Bad coil springs?

[burbboysgc]

I have an 87 3/4 ton suburban (454,TH400) It is sitting flat on the ground. Both pass. side and drivers side look like this. Is it because they're heavy duty springs,or did the P.O. try to heat them or something? Should I replace them? Any help or opinions are appreciated.

[Da67goatman]

those springs are shot.  they could have been heated that would give them the wave in the coil.  The coils should be evenly spaced and not wavy.  The only difference between 1/2 and 3/4 ton is the thickness of the coil, the number of windings is the same as well as the height uncompressed.  Those need replaced with new springs or airbags.

[burbboysgc]

What size/brand air bag would be sufficient for the 3/4 ton suspension  and weight of the big block? Would I have to change A arms, or just bolt/weld those steel plate things on.

[VileZambonie]

How much is it lowered?

[burbboysgc]

Its not yet. Thinking about doing a flip kit in the back. Would bags in the front lower and raise it in the front or would I still need drop spindles? Im not trying to get it to lay frame or anything, I just want a lowwer stance. I been doing a little bit of research,but I cant seem to find alot of companies that sell drop suspension parts and such for c20 suburbans. I would like to do something w/o having to switch axles,crossmembers,a arms, and keep the eight lug wheels if possible. Would my leaf springs hold up with the heavy 14 bolt FF if I were to do the flip? Thanks for the help.

[Da67goatman]

Do you plan on doing some heavy hauling with it?  if not, you'll be fine with a flip kit.  I've seen airbags that will support 700lbs to 7500lbs each, so there are plenty of options for you.  They do require mounting plates to work with factory control arms, like these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220278852521&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

The bags will ride lower than factory springs, even at full extension, but I don't know exactly how much, could be from 2-5 inches, then deflated up to more than 12in lower.

First you need to determine how low you want to go then what you want the truck to be capable of doing, then I can give you more appropriated suggestions.

[burbboysgc]

Not really going to be towing to much. Just want a nice looking rig with a decent drop.I have to build it piece by piece,considering my small budget,and it's my daily driver for now. I was thinking if I have to get new springs any way,might as well spend a bit more, and buy either drop springs,or maybe air bags. When I bought the truck it had Air Lift bags on the back (not sure which ones) I think one of the load helper series, that have the double bellows .Basically they look like regular bags,not the sleeve type. This might be a dumb question but ,could the air lift bags be used in the front, or would the stance be uneven until I did something to lower the back?

[Da67goatman]

It depends on how big the bags are and how they mount. you'll need adequate support for that big block, and you'll still need those mounting plates.  Yes there would be a noticeable "rake" to your ride until you lower the rear, from 2-5inches as described above.  Airbags and coil springs are pretty comparable price-wise, but airbags ride better and are adjustable.

[VileZambonie]

Use spindles and new springs.

[Da67goatman]

Vile:  Will 3/4 ton brakes work with 1/2 ton drop spindles?  As far as I know there are no 3/4 ton drop spindles.

The simplest fix would be replacement coil springs.

[Captkaos]

3/4T and 1T spindles are the same, Belltech makes them.

YOU CANNOT use the rear airsprings in the front.  If you want airbags buy a kit, or build your own.  The simplest solution is to put lowered springs on it so it will drive. 

How much do you want it lowered?

[burbboysgc]

I like the set up on justpball's burb, but I don't have the welding skills to do the crossmember chop, or the cash to buy one,so I'll probably do something like 5/5. I wondered if the 1 ton spindles would work.Thats good to know. So I'm thinking 2 1/2 drop coils ,2 1/2  spindles ,then do the flip in back. Would I need to buy a flip for a 1ton c30 or something ,or do they make one specifically for suburbans? Does it matter whether it's 1/2 ,3/4or,1ton on rear? 

[Captkaos]

Rear doesn't really matter that much.  Belltech has what you need.