Newbie spring questions

[Tx Surveyor]

Hey Everyone,

Go ahead and call me a newb but I have a few questions I haven't been able to get an answer to even after searching here and on pirate. I figured I would ask here, seems a tad more friendly than pirate

I hear alot of people talking about stock 52" and 56" springs. What do y'all mean stock?
If they are off another style of truck, what kind of truck? Year models?
What are the advantages compared to an out of the box lift kit other than departure angles and flex? Is the ammount of lift I get from swapping in these springs dependant on how I mount them?

I know these are newb questions but I would appreciate an answer or a link to another thread that answers them, I couldn't find one when I searched.


Thanks,
Surveyor

Edited: Spelling

 

[dremu]

Hey Everyone,

Go ahead and call me a newb but I have a few questions I haven't been able to get an answer to even after searching here and on pirate. I figured I would ask here, seems a tad more friendly than pirate

I hear alot of people talking about stock 52" and 56" springs. What do y'all mean stock?
If they are off another style of truck, what kind of truck? Year models?
What are the advantages compared to an out of the box lift kit other than departure angles and flex? Is the ammount of lift I get from swapping in these springs dependant on how I mount them?

I know these are newb questions but I would appreciate an answer or a link to another thread that answers them, I couldn't find one when I searched.


Thanks,
Surveyor

Edited: Spelling

Stock as in they came on similar vehicles from the factory

52"s are common rear springs in 73-87/91 half ton Chebbies, i.e. Blazers, Burbs, pickups.

The 56" size is found on 1-tons and some 3/4's. The number of leaves will vary, as will the spring rate (stiffness.)

The 52"s are convenient to use as front springs because they're cheap, plentiful, and get you 4-5" lift with CRAZY flex.

http://coloradok5.com/52inchspringswap.shtml

Note that you can buy pre-made brackets now since this swap is so popular. Kert @ DIY4X makes the "B52" kit as well as the "Front Shackle Frame Eye Hanger" (scroll down)

http://www.diy4x.com/suspension.htm

OffRoadDesign sells their "FUSH" for the rear hanger as well.

The 56's are convenient as rears because they're easy to mount (can be as easy as switching your shackle flips left-to-right), and also plentiful and cheap. With tuning (maybe take out some leaves) they can flex like crazy too.

-- A

 

[Tx Surveyor]

Thanks so much for the info, it's exactly what I was looking for. It will definately be the first thing I do to the Blazer, sounds a lot cheaper than buying an off the shelf kit.
Thanks again.




Surveyor

 

[big dan]

you should do some searching here before you decide to dive in and swap in the springs.

I did a lot of research here before I decided to go ahead with it and it turned out exactly the way I wanted it. got great flex, it rides better than any lifted truck I have ever ridden in and the actual lift was cheap cause I got all my springs free and built my own brackets but there are a lot of hidden costs that come along with it. to take full advantage of the flex you are gonna have to make modifications to front driveshaft, shocks, steering.

there are also some side effects such as brake dive and body roll in corners but if you drive it like its a lifted fullsize truck its not a major concern. overall I am very happy with the results of my spring swap but you will benefit by searching the threads here and learn from those who have done it.

here is a good place to start:
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148725&highlight=spring+swap

 

[dremu]

Thanks so much for the info, it's exactly what I was looking for. It will definately be the first thing I do to the Blazer, sounds a lot cheaper than buying an off the shelf kit.
Thanks again.

As BigDan says, you'll need to plan ahead. 52"s in the front means you gotta do crossover steering, which means you will need to make decisions about your front axle, etc etc ... it snowballs quickly.

-- A

 

[Tx Surveyor]

I realized that it snowballed after reading some of the links posted up. The big questions I'm asking myself now is wether or not I should take the time to do it considering I'm still runing 1/2 ton.
The 52 kit would move me up to 35's at least and I'm stuck with a 305, not a 350. Would I need new gears, if I would I don't think it would be worth all that just for 1/2 gear, might as well wait for 1 tons and a bbc.



S

 

[dremu]

I realized that it snowballed after reading some of the links posted up. The big questions I'm asking myself now is wether or not I should take the time to do it considering I'm still runing 1/2 ton.
The 52 kit would move me up to 35's at least and I'm stuck with a 305, not a 350. Would I need new gears, if I would I don't think it would be worth all that just for 1/2 gear, might as well wait for 1 tons and a bbc.

Gearing is important, though, especially with a lower torque motor.

If you are going to do a D60 at some point, it's not worth spending $$ on the crossover for a D44/10b, but if you're not going above 35", that could work. I'm running 35"s on 3/4 ton axles and a smallblock.

'Course, what do I know, haven't driven the damn thing in forever

-- A