Suspension question

[Atom Eyes]

Hey.

I am the original owner of a 1989 K5 with 160,000 miles. What I want to know is, will it hurt if I replace only my original worn-out shocks (factory quad front) and not the springs as well at the same time? I ask because I'm on a pretty limited budget. Also, if I plan on eventually installing a 2-inch spring lift, are there special shocks I need to purchase in anticipation of that? I've already been advised here to stay away from the Ranchos. The way my truck is now, it's obviously rattling both itself and its passengers to death! Thanks.

 

[jekbrown]

What I want to know is, will it hurt if I replace only my original worn-out shocks (factory quad front) and not the springs as well at the same time?

Nope, should be fine. Also, unless you plan on doin' desert racing at some point, you don't need 4 shocks on your front end... 2 is plenty and cheaper too.

I ask because I'm on a pretty limited budget. Also, if I plan on eventually installing a 2-inch spring lift, are there special shocks I need to purchase in anticipation of that?

You could get longer-than-stock shocks, sure.

I've already been advised here to stay away from the Ranchos. The way my truck is now, it's obviously rattling both itself and its passengers to death! Thanks.

if you're on a real budget, just go to the parts store and get some gabriels. They are like $20 a shock, and these days most sub-$100 shocks use the same tech anyway. Using an application book at the part store, you should be able to find some that are longer than stock. Don't wanna go to long, of course, because then you might bottom them out.

j

 

[Leper]

Buy your springs from ORD(offroaddesign.com) then get their shocks(37.00 I think). They will tell you what the proper setup is.

 

[trailblazr81]

I know some shock companies, Rancho, Skyjacker, Superlift make shocks that are for say 0-2inches lift, 4-6 inches etc. So you wshould be fine. If you want to go from quad shock to regular 2 shocks make sure you replace the right shock. They are not the same. One is the same as factory one shock per wheel and the other is like a helper. They have different part #'s.