'85 K10 8" Lift - Rear Shackle Flip or 8" Leaf Springs

[rlukecoleman]

Ok everyone, I found an old thread from 2003, but I thought I would ask the question again. In the front I don't have any options, but in the rear I could do a full 8" leaf spring or a shackle flip and a smaller rear leaf. I would love to hear everyone's thoughts...........


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[Irish_Alley]

what size tires you going with? a 4" spring+ shackle flip will give you a much better ride than all 8" springs

[enaberif]

Being that I've just done a shackle flip I'll say this. It works and works well but depending on the shape of your springs your lift will vary.

If I could have gone with lift springs I would as then I have new unsaggy springs and a proper 4" lift. But on the flip side my frame isn't drilled to move my rear spring hangars so with the shackle flip I can install 56" rear springs and put longer shackles on to get better flex, ride AND height.

[rlukecoleman]

Well I'm in the research phase for all of it, but I was thinking of going with 38's


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[Irish_Alley]

did you see this post i made?
you can fit 38s with a 6" then you really dont have to deal with new drive shafts or at least the front

[rlukecoleman]

I had read this post, but I have already decided I was going to do the driveshafts either way, just to be on the safe side, so that's why I was looking at the 8". I am open to suggestions though, like I said, I'm researching. This is my first square body Chevy and it's the truck I've always wanted, so I'm ok with investing in at because I expect to have it for a long time. I just know there is a wealth of experience and opinions on this site and I welcome all comments!


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[enaberif]

If you plan to daily drive the truck stick with 6" and don't go with 8". Getting in and out of a vehicle with 8" of lift would be obnoxious and annoying.

Its surprising even with 4" of lift the difference of getting into my truck over it being stock height.

[Irish_Alley]

also the higher the lift on the springs the more rougher the ride. yeah 8" seams cool now. but give it a couple years and your body will feel it. and even you dont your girlfriend/wife will hate it

[rlukecoleman]

Thanks for the input! Keep it coming! Lol


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[nazielinski]

ive been talking about going with an 8 inch lift and 37s for a while now. im going with all leaf springs. but mine wont be a daily its going to be a show truck.

[Engineer]

If you are going to be hauling heavy go with the springs only. The engineers designed the shackles in an extension design for a reason. They handle weight better, and are more stable than a shackle in a compression role.

If you won't be hauling much weight very often then the shackle flip will work just fine.......after all it works on the front. But do consider not flipping the rear shackle if you plan to haul much.

[enaberif]

If you are going to be hauling heavy go with the springs only. The engineers designed the shackles in an extension design for a reason. They handle weight better, and are more stable than a shackle in a compression role.

If you won't be hauling much weight very often then the shackle flip will work just fine.......after all it works on the front. But do consider not flipping the rear shackle if you plan to haul much.

You can still haul just not like 2 tons.

[Engineer]

If you are going to be hauling heavy go with the springs only. The engineers designed the shackles in an extension design for a reason. They handle weight better, and are more stable than a shackle in a compression role.

If you won't be hauling much weight very often then the shackle flip will work just fine.......after all it works on the front. But do consider not flipping the rear shackle if you plan to haul much.

You can still haul just not like 2 tons.

That was my point. An atv is probably fine but a bed full of oak or hickory fire wood would certainly be a no-no. And trailer towing would definitely be a risky proposition.