Greenhorn, suspension help - etc.

[stringer]

Hello, my name is Will. I am new to Blazers...4x4, and working on vehicles for that matter. This forum has been a great learning resource for me. I have had a lot of fun and fulfillment working on my truck.

I write here to learn. I'm asking for a lot of help.

From what I understand, I am running a 4 inch body lift on 35 x 12.50 R15's - the suspension on my truck feels non-existent. I live in a very flat area and course through dirt roads with many a pot-hole and rut. I'd like to drop my truck down to a 2 or 3" lift and set up a suspension for 35-45 mph travel through pot hole laden, flat sandy/muddy terrain. This truck will see a lot of highway time; I am hoping it can make a 1200 mile round trip every 3 months.

I believe I have a d44 in the front and a 10 bolt in the rear (3.42). I am on the look out at the local junkyards for a 14 Bolt FF rear. I'd like to build one up with 3.73 or 4.11 gears, and a disc brake conversion from GubNi at Pirate4x4 - with the help of some patience, perseverance, the Diff Book 2 and The 14 Bolt Bible; I plan on converting my front axle from 6 - to 8 lugs and 3.73 or 4.11 gears as well.

Taken a look at the shackle flip kit from ORD and have been doing research on Alcan Springs/Bilstein Shocks - wish I could afford coilovers. The problem is, I don't know what I have - much less what I'm doing. May someone please steer me in the right direction - what parts should I be looking at installing for the desired application?

What is going on with these lateral shocks on my front end? I asked a buddy and he exclaimed he'd never seen anything of the sort.

What I'm working with:

I realized that I need 5 posts to hold up pictures. If you wish, you can check out my ph0t0bucket, username: willmow.

Thanks a lot for reading.

-Will

 

[77_Jimmy]

I looked at your pics , you have 7inches of lift. 4" suspension 3" body.

 

[NorCal_Chris]

i would ditch the body lift, and call Deaver or Alcan to get some custom springs made. they can suggest either a shackle flip or not for the rear.

get some quality shocks too. Bilstien's would be my choice.

check out wfo concepts for some tube shock towers for the front. or search ford shock towers to put in yours for the fronts.

Basically if you want it to ride nice your gonna have to spend a good amount on your springs.

 

[Mav2u]

You can run a nice Tuff Country lift with EZ ride springs an get a great ride. If your interested in a lift you can PM me an I will contact you with information for a Tuff Country Suspension system. I am a Tuff Country Distributor an I give all K5 members a good deal.

What size tires do you wish to run?

 

[14-Bolt]

Good looking blazer. Sell those rock magnets on the sides before there worthless.

 

[stringer]

Thanks a lot for your replies everyone. I wish to stick with 35" tires - would like to keep the truck as low as possible for its intended use.

Those tube shock towers seem like a great idea.

14-Bolt: Thanks for the insight. If you're referring to those step bars or rims (rock magnets) - I plan on removing them A.S.A.P. - I don't think they have any value. Otherwise, could you fill me in?

Has anyone seen those lateral shocks on the front axle before?

 

[Bent77]

A good thing to do is to take your time working thru some of the build threads in "the driveway" getting ideas and seeing pictures of similar year and equiped vehicles. Most of all don't get in a big hurry to buy a bunch of crap to bolt on.

Research is your friend, and you are on the right path asking for help.

 

[Bent77]

Lateral shock is a steering damper

 

[Bent77]

looks like a 10 bolt in the front if I see that right, so you have a 10b rear. What year is your K5?

Looks like you have a ORD box brace upfront. Are there any cracks by the bolt holes of your steering box?

 

[stringer]

1988. Yes, there is a crack in the box where the brace bolts in.

 

[496truck]

You want to stay with 35s but want the truck lower? You may need to trim some of the front fenders to do this. What is your opinion on that?

I don't know what kind of off road driving you may plan to do other than dirt roads but you may consider going with a 2.5" lift and 33s. You may still need to trim the fenders.

I'm running a 4" lift and 35s and I still needed to trim some of the fenders. But, with the Tuff Country springs they seem to do really well over bumps at road speeds, much better than the stock suspension I had before.