Lifted or Not?

[sdufeu]

I just purchased this 84 K5 4x4 that I was told is stock height.. I'd like to confirm this before buying new shocks that intend to install shortly. Is there a sure for way to tell our something to look for that I'm missing?

 

[HankScorpio]

Stock front springs are flat, actually slightly negative arch. If they have any positive arch they are likely a lift spring.

 

[sdufeu]

Tried to get a pic in the back

 

[sdufeu]

And up front

 

[HankScorpio]

That looks to be stock to me but I don't think stock springs have a military wrap. The flat slightly negative arch like that is what I expect to see on a stock truck.

 

[sdufeu]

That looks to be stock to me but I don't think stock springs have a military wrap. The flat slightly negative arch like that is what I expect to see on a stock truck.

Thanks, I think it's stock but wanting to make sure.. what's a military wrap?

 

[sdufeu]

Here's another pic for reference

 

[Bent77]

Thanks, I think it's stock but wanting to make sure.. what's a military wrap?

Two leaf springs coiled in a loop at each end instead of just one

 

[sdufeu]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm pretty confident it's stock, so I'll order the shocks according.. I'll post progress and results in the near future

 

[sweetk30]

lots of topics on good shocks over bad .

the wrong brand can make it ride like a dump stuck .

looks stock or maybe a add-a-leaf in back as its seems up just a hair over the normal saggy butt droop .

 

[sdufeu]

lots of topics on good shocks over bad .

the wrong brand can make it ride like a dump stuck .

looks stock or maybe a add-a-leaf in back as its seems up just a hair over the normal saggy butt droop .

I've done a good bit of research and I'm pretty convinced the Bilsteins are my choice. I put them in my 93 Vette and these have served me well. I obviously know there's a huge difference between a Corvette and truck suspension, just saying the quality is proven to me, and reviews indicate positive experiences in the K5. As a bonus, the color scheme complements my rig, too.. ;-)

 

[diesel4me]

I have had several trucks with stock 3 leaf front springs that had the top most and second leaf formed to fit around the front bushing end--the top most leaf had the bushing eye,the second leaf had a longer wrap so it could slide around the top leaf there..
Not sure but I think the stock 2 leaf front springs are that way too..
I thought they all were that way ?..(cant find a decent photo to put here).

 

[imiceman44]

That looks to be stock to me but I don't think stock springs have a military wrap. The flat slightly negative arch like that is what I expect to see on a stock truck.

These are the 1 ton front springs so they give the k5 almost 1" lift

 

[sdufeu]

These are the 1 ton front springs so they give the k5 almost 1" lift

So, it's had 1 ton springs added?
The whole axle swap or just springs?
It sits level, so I assume something had to be done on the back, too.. what should I look for there?

And finally, with this setup and the approx 1" lift, will stock spec shocks work, or will I need to look for something longer? Again, appreciate the feedback I've worked on lots of cars, but this is my first 4x4.

 

[imiceman44]

So, it's had 1 ton springs added?
The whole axle swap or just springs?
It sits level, so I assume something had to be done on the back, too.. what should I look for there?

And finally, with this setup and the approx 1" lift, will stock spec shocks work, or will I need to look for something longer? Again, appreciate the feedback I've worked on lots of cars, but this is my first 4x4.

Yes the stock shocks will work.
These springs have about the same range in a heavier 1 ton but on your k5 will have less so stock should be fine. I bet the ride is firm.
My suburban has the same and with no sway bar it rides better but still very stable no lean on corners

 

[sweetk30]

These are the 1 ton front springs so they give the k5 almost 1" lift

my dads old k10 long bed 305/700r4/208 truck had 3 leaf front .

they were not just k30 springs .

 

[imiceman44]

my dads old k10 long bed 305/700r4/208 truck had 3 leaf front .

they were not just k30 springs .

They were the hd option and aa far as I know the only k5 that got them was the cucv.
Pick up is a different story you could have hd suspension.
I could be wrong but from all the literature I have read and the hundreds of k5s I had under my hands I never saw them.

 

[Wes Harden]

not a one ton axle. no opinion from me on springs

 

[sdufeu]

So, I consulted with the guys at ORD, and they confirmed that even though I have cucv front springs, I don't have a meaningful lift. I measured 6" bump stop to front axle, and 5" in back. The back springs are stock 54", and there's 38" from ground to top of wheel wells front and back.
I ordered the 4600 series Bilsteins and a Moog steering stabilizer that's white/blue and matches my rig perfectly. Looking forward to installing them all. I spent some time degreasing the undercarriage today, and will be applying the POR 15 while I'm replacing them.

 

[trukman1]

My '88 has two front leafs and was ordered with the HD suspension with the "military wrap" on the front.. Do you have the dual shocks in the front? Mine does which I see as just a pain since I had to order two extra shocks for a stock vehicle. Went Bilsteins also. Just curious on the shocks and don't even know if it was an option during your year model. BTW, I got great prices on shocks from Rock Auto (they have incredible prices on square body parts but I ordered AC Delco plugs twice and received Autolites both times with no recourse for return..) Others brought up the fact that Summit will price match and has free shipping on orders over $99. Maybe that might help others.