73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Highs (Raising/Lifts) => Topic started by: jwill226 on January 25, 2010, 05:49:42 am

Title: Keep blocks or switch to springs for hauling weight
Post by: jwill226 on January 25, 2010, 05:49:42 am
I have an 1985 K20 4x4 LWB with 4" lift blocks out back.  I am going threw the steering and suspension switching all the bushings to polyurethane and doing some other maintenance so as I get started from front to back I am wondering should I change out the blocks to springs?

All the threads when I searched where focused at people worried about what happened when they slammed on the gas.  I don't drive hard but I do plan on hauling some heavy weights from time to time.  Like cutting cords of fire wood, rocks and things like this.  I don't do any rock crawling or racing.  In fact I don't think I have even had the pedal all the way to the floor yet.

Is there even any one that makes a HD 4" lift spring?  I'm going to be pulling the springs any way for the bushings so it shouldn't be a big deal to just change them out instead.  

If it matters front is already springs with perfect looking polyurethane bushings. Also I am on a budget so if its not a big deal I'll be sticking with the blocks.

Sorry if this is noob but its my first lifted truck and google didn't help in relation to hauling weight.
Title: Re: Keep blocks or switch to springs for hauling weight
Post by: VileZambonie on January 25, 2010, 07:39:48 am
springs are definitely better but if your springs are in good shape the blocks will be ok
Title: Re: Keep blocks or switch to springs for hauling weight
Post by: three8six on January 25, 2010, 10:47:02 am
block are fine for the back, just not for the front, as long as you're satisfied with the ride then stay with them
Title: Re: Keep blocks or switch to springs for hauling weight
Post by: jwill226 on January 25, 2010, 07:11:54 pm
Thanks for the feedback.  I would prefer to have springs in the back but I would rather put the money in the interior at the moment.  Most of the bushings are completely shot so I need to start there.  The interior means nothing if the truck can't go any where.  Guess I'll stick with the blocks for now unless someone else chimes in with a good reason to change them out.
Title: Re: Keep blocks or switch to springs for hauling weight
Post by: Captkaos on January 25, 2010, 07:21:19 pm
run a shackle reversal kit on the back and use the factory springs.
Title: Re: Keep blocks or switch to springs for hauling weight
Post by: VileZambonie on January 26, 2010, 06:31:03 am
If the bushings are shot, how old are the springs? I would just save up for new springs.
Title: Re: Keep blocks or switch to springs for hauling weight
Post by: jwill226 on January 26, 2010, 07:06:55 pm
Actually the rear spring bushings are the only rubber bushings on the truck that are in good shape.  I am replacing all of the bushings on the truck over to polyurethane because I need to replace most of them anyway.  I mainly want to prevent future problems and fix the sloppy steering.