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Lift spring options

Mastiff

Mastiff

1/2 ton status
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Not sure if ORD actively monitors here? Anyway, 10+ years ago I got some custom ORD springs, going for 4" lift or so. I think I gave some bad info, maybe related to my having 1-ton axles, and it came out more like 6" (see pic). It's always bugged me, but I lived with it and even got the crossover kit to fully enable the articulation these springs allow. But at this point I'm never going to do crazy off-roading with this truck and I'm thinking about how to tame it. I'd like to get it down to that 4" type range for a more subtle look, and to have it be a little more streetable.

For starters, is there some particular measurements I can make to see where I really stand in terms of how much lift I have? From there, am I likely to find an off-the-shelf spring set given that I have D60 and 14BFF ... I mean where it would sit level? I don't need to do serious crawling, but how much ride would I sacrifice going to off-the-shelf (if that's possible)?

1736004173115.png


In case it helps ORD, here's the spring specs:
1736005004160.png
 
Following. I'm working on a 76 K5 and am putting D60/14bff in and have been wondering what springs to order/get from ORD for 4-inch of lift. What size tires are those? I'm planning to run 37s.
 
The difference in ride quality from the k30 with ord springs and the suburban with skyjackers is significant. I don’t think I could go back with kit springs.

There is a frame to axle tube measurement that is like 9” stock. Someone please correct me cause that’s just memory. That will give you a baseline to compare.
 
I contacted ORD via email (no time for phone today) and so far they said 8.5-9" at stock height. I'll be measuring later. They also said that the 1-ton axles don't make any difference, which I'm skeptical of. I think the D60 has high perches that create some lift. Not sure about the 14BFF, but just the thicker tube probably makes a difference to some extent. If the 1-tons aren't the problem, then I have no idea why they gave me springs with so much extra lift.

The tires are 35".
 
I was just looking at new springs also. I'm thinking about the ord up front for my k30.
 
obijuank5 said:
The difference in ride quality from the k30 with ord springs and the suburban with skyjackers is significant. I don’t think I could go back with kit springs.

There is a frame to axle tube measurement that is like 9” stock. Someone please correct me cause that’s just memory. That will give you a baseline to compare.
Click to expand...

I figured the 2.5" Skyjackers would be pretty mild; guess not
 
Mastiff said:
I contacted ORD via email (no time for phone today) and so far they said 8.5-9" at stock height. I'll be measuring later. They also said that the 1-ton axles don't make any difference, which I'm skeptical of. I think the D60 has high perches that create some lift. Not sure about the 14BFF, but just the thicker tube probably makes a difference to some extent. If the 1-tons aren't the problem, then I have no idea why they gave me springs with so much extra lift.

The tires are 35".
Click to expand...
The Dana 60 yields about 3/4" lift. I just did the swap on my M1009 and measured the spring perches when I had the axles out. I find it hard to believe ORD got that wrong.
fourwheelerjeff said:
I figured the 2.5" Skyjackers would be pretty mild; guess not
Click to expand...
I run ORD Customs all around on my K10, and the 2.5" Skyjackers on my the front of my M1009, and I can tell the the Skyjackers ride pretty good.
 
I have a set of ORD custom 4" on order from black friday. They should be coming in soon. Going on my K5 with D60/14bolt. Currently on some old Skyjacker softride 4" leafs. I will post up some measurements when I install them.
 
HankScorpio said:
I have a set of ORD custom 4" on order from black friday. They should be coming in soon. Going on my K5 with D60/14bolt. Currently on some old Skyjacker softride 4" leafs. I will post up some measurements when I install them.
Click to expand...
I'll be curious how much lift you actually end up with.
 
I measured right at 14" from axle tube to bumpstop bracket. So that would be 5-5.5" lift. If ORD didn't calculate for a D60, that could be most of the difference.

Is there any equivalent measurement for the rear?

I'd sure like to know the story before I order from them again. I don't want to get the same mistake twice.
 
Mastiff said:
I'll be curious how much lift you actually end up with.
Click to expand...
Me too. It was hard to guess what I really needed.

I run 37" with a lot of fender trimming and a little extra wheelbase. I can probably fit a 40" and still flex. I figured if I'm a little low I can add a zero rate inch and if its a little high swap to 40's. I kind of want 40's anyway but I don't like really tall lifts. A squarebody fender was designed for a little tiny tire, once you cut sheet metal there is actually a ton of room available for a big tire and a relatively low lift.

I will get some axle to frame measurements for everyone while I put the springs on. They told me 6-7 weeks back at thanksgiving.
 
HankScorpio said:
Me too. It was hard to guess what I really needed.

I run 37" with a lot of fender trimming and a little extra wheelbase. I can probably fit a 40" and still flex. I figured if I'm a little low I can add a zero rate inch and if its a little high swap to 40's. I kind of want 40's anyway but I don't like really tall lifts. A squarebody fender was designed for a little tiny tire, once you cut sheet metal there is actually a ton of room available for a big tire and a relatively low lift.

I will get some axle to frame measurements for everyone while I put the springs on. They told me 6-7 weeks back at thanksgiving.
Click to expand...
How much lift are you currently running with 37" tires?
 
Pulling leaves has been discussed in the past. You get double benefit from the reduced pack thickness and the lowered spring rate. ORD could probably estimate what the resulting spring rate would be (and if it's too low), but they would likely advise you not to do it. Spring shops used to offer a "Re-arching" service, so it stands to reason some amount of de-arching would be possible. Supposedly the re-arch would only be kind of a temporary thing, but it's hard to imagine springs getting taller later with a truck sitting on them.

The very best solution is probably finding someone who wants the springs you have which takes the edge off buying new ones. If you are convinced you gave ORD the right information and they didn't deliver the correct product, they may give you a discount or even some kind of trade-in deal.

From the picture, and this is just my opinion, the issue is mostly with the front. If you're only looking to swap 2 springs instead of 4, things get easier.
 
Here's my front 4" ORD Springs on my K10, with a SBC and a winch.
I measure 13 1/4" from the axle tube to the bump stop bracket. The springs have been on my truck for about a year and a half now.
I do need to do something about that bump stop spacer, for a bit more up-travel.
Of course, every truck will measure a little different.
IMG_20240608_155454915-1.jpg
 
@Mastiff , I don’t have a great pic of my Blazer but this pic seems to show that the lift is similar to yours. 4” Rough-Country (if I remember correctly) with 35” tires
IMG_7007.jpeg
 
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