I've been lurking for awhile 2yrs to be exact! I traded some boat parts 2 years ago for a ratty clapped out bone stock 88 k5. In the last 2 years I've replaced the entire braking system minus the booster all new seals and bearings in front and rear axles,had the 700r4 built new conventer. The motor barely ran , new fuel pump all new sensors ultimate TBI mods msd ignition and new radiator has got the go dept going again the only thing not changed was the distributor and that's because it's still in the box lol. I even hung a couple straight junkyard doors on it. To make a long story short just trying to get it dependable! I even replaced every light bulb in it headlights dash tailights yep every last one! Now that it's 100% road worthy it's time for the fun stuff. I have read and looked at every possible lift tire size gear combo out there. I have pretty much made my mind up on a 4'' spring lift(rough country) and possibly a 1'' body lift just to firm everything up. I've got a set of decent 285's that came off my Duramax that I plan on running for a few months (has 3.73 gears in it may go larger later on). I was about to order some new 16x8 wheels and noticed two options 4and1/2 backspacing and 4and1/4 . Well crap I thought I did my homework which one should I go with??? and why?
CK5
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It's Time for the fun stuff!
- Thread starter prolinews
- Start date
personally I would go for a spring like tuff country ez rides over the rough country lift. rough country rides just like the name implys.
y5mgisi
1 ton status
Ditto! And I would personally go 4.5" offset.
chulisohombre
1/2 ton status
My rough country fronts do good with a heavy bumper. I think with the added weight it rides softer than with stock light bumpers. I also put in ord extended shackles to help the spring flex better and beef up the spring bolts. You can get the skyjacker or tuff country heavy duty springs to compensate for weight. What ever you end up buying I would call the spring places and tell them what you have and see what they recommend. That or if you got the money ord can make custom springs that will make your truck ride like a caddilac.
they make a hd version which has an extra leaf in the e-z rides. my rough country springs did okay off-road but any thing involving speed the ride was not pleasant.
I thought I was going to just order a kit and be done but now I'm thinking order all piece by piece. I like the thought of it having a decent ride. At most it'll see 10% off road but most likely 99% will be on road lol. My Dmax beats my teeth out when I hit a manhole cover it'll be nice to have something that rides better. I've been reading about the flip kits for the rear but think new rear springs would also be good for this rig. Since I'm going piece by piece, I need a shock suggestion? Thanks in advance guys I hate being such a noob on this stuff. I don't mind spending money on it just rather get it right 1st time .
I ordered my bilstiens from off road design. they are a really helpful shop and will give good advice. Im on my second suspension now and wish I did it right the first time around 
chulisohombre
1/2 ton status
The billstein 5100s I think are what most guys are running. Theya re a higher end shock and won't wear out As fast as say a rancho or skyjacker off the shelf spring. They also won't fade as fast the way they are made just out shones most other shocks. Ord has everything and can make a perfect bolt in set suspension that will ride Better than stock and five you what you Need. If I ever replace mine that's what I will be doing. They do Custom springs from your
Specific truck specs and off road needs. A little more expensive but will more than likely be the last set Of Springs you will Buy.
Specific truck specs and off road needs. A little more expensive but will more than likely be the last set Of Springs you will Buy.
