37" tires. More importantly though I want a suspension that rides well for a Suburban and capable for most 4x4 trails. Nothing extreme as this is also my DD. On one hand there is the TC EZ ride soft springs and on the other is my Rancho HD. I will stick with a small block motor and I will be looking at putting a winch up front. Thoughts and suggestion are welcome.

 

[Muddytazz]

I had a 75 burb basically the same as you describe yours. I ran the Rancho's up front and they were just a tad on the stiff side but when I put on my winch and winch bumper that was another few hundred pounds up there. Softened the ride out quite a bit. Just something to consider. Cause if you go with the EZ rides and put a winch and bumper up there it might be to soft for your liking.

 

[wyattearp]

I would agree that with a winch and a winch bumper you will need a stiffer spring rate. It seems that the Rancho is stiffer then most. The Superlift Superride would look like a good choice as well. I also have had some recommend Atlas or Alcan springs.

Other aspects of my build is whether to take the plunge into Dana 60 front end, crossover or high steer kit and what to replace my front bench seat with.

 

[Muddytazz]

Mine was left as 3/4ton D44 and I ran crossover steering on mine as well. For my needs I can't justify the cost of a 60 unless one falls in my lap at an unbelievably stupid low price.

Replace the front bench with factory buckets and center console if you'd like.

 

[blazinzuk]

You ever going to lock the front end?

If so seriously think about a 60, or at least start looking for one.

I would go 37s, why, because if you are struggling with the decision right now you will regret going 35s. 37s are fine if you leave the front unlocked.

I wouldn't change the springs just yet. Like muddytazz said with a heavy winch and winch bumper up front it will smooth out the ride alot. So if you are going to get a winch just get it first worry about spring changes later after the winch.

I would go to buckets just cause I can pretty much carry in that huge center console what most jeep guys can carry in their whole outfit. I love that huge cavern of a center console.

 

[wyattearp]

My understanding is 37" tires and a 4" lift equate to major surgery with a sawzall. I don't mind trimming. I rather not trim a lot. So in the end I may need a 6" lift for 37's. If that's the case I will need something other than my Rancho's. I am also inclined to use ORD's shackle flip kit in conjunction with some new rear spring.

 

[EIB8400]

I have a rough county 4" lift and 37's and only had to trim a little. I haven't rubbed offroad yet.

 

[wyattearp]

Alcan Springs?

I used to live in Montrose and new about Alcan in Grand Junction. Anybody running these on their rigs and what do they think?

 

[Indy4x4Fab]

if ur really warred about rubbing try looking at putting one or two inch lift pucks in. and if u still want a little more cleance put zero rates under the front springs. as for the seats, call me craise but i put 4 bucket seats in my crew cab and two center consals more or less for extra storage, but i picked up 4 matching bucket seat from two godge neons, at a local rice burner shop for hundred dollas for all four took them home and then took the apalstrey off all four which was in great shape, off all four seats and took to a local alteration shop and had them all died blue to match the rest or the insides of the truck total cost for four matching very confertable seats was 200 dollars. plus they came with sliders and it didnt take to much work to get them bolted in. it was accualy very simple.

 

[blazinzuk]

I used to live in Montrose and new about Alcan in Grand Junction. Anybody running these on their rigs and what do they think?

Have never run them but if your thinking about them go with them, by far the best spring out there.