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Looking for some opinions on leveling my buddy's new 'Burb

Minnesota

Minnesota

1/2 ton status
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Dec 6, 2010
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Greater Longtucky, CO Metro Area
Contrary to normal, the front is lower in the front. It's a '91 3/4 ton ex-Qwest fleet truck. I think we found a pretty good spot to take the side-shot, as the poured concrete allows for a straight reference line.

Here's our initial data:

  • Using the body line along the side, and measuring from the pavement up at each axle, the front is at 42 3/4", the rear at 45 1/2". So that's 2 3/4" lower in the front.
DSCN1615.jpg




  • The front spring situation is clearly not up to snuff. My '90 K5 came with 3 springs in the pack, where as this 'Burb has only two, with a spring-thickness "zero rate" at the bottom.
DSCN1617.jpg



DSCN1616.jpg



He's not interested in lifting the rear at this point, so the question is, what inch lift springs in the front would best level the vehicle? The twist seemly that we are starting with a "negative" spring situation. My initial thought is some 2" Tuff Country EZ-Rides.



I have the vehicle outside, so can make any additional measurements. Also, that sweet rack is open to offers. :D



Thanks for any thoughts! :waytogo:
 
Just as a wild guess here, I wonder if the problem is not that the front is low, but that the back is high.
I see that exact same thing lots of times on trucks with heavy duty rear springs. When they are loaded, they sit normally.

I'm not sure if the info would be on the data plate even if it came with a heavy duty rear suspension from the factory, plenty of guys here would know.
But, you might take a look at the rear to see if it has any aftermarket suspension stuff back there.

Plus, you might try to find another one like that one and measure from the axle to the frame or bumpstop on the front and back to see what is not normal.
That way you could find out if there is a sag, or a higher than normal condition.

As far as leveling it, given that its a landscaping truck, the simplest way would be to throw a few bags of potting soil or concrete edging stuff in the back..........
 
Those front springs look pretty normal for stock setup, that's the way they came. If you just want to raise the front alittle, maybe think about a zero rate from one of the vendors on this site, or add a leaf or two to the front pack.

I'm willing to bet, being an ex-Quest truck, they may have done some rear suspension work to handle the extra work load of equipment and tools.
 
how much fuel is in it? and does he plan on towing or hauling? If it is full of fuel I would add a zero rate to the front.
 
I'll double check on fuel level. I think he's got ~1/2 tank in there. Nothing else in the back at the moment, aside from spare, and hear ya on the rear sus. It's definitely got some beefed up springs. Rack's gonna come off, so I that's a little something, but not much.

I just did some more measurements, as I have my K5 with basically new 3" EZ-rides. Same engine, etc, so I figure weight over the front should be basically the same. I did separate measurements, ground to hub-center, then hub center to body line. That way I separate ground-to-hub difference re. tires.

If I add the 'Burb ground-to-hub to the K5 hub-to-bodyline, I come away with 47" even. Again, the 'Burb rear is 45.5" ground-to-bodyline. So pull an inch out of the front (2" lift springs instead of 3"), and that's darn near even.

He's going to use it as an adventure rig (light offroad, but we are here in Colorado/Utah) so some fresh springs with a little more "life" in 'em might be nice. Only other plans up front are steering box brace and sway disconnects. He's definitely going to do some light towing (2 sled trailer), but don't foresee much towing and a ton of weight in the back at the same time, so inclined to not mess with the rear springs to start.
 
4xcrazy said:
Those front springs look pretty normal for stock setup, that's the way they came. If you just want to raise the front alittle, maybe think about a zero rate from one of the vendors on this site, or add a leaf or two to the front pack.

I'm willing to bet, being an ex-Quest truck, they may have done some rear suspension work to handle the extra work load of equipment and tools.
Click to expand...

Gotcha re. stock front springs. Thanks. Here's the rear pack.

DSCN1618.jpg
 
Also, if we go the 2" front spring route, and comments on EZ ride v. HD's from Tuff Country. I'm digging the EZ rides on my K5, but getting the feeling that HD's might be better for the 'Burb. Just don't want things too stiff.
 
looks like last leaf before overload is a add-a-leaf in the rear pack. see how its taperd thinner on the ends for thickness and arched up . also thicker than rest of the leafs in the center pin area.

and u-bolts are not good as there is no threads above the nuts not safe.

i would do 2" front and good set of shocks all around and run it. also ord hd shackle kit .
 
So a little follow-up: 2" EZ-Rides, fresh shocks/stabilizer, some brake work, and ORD brake lines and box brace. Came out really nice and level. Last pic is parked on a hill, so not the best. 285/75R16's on 16x8" steelies. He's gonna let the card cool a bit then look into those rear u-bolts and shocks. :waytogo:

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