Carrying load and springs. Is it all Unicorns and Rainbows?

[pma4x4]

ok So in building a expedition style suburban I need carrying capacity. I have read up on tension vs compression shackles.

The suburban may have around of 800lbs in/on it at all times. plus a few hundred more when we go out for a few days.

There is also the possibility of towing a offraod trailer with a 200lb tongue weight and about a 2500lb total GTW.

Everything I read points to me keeping the factory tension shackles for load capacity. So to get to 2" or 4" I am looking at springs are blocks. This is what i can figure out.

Am I wrong?

 

[sweetk30]

if your not going for crazy flex .

do this read near bottom of post. air bag kit http://coloradok5.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3162079&postcount=16

 

[pma4x4]

But I still need to get some height first. I am looking at 4" so this is where I am stuck. The fact that I have 56ers means for TC EZ leafs the minimal i can go is 4"

The way I read other posts is if I am wanting load capacity without massive sagging keep with the Tension shackles and just get 4" springs.

 

[pma4x4]

Sweetk30, HOW THE HELL DID YOU FIND THOSE SPRING NUMBERS! I looked up replacement springs for my burb and they were like @489 a side because they were 56"



your number 22-547 is $129 @2600lbs
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index...d=7356&zenid=cca91060d607b54dc4d5c871486221bf

Or the 22-547HD is $194 @3500lbs
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7357

and a 22-467 for 1050 lbs per pack more

ok so that replaces the springs and add capacity but I am still at stock. I hate to say it, I have never really agreed with them but would a 4" block work in my case? AFTER i went with a new set of stock springs?

and awesome! Thanks for that info!

 

[ryoken]

 

[pma4x4]

 

[sweetk30]

and the unicorn looks like he is handicap

 

[pma4x4]

My question is still this

ok so that replaces the springs and add capacity but I am still at stock. I hate to say it, I have never really agreed with them but would a 4" block work in my case? AFTER i went with a new set of stock springs?

 

[sweetk30]

http://www.stengelbros.com/ poducts left side . half way down leaf springs . then over right to gmc trucks / vans and pull down menu to trucks . and go from there.

and read up on air bag helper kits i posted near the bottom . firestone ride rite.

and the cheep spring prices might be china springs . you want usa or canada if you can .

check your local spring shops in the yellow pages.

block fine but give more axle wrap. and if so upgrade to 5/8" ubolt tread dia over stock 9/16" for more clamping force. i do it all the time.

or custom springs from dever spring or alcan but this = $$$

 

[pma4x4]

Well the http://www.stengelbros.net/22-547_p_1841.html have the springs for $151 each for stock 2600lbs.

So go the new OEM springs. add a 4" block and change to 5/8 Ubolts and change the Ubolt plate to match. So I keep the OEM ride and capacity yet gain the 4".

I plant to run Bilsteins for shocks.

I can get the airbags for 267. and I only run 10.50 wide tires on 15x8 wheels will have to measure but I think that would work. I take it I would have to make brackets for the airbags to replace the height?

 

[Big Ray]

Well the http://www.stengelbros.net/22-547_p_1841.html have the springs for $151 each for stock 2600lbs.

So go the new OEM springs. add a 4" block and change to 5/8 Ubolts and change the Ubolt plate to match. So I keep the OEM ride and capacity yet gain the 4".

I plant to run Bilsteins for shocks.

I can get the airbags for 267. and I only run 10.50 wide tires on 15x8 wheels will have to measure but I think that would work. I take it I would have to make brackets for the airbags to replace the height?

4.5" shackle flip...2 of our favorites here.

ORD

DIY4X

None of the disadvantages of blocks, keeps your stock ride with the new springs. win/win

 

[sweetk30]

5/8" ubolts will fit in stock plates.

and air bag kit can be modifyed easy to work with 4" lift kit.

i have modifyed a few to work with lift kits or level kits. some as simple as bolting in a spacer i make to raise or drop the 1 bag mount as needed.

by looking at that kit you just need a 4" section of decent wall pipe and to caps welded in for ends. then bolt that between the bag bottom and lower mount plate. just like it was made for but bolt on spacer .

 

[pma4x4]

4.5" shackle flip...2 of our favorites here.

ORD

DIY4X

None of the disadvantages of blocks, keeps your stock ride with the new springs. win/win

You forgot load capacity, which you loose in a compression shackle.

I may go this route since I was able to find factory style springs under 200. If it does ash when loaded I can either add a leaf or a longer shackle.

 

[Big Ray]

You forgot load capacity, which you loose in a compression shackle.

Hadn't heard that, although I've seen this pic of a stock shackle folded up on ORD's site.

Both sites have heavy duty shackle sets available also.

 

[K85 Octane]

Yeah, if it's a tow rig or hauler, I wouldn't go shackle flip. You want all pivot points close together and near the frame, for best ride and stability. The shackle flip just adds side to side movement because each pivot point is farther away from the frame then the last and they also allow the springs to flatten easier. The factory set up actually has the springs fighting themselves as they compress, plus the shackle will only move so far rearward.

You can do any spring you want and add airbags to the mix, but you can harm the bags during "more than ride height" droop. It stretches them something awful and pulls on the bands that hold the bag together.

If you buy factory leaves, then larger u-bolts, and blocks..... you aren't too far off from a custom set of leaves. When I say close, I mean 200-300 bucks, well worth it considering.

crying airbag.....

 

[4xcrazy]

I've been running 4" blocks on stockish rear springs for the past 7ish years, everything been fine, even towing duties at times. Everyone speaks of axlewrap, I dunno, it's not a drag racing truck, so I'm never on the throttle that hard for it to be a problem.

NOW, I say stockish rear springs,, mine were alittle on the tired side when I got the truck, a bit sagging, so I simply added two extra leaves, longer leaves to the pack, it raised the rear up to sit level plus it also added weight capacity to towing.

Nothing ill happening as of yet with it, rides better, not as soggy as with the original setup, a bit firmer ride, but not harsh.

 

[K85 Octane]

really depends on how many leaves there are when using blocks, the blue truck ^^^ has 4" blocks and a diesel, I don't notice any problems, but I'm also not (1) wheeling it and (2) it has 1ton leave packs. Hauled an old 11'3" camper and 21' boat just fine too.

 

[pma4x4]

I shot an email off to Deaver Springs. We'll see what they come up with. As for the cost of the block route.

OEM 3,500lbs springs with 4" block = $469
OEM 2,600lbs springs with 4" block = $377
OEM 3,500lbs springs with DIY4X shackle flip kit = $594
OEM 2,600lbs springs with DIY4X shackle flip kit = $502

Fact is I need need springs anyways. The rears are sagging and the main leaf is slightly bent where the second leaf ends.