Rear end sag. Best fix?

[W7NB]

The rig is a 1990, but we are still talking about 16 or 17 year old springs. Since I am thinking I need to replace my shocks anyway I may just do new springs at the same time. Wait, isn't that like saying since I need new spark plugs I'm going to put in a new ignition system? Oh wtf, it's a chevy - may as well throw parts at it

I still like the looks of the shackle flip though. Wonder if it would be worth the $$$ to do both at once.

 

[73k5blazer]

If there's a good spring shop around your area, they can usally do what they call a re-arch. I had that done to my old Full-size Bronco, pretty cheap, like $50 IIRC.

 

[BKinzey]

I've read back and forth on if re-arching is ok or a bad idea Since you mentioned "Best fix" I'd be cautious and say bad.

 

[AussieK5]

I had the same problem on my K5, I stupidly did a re-arch and it lasted all of a nano-second. As mentioned previously sagged springs are that way due to fatigue. Some re-arches last a long time, but not on trucks and not on trucks that tow.

Airbags on mine fixed the sag and also made towing safer and less of a chore. I'm converting my K5 to coils, but if I were to keep leaves I would replace them and keep the airbags for towing duties.

Anything short of replacing the springs on a DD is a band aid (add a leaf excepted) and depending on the state of the existing springs dangerous. Dangerous to you and dangerous to traffic around you. If it was an off-road only truck then I'd do whatever works for the least amount of cash.

If you re-arch you need to constantly check your bolts holes for cracking, mine was toast on the LH main spring when I pulled them. Totally cracked, a two piece spring

 

[imiceman44]

I had the same problem on my K5, I stupidly did a re-arch and it lasted all of a nano-second. As mentioned previously sagged springs are that way due to fatigue. Some re-arches last a long time, but not on trucks and not on trucks that tow.

Airbags on mine fixed the sag and also made towing safer and less of a chore. I'm converting my K5 to coils, but if I were to keep leaves I would replace them and keep the airbags for towing duties.

Anything short of replacing the springs on a DD is a band aid (add a leaf excepted) and depending on the state of the existing springs dangerous. Dangerous to you and dangerous to traffic around you. If it was an off-road only truck then I'd do whatever works for the least amount of cash.

If you re-arch you need to constantly check your bolts holes for cracking, mine was toast on the LH main spring when I pulled them. Totally cracked, a two piece spring

The spring guy is the guilty one here.
They should inspect the spring and determine if it's good for a rearch and then do the procedure completely.
I have had rearches last a few years but the guy is a very old and respectable guy, I gave him a few sets of spring and he rejected a couple.

 

[Confedneck79K30]

why not new springs and a shackleflip, safety, lift all in one, add a zero rate up front and keep it level?

 

[AussieK5]

Yep...thats a valid point Iceman......though I got to say, with even the most experienced shops its impossible to get a warranty that lasts longer than the time it takes to pick up the springs.............mmmmmmmm

 

[Thunder]

Dont do a shakel flip.......... Dont put in 0 rates ....... Dont do an add a leaf.... You have tired old worn out springs. Get rid of them
YOU TOW!!!! GET NEW SPRINGS!
Dont know how i can say it any better.
IMHO a 2 inch lift with overloads will be perfict for you.
A Rough Country suspention lift (new springs front and rear) will work great for your needs.

BTW........ Like your AV........ Nice Salmon

 

[W7NB]

Springs looking better all the time.

Dont do a shakel flip.......... Dont put in 0 rates ....... Dont do an add a leaf.... You have tired old worn out springs. Get rid of them
YOU TOW!!!! GET NEW SPRINGS!
Dont know how i can say it any better.
IMHO a 2 inch lift with overloads will be perfict for you.
A Rough Country suspention lift (new springs front and rear) will work great for your needs.

BTW........ Like your AV........ Nice Salmon

Thanks! Love fishing in Alaska when I get the chance! Was way better fishing up there this year then down here.

I got back uner the rig and took a good look at whats going on. The bottom leaf in the pack is mounted upside down - actually arch down not up. Was this suppsosed to be some sort of damper, or some sad attemp to improve on handling? I'm going to do some book study but I think I'm going to go with new springs in back. I'm going to have a spring shop look at it next week and see what they say, but I'm shopping for new springs. The truck is on a 2" lift so I think I may go to 4" just for the extra flex room for the 33's, though they fit well now.