Any bad reasons for using 1” Zero Rate blocks/springs in Front?

[jeff in co]

I’m thinking about getting some new 2.5” BDS front springs + 1” ORD Zero Rate springs for a total of 3.5” of lift. If I use the 1” zero rate spring blocks from ORD up front, is there anything detrimental with this approach?

I like the option to go down just a little (in the future) if I need to. Basically, if I let my 15 year old drive this truck next year, I’d like the ability to drop it down a bit and use 33” tires vs. 35” tires.

Anything negative going about it like this? Flexibility, Safety, etc?

thanks for the help!

 

[Jeff Carr]

You should be fine since the zero rate bolts to the spring pack. It's a pretty common practice to use them in the front.

 

[muddysub]

guys have been using them on front axles for years. its no different than a really thick leaf in the spring pack, besides the fact that it has no ill affect on spring rate.

 

[dhcomp]

Yep, only style of "block" that is safe for front use.

Had mine in for almost 2 yrs....

 

[jeff in co]

Alright, cool. I know it was a big "no-no" 20 years ago but b/c they were not part of the spring pack but the ORD ones fixed that. Just wanted to double check before dropping the cash.

thanks all!

 

[dhcomp]

Alright, cool. I know it was a big "no-no" 20 years ago but b/c they were not part of the spring pack but the ORD ones fixed that. Just wanted to double check before dropping the cash.

thanks all!

Yep, still a big no-no to run front blocks, but the way these install, they are techincally an "add a leaf" instead of a block. Main difference is it bolts into the spring pack.

Good for you for double checking!

 

[Fordum]

Well, there seems to be one issue with using them, but I dunno, it might actually be a plus.
If you use them, you cannot move to NJ.

Yeah, that has got to be seen as a plus.....

Check out this to see what I mean.....

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=289222

 

[bailey9r]

Well, there seems to be one issue with using them, but I dunno, it might actually be a plus.
If you use them, you cannot move to NJ.

Yeah, that has got to be seen as a plus.....

Bahahahaha too good!!!! really hit with me as I'm driving through NJ now

 

[wheeler]

No fun is legal in NJ...

 

[jeff in co]

OK, got all the parts but wanted to double check something before installing. When I lay the two springs side by side on the concrete, one of them is about 1/4" lower than the other one.

Is this normal and will they pretty much even out after they have been installed? I just don't want a lopp-sided truck with brand new parts!

I got new 2.5" BDS springs, 1" zero rate leafs and new, greasable shackles from ORD. Should be good and stout now....but smooth riding!!

 

[K85 Octane]

that might be kinda weird, the measurements being off and all, but they aren't precision pieces I guess. Just put the one that is taller on the drivers side.

 

[dremu]

Dunno about new springs, but I've found that the old packs I've been playing with (52"s and 56"s) sit a bit differently when unloaded vs when loaded, i.e. measure out just like yours but end up mostly even when loaded.

I suspect yours will settle into place. Worst case you might stick 'em on a piece of carpet or something to keep them eyes from getting all scratched up, then stand on the arch a few times to stretch 'em a coupla times, see if that evens the measurement out.

-- A

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Called BDS?

Just wondering if they make them like some makers do. Old Man Emu always makes their springs with a Driver's side and Passenger's side designation. Mopar actually has all of their vehicle springs setup this way as well. Reflects the fact that most of the time any vehicle has the driver's weight on the d-side and nothing on the other side. Also seem to consider all of the various weights and locations of components on the vehicle more than GM and most spring makers.

 

[bailey9r]

I got new 2.5" BDS springs, 1" zero rate leafs and new, greasable shackles from ORD. Should be good and stout now....but smooth riding!![/quote]
Jeff
So what did all that set you back? Did you get them in yet? Did they even out or lean a bit? (I'm betting they match) Are they ez ride or hd? Hey inquiring minds want to know!

 

[jeff in co]

Called BDS?

Just wondering if they make them like some makers do. Old Man Emu always makes their springs with a Driver's side and Passenger's side designation. Mopar actually has all of their vehicle springs setup this way as well. Reflects the fact that most of the time any vehicle has the driver's weight on the d-side and nothing on the other side. Also seem to consider all of the various weights and locations of components on the vehicle more than GM and most spring makers.

Just got word from BDS....sounds like it's OK and within specs.

"Ted says:
There is an acceptable range for the leaf springs for free height. Typically they equal out after install​

Ted says:
Yes, it is normal to have some inconsistency in the leaf springs free height. The taller spring could go on the drivers side.

Ted says:
The springs are coated, and sometimes the coating makes the spring more stiff until the coating breaks up"
​

​

 

[jeff in co]

I got new 2.5" BDS springs, 1" zero rate leafs and new, greasable shackles from ORD. Should be good and stout now....but smooth riding!!

Jeff
So what did all that set you back? Did you get them in yet? Did they even out or lean a bit? (I'm betting they match) Are they ez ride or hd? Hey inquiring minds want to know! [/quote]

$285 for the softride springs (front only).
$40 for zero rates (ORD)
$100 for greasable shackles (ORD)

 

[jeff in co]

Well, I got it all installed over the weekend and really found out a surprise. All this time I've thought I had a 4" lift.....how could 35" tires fit with anything shorter?!?

Apparently, I probably had a 2.5" lift instead or it has really sagged a lot in both the front and back!!

Anyways, I started off with the 2.5" springs and the 1" zero rate. After looking at it (and measuring), I was indeed higher now than before the spring replacement.

I do know they will settle a little bit but how much, I don't know. So, after seeing it with the zero rate, I decided to remove it and just run with the springs by themselves.

Overall, it looks much better.

And, after a few days of driving, the ride is definitely improved! More control and also a smoother ride. Very happy with the final product!

Original measurement before any of the spring work......

Here are some sequence pics with the zero rate and an overall lift in front of 3.5".

 

[jeff in co]

And now with the zero rate removed and overall lift of 2.5" with 35" tires.

 

[jeff in co]

After a few days of driving....it looks to be settling in well (visually speaking). How much should I expect the springs to settle??

 

[scrappyk5]

You will probably need to put the zero rates back on. You might end up rubbing on your fenderwells in the front when your turning into parking lots or driveways. I have seen the fenderwell corners gets smashed even with 4" lifts and 35s