Replacement stock height rear springs with ORD shackle flip?

[mechted]

For my 73 1 ton K5 Blazer. I already have an ORD 4" shackle flip installed in the rear. Front suspension is brand new 4" Tough Country EZ Rides. After installing the new fronts, I looked at the rear springs (stock 52s with a 1" Zero rate) and realized that the springs were dead flat and sitting on the overloads. Also the rear of the Blazer was sitting 1" lower than the front even with the zero rates. First: am I correct in thinking that these springs are dead? Second: What should I be looking at for replacement springs? ORD lists some replacement stock height TC springs on the website for a lot of $. Looking over at SDtrucksprings shows some much cheaper options... but I only want to do this once more. Should I be looking at +2" springs due to weight? Or stock with a zero rate? Willing to spend the money to do it right and be done with it. Overall: I want the truck to sit level or slightly higher in the rear (1" max)

Other info: D60/14BFF axles. Full top installed, Rear bumper is custom build tire carrier swing gate style. Currently the truck is sitting on 35" BFG MTs will be changing to 37" Goodyear MTRs on H1 Beadlocks shortly. Front bumper is stock. 350 SBC. No plans for a winch anytime soon.

Pic whoring because I can: This is the truck now. Sitting 1 inch low in the rear.

 

[Blue85]

The rear wheel wells are cut about 2" lower than the fronts. How does it measure to the body line? Be sure you know what you want. If you really want it right the first time call ORD and get the exact spring it needs.

 

[sweetk30]

years ago I did 5 leaf replacments in the rear with a flip kit stock shackles and 1" block to level out my std cab/long bed pickup with 6" front .

and you can open up your options to 56" rears from heavy 3/4 and 1tons by flipping the flip brackets side to side to take up the extra length .

call and talk with ord there good people and know there leaf suspensions for these trucks real good.

also might be good to go get weight on your ride on a scale . front axle / whole rig / rear axle .

 

[dremu]

As mentioned, Stephen will want your truck's axle weights, but yes, call him about their custom springs. I have their customs up front and stock replacements in the back ... and regret not doing all four customs.

-- A

 

[mechted]

That is by measuring to the body line. Yep, the plan is to call ORD in the morning. No access to a scale.... truck isnt road legal Kinda working towards that.
I would be happy enough with how its sitting, except for the fact that I'm already on the overloads.

 

[showtime33]

That is by measuring to the body line. Yep, the plan is to call ORD in the morning. No access to a scale.... truck isnt road legal Kinda working towards that.
I would be happy enough with how its sitting, except for the fact that I'm already on the overloads.

Any updates?

 

[mechted]

So I talked to ORD, ordered +2" EZ rides for the rear. When I ordered it was thinking that I could just add a zero rate in the front if needed. Ended up looking goofy... too high in the rear at +6" over stock. Has about 1.75" more lift in the rear than the front in the first pic. Also my rear driveshaft was getting close to showing splines.
So I decided to change the 4" shackle flip for a 2.5" instead. Now its sitting just about perfect, 0.75" more lift in the rear than the front with about 1/3 a tank of fuel. So it should sit just about level loaded down. (Second pic)
Unfortunately: these mods screwed up the rear pinion angle.... so thats next on the list to fix.
Also: I accomplished 4" of rear lift the most expensive way possible. Maybe I should have just ordered replacement stock springs.