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One ton leaf options

SpeedlabDan

Keepin it trashy never classy
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So I’m sure some of yoy are aware of my overbuilt dually but I’m getting ready to paint this winter (hopefully) and what better time to address the suspension, right?

So I have the shackles flip I acquired from @sweetk30 a few years back that raise the rear an additional 4”.
The front is still sporting an unknown brand of 6” leafs that ride pretty decent with a big block overhead.
This setup leaves the truck almost level with maybe 1” shorter in the rear even with the tall one ton leaf packs. Yes I hate the squat too.

The plan is to make the truck a little better on the highway. Even with the Allison overdrive the 4.56 at a little short so 4.10 eventually with the doubler shout ensure it’s still very capable.

The other issue in question is the the ride. If you have a one ton you know exactly what I’m talking about. Anyway the hamster wheels of my brain are turning.

What ifffff, I swap to a 3/4 ton rear spring with auxiliary helper bags and lose an inch or 1.5 then I can swap the front springs for a +2” leaf essentially getting the rig back down to a height I may just be able to squeeze under a gooseneck trailer and use it as the tow rig it’s intended for.
Just wanted to see if you guys had any opinion on the idea or personal experience before I dive into parts. I’m already changing the perches on the rear axle to correct the pinion angle and move the axle back 1.5” to correct for the shackles flip.

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That’s a lot of work for very little change. Been there done that and I chose to have ORD springs. It is a jarring feeling with any stock rear spring compared to a custom spring. For reference, the tailgate doesn’t sound like it fell off when you go over a speed bump.
 
So I’m sure some of yoy are aware of my overbuilt dually but I’m getting ready to paint this winter (hopefully) and what better time to address the suspension, right?

So I have the shackles flip I acquired from @sweetk30 a few years back that raise the rear an additional 4”.
The front is still sporting an unknown brand of 6” leafs that ride pretty decent with a big block overhead.
This setup leaves the truck almost level with maybe 1” shorter in the rear even with the tall one ton leaf packs. Yes I hate the squat too.

The plan is to make the truck a little better on the highway. Even with the Allison overdrive the 4.56 at a little short so 4.10 eventually with the doubler shout ensure it’s still very capable.

The other issue in question is the the ride. If you have a one ton you know exactly what I’m talking about. Anyway the hamster wheels of my brain are turning.

What ifffff, I swap to a 3/4 ton rear spring with auxiliary helper bags and lose an inch or 1.5 then I can swap the front springs for a +2” leaf essentially getting the rig back down to a height I may just be able to squeeze under a gooseneck trailer and use it as the tow rig it’s intended for.
Just wanted to see if you guys had any opinion on the idea or personal experience before I dive into parts. I’m already changing the perches on the rear axle to correct the pinion angle and move the axle back 1.5” to correct for the shackles flip.

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If you're up for the work and the expenses you can't beat a softer spring and airbags especially if you plan on towing with it.
As for height I prefer the least amount of lift to clear the tires.
The lower the better
 
So LESS springs and will pull a goose neck if it’s low enough?? Seems counterintuitive.

I agree that, regardless of final lift height, custom springs is probably the best compromise.
 
If you're up for the work and the expenses you can't beat a softer spring and airbags especially if you plan on towing with it.
As for height I prefer the least amount of lift to clear the tires.
The lower the better
Exactly what I’m goin for. I figure with the 35”s I should be fine with a 2-3” lift
 
My reply was primarily about going from 1 ton springs to 3/4 tons.
I didn’t think there was an option to stick with one ton springs. Is there a softer one ton that can be custom made? I just figured a lighter spring and mount the air bags for overload so it still rides nice when aired down.
 
Ideally if I had the cash I would link it front and rear and make it adjustable by air alone but I’m trying to finished the suspension on my k5 as well and I’m only one guy
 
I got a good mix of parts if you want efore full ord level . Been told by a lot of people my trucks ride way better than most and stock . Out working now can post up #'s later .

i have done tuff country HD 4" lift front and 1" zero rate and moved forward 1.5" . then 22-547 2,600 lb packs in rear and remove 1-2 leafs till happy with ride quality . most time 2 leaf removed and do like #3 & #5 leaf . this and the 4" flip with good shocks does real good for ride . did this and a 1.25" body lift on a k5 blazer and he cleared 37" tires and flexed good . rode great on the road . told me he should of done it years ago and listen to me back then .

info is in here on the build and suspension . https://ck5.com/forums/threads/3-to...-its-alive-and-on-the-road-having-fun.336341/
 
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I’d bet the rougher ride is a byproduct of no weight in the rear of a pick up to “work” the springs. I’ve got 9 leaf 1 ton springs with a 2.5 flip on my Blazer and it rides nice.

I was also thinking in terms of 3/4 ton springs alone, if you supplemented them with air bags I’m sure it would be fine.
 
I got a good mix of parts if you want efore full ord level . Been told by a lot of people my trucks ride way better than most and stock . Out working now can post up #'s later .

i have done tuff country HD 4" lift front and 1" zero rate and moved forward 1.5" . then 22-547 2,600 lb packs in rear and remove 1-2 leafs till happy with ride quality . most time 2 leaf removed and do like #3 & #5 leaf . this and the 4" flip with good shocks does real good for ride . did this and a 1.25" body lift on a k5 blazer and he cleared 37" tires and flexed good . rode great on the road . told me he should of done it years ago and listen to me back then .

info is in here on the build and suspension . https://ck5.com/forums/threads/3-to...-its-alive-and-on-the-road-having-fun.336341/
This is what I’m hoping for I already have part numbers for the daystar bag mounts that are detached so it will still flex and handle weight. I didn’t think of removing leaf’s honestly that’s a great idea. 2600# would be stock 3”, 3/4ton leafs?
 
I’d bet the rougher ride is a byproduct of no weight in the rear of a pick up to “work” the springs. I’ve got 9 leaf 1 ton springs with a 2.5 flip on my Blazer and it rides nice.

I was also thinking in terms of 3/4 ton springs alone, if you supplemented them with air bags I’m sure it would be fine.
Wow how come you have the full 9 leaf packs on the blazer??? I hear ya on the unloaded issue though. The truck rides nice with a loaded trailer but more often than not I’m not doin one ton things so I figure the bags could be a good alternative
 
They make 56 " 1 ton springs that are @ 200 lb lighter than the top 52" 3/4 ton.
I use this spring on my burb with 4" flip removed 2 bottom leaves kept the 3/4 over load. 6" shackles.
 

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