Author Topic: Getting too old for bouncing  (Read 1572 times)

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Getting too old for bouncing
« on: May 01, 2023, 06:07:31 PM »
'78 K10 Step side

Turns out that this truck came with a camper option, which translates into 5 leafs and the overload bottom one.

The C10 in the garage has 3 + the overload.

Truth is I never haul anything and will not be carrying a camper.

My front leafs are dual with negative arch. Don't know if there's much to do with that.

As the subject line says, it's time to look for smoother ride options.

Would simply removing leafs be enough? Or are there aftermarket springs that make for a smooth ride with the right shocks?

Any thought would be welcome! TIA!

« Last Edit: May 01, 2023, 07:03:54 PM by JohnnyPopper »
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Online berserk

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Re: Getting too old for bouncing
« Reply #1 on: May 01, 2023, 11:01:34 PM »
I have a 76 k10 and at one point removed a few leaves from the pack. It did help some, the truck sat a bit lower and rode a bit better. I have now redone everything in the suspension with new components. I now have 2.5 inch Skyjacker Soft ride leaf springs front and rear. And Skyjacker black max shocks.

The truck rides better than it ever has before. It is obviously rougher than a modern truck but it's not nearly as jarring , bouncy and rough. This was the cheaper option for a better ride The only caveat being they are lift springs, I didn't want the truck any higher but they ride so much better I don't care.

I've also heard wonderful things about custom leaf spring packs from off-road designs and Deaver I believe. Both you spec out with your truck set up and they customize the spring rate to it. Never had any first hand experience with those but read a lot about them.

76 Chevy k10 350/th350/203 part time. Vortec head 350 Dana 60 w/Detroit, 14 bolt Tru Trac, 33" Micky T. Mudders.

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Getting too old for bouncing
« Reply #2 on: May 02, 2023, 05:23:17 PM »
Put some good Bilstein's on it and lower your air pressure in the tires. That's about as good as you are going to get my friend.
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Getting too old for bouncing
« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2023, 01:23:07 AM »
OI Thx VZ... :'(
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Shifty

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Re: Getting too old for bouncing
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2023, 12:26:03 PM »
Put some good Bilstein's on it and lower your air pressure in the tires. That's about as good as you are going to get my friend.
Exactly the route I took.  Good for mixing drinks though...(just kidding kids, don't drink and drive)
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Getting too old for bouncing
« Reply #5 on: May 06, 2023, 09:20:56 PM »
The two front gas shocks were blown, went with stock ride KYB's. Looked at  Bilsteins but Rockauto started playing games with shipping.  ::)

The front upper mount sleeve was too long, had to grind off about 1/4 inch... >:(

Double checked the #, says it's correct.

Going to remove the two extra rear leafs and quit whining....OR

Maybe I transplant this girls body on to a newer set of bones...YEAH!!!

Any suggestion?  ;D


1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Mr Diesel

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Re: Getting too old for bouncing
« Reply #6 on: May 07, 2023, 01:33:15 PM »
Check elsewhere for Bilsteins. I havent bought anything from Rockauto since the last time they screwed me on a mistake they made. Ebay is a much better option.

I'm not sure how different they will feel compared to the KYBs though....
1976 C20 Crewcab, 6.2L/SM465
1982 K30 Crewcab , 427TD/TH400
1983 C30, 6.2L/TH400
1983 K30 Crewcab 454/700R4
1986 K10 350/400. 1989 K30 cab/chassis 454/SM465

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Getting too old for bouncing
« Reply #7 on: May 07, 2023, 01:53:50 PM »
Thanks for that, I think they have good prices sometimes, but they clearly play games to boost their shipping prices.

I have tried to place orders from the same depot, and as the list of items grow, out of nowhere, the depots change.

Re Bilstein v KYB maybe someone who has used both can weigh in. If there is significant difference I may change them out. TIA!
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Getting too old for bouncing
« Reply #8 on: May 07, 2023, 06:46:10 PM »
There's a reason they are significantly more money....
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Shifty

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Re: Getting too old for bouncing
« Reply #9 on: May 08, 2023, 11:44:56 AM »
Summit has 'em.
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Getting too old for bouncing
« Reply #10 on: May 08, 2023, 08:52:38 PM »
I'm on Bilstein's website looking for OE application, no info for my '78, no info. Went up to '87, no info.

Will check Summit.
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Getting too old for bouncing
« Reply #11 on: May 08, 2023, 08:55:40 PM »
VZ, thx for the observation.

There is a wide continuum in Bilstein's applications, i.e. original to radical off road.

Just looking to find as smooth a shock as is available.
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Getting too old for bouncing
« Reply #12 on: May 09, 2023, 02:47:01 AM »
B6 4600 series look like the best recommendation from Summit.
 
More like the only... for this year.

4x the price...for those who have gone down this rabbit hole: is it worth it?

I just want a smooth ride for my old bones...
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline ehjorten

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Re: Getting too old for bouncing
« Reply #13 on: May 09, 2023, 09:40:23 AM »
I have the B6 4600 shocks on my '77. P/N: 24-009331 on the rear and P/N: 24-009232 on the front. I put them on there last November just before Elk hunting season. My truck is bone stock for suspension. I like them. Can't tell you if they make a big difference. My old shocks were worn-out though. Rebuilt leaf packs or custom springs will make a difference. If you really want to make an improvement, convert to longer leaf springs. Install B52 hangers in the front: https://diy4x.com/product.php?productid=17715 and you can swap rear hangers and install 56" springs in the back if you don't already have them.
-Erik-
1991 V3500 - Gen V TBI 454, 4L80E, NP205, 14 bolt FF, D60, 8" Lift on 35s
1977 K20 Silverado - 350, THM350, NP203, 14 bolt FF, D44, Stock Lift on 31s
1969 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe - EFI350, THM350
1968 Chevrolet Step-side Pickup - 300HP L6

Offline Shifty

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Re: Getting too old for bouncing
« Reply #14 on: May 09, 2023, 09:41:33 AM »
I sell KYB, Monroe and Rancho...I use Bilstein.  'Nuff said.
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed