leaf springs and frame bushings

[GotBoykins]

2nd gen spring installation while using zero rates to relocate the axle.

What do you guys think?


Front spring rear spring hanger.

Where in the heck fire do I find the bushings?

 

[Yukon Jack]

First a question, are you moving either the front spring hanger or the rear spring hanger to take care of the extra spring length?

 

[GotBoykins]

First a question, are you moving either the front spring hanger or the rear spring hanger to take care of the extra spring length?

I am thinking that by using the zero rate at the 1.5", I won't need to move them.

 

[Yukon Jack]

Are you talking about a 73-up front spring? If so the below might be helpful but if your talking about a rear spring, then ignore the below.

Whether or not you use a zero rate won't change the fact that the 73-up front spring is longer. My 70 K5 had a set of 73-up front lift springs on it when I bought it and the rear upper edge of the spring eye was very close to the frame when sitting level. Bumps or flexing would have caused the spring to move back and hit the frame.

Here is a pic of the 73-up front spring that was on my K5

And here is a pic with the correct length front spring (note the below pic is without the axle attached and no weight on the spring)

Generally when people use the 73-up front spring they either move the rear shackle mount back or move the front spring hanger to alleviate the frame contact problem.

 

[GotBoykins]

I added longer shackles, and mine look like yours but with weight on them. I may leave it until I decide to go 52's. Any ideas on the frame bushing?

 

[Yukon Jack]

I'd give ORD a call with the measurements of the bushings you need. They were able to get me some correct bushings when I ran into a problem. I'm pretty sure I have some brand new urethane bushings. Heck, get the measurements and lets see if my extras would work for you. If so I'll give them to you.

If your shackle angle looks good now, doesn't look like it will hit when you cycle the suspension I'd say run it and see how it does before deciding whether you need to change anything.

 

[GotBoykins]

I'd give ORD a call with the measurements of the bushings you need. They were able to get me some correct bushings when I ran into a problem. I'm pretty sure I have some brand new urethane bushings. Heck, get the measurements and lets see if my extras would work for you. If so I'll give them to you.

If your shackle angle looks good now, doesn't look like it will hit when you cycle the suspension I'd say run it and see how it does before deciding whether you need to change anything.

I was concerned with the lack of flex I have in the front end, but I think I have it resolved. I am switching front springs to some superlift/skyjacker springs. They are supposed to be softer than my tuffer/rougher country springs. I'll check that when I switch springs.